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Ak-Saray Palace
Photo: Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ak-Saray Palace

In Timur's birthplace, Shahrisabz, two enormous surviving gate towers still hint at what was once among the grandest palace entrances in Central Asia. The ruins sit in a small park, making it easy to picture the Timurid era on the spot.

History

Timur was born near Shahrisabz, then known as Kesh, and wanted to make it the capital of his empire instead of Samarkand. He had a mighty palace built here. Construction began in 1380, lasted 24 years and ended in 1404, shortly before his death.

In August 1404 the Castilian envoy Ruy González de Clavijo visited and described the high gateway, the tiled arches, a large courtyard paved with white stone and a big pool at its centre. In the 16th century, Shahrisabz and the palace were destroyed by the forces of Abdullah Khan II of Bukhara. After Uzbekistan's independence, conservation work was carried out between 1994 and 1998. The palace was listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shahrisabz's historic centre in 2000.

What to see

The ruins lie north of Shahrisabz's historic centre, in a park near the north gate of the old city walls. The main survivors are two separate portal pylons, about 38 metres high; the vault between them once spanned some 22 metres, and it is said to have collapsed roughly three centuries ago.

The facade is decorated with large patterns in ochre, dark blue and light blue glazed brick, and an inscription reads "God prolong the Sultan's days." The arcaded main courtyard with its water basin measured about 120-125 metres by 240-250 metres. A colossal statue of Timur now stands on a high pedestal at the original site.

Visiting tips

The site is within walking distance of the town centre and a visit is usually short. Walk right up to the towers, then step back to appreciate their scale. Sunny weather brings out the colours of the tilework.

It works well combined with other Timurid monuments in Shahrisabz on the same day. Entry conditions, opening hours and any restoration work can change, so check before you go.

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