manuel cohen

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  • Panoramic view from behind of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at sunrise. To the right is the Chorsu, dome-arched construction, 15th-18th century, the old shopping centre of the city. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC044.jpg
  • Panoramic view of the Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010 at twilight. Floodlighting picks out the elaborately tiled arches and the jewel like blue dome of the fabulous buildings in the complex.  Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC043.jpg
  • Low angle view of huge lecturn, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. In the middle of the yard there was a pavilion for ritual ablution. Nowadays a marble lectern for the huge Koran stands here. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC086.jpg
  • General view of one of the three smaller domed buildings, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC097.jpg
  • High angle view of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Pictured are main building (used as a huge Mihrab), one of the three dome buildings (right) and 2 minarets. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC116.jpg
  • Low angle view of blue dome of main building, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC099.jpg
  • Low angle view of one of the 4 corner minarets,Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC096.jpg
  • General view of one of the three smaller domed buildings with one of the corner minarets of the front (east) facade, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the morning. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC089.jpg
  • View from the side of Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, 14th-15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, seen in the early morning summer light on July 19, 2010.  Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC039.jpg
  • Detail of dome and minaret of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, seen from the Chorsu, dome-arched construction, 1619-36, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the afternoon. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC036.jpg
  • Aerial view of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-1636, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010 at sunset which lights up the elaborately tiled facade and domes. In the background is the Chorsu, a dome-arched construction, 15th and 18th century, the old shopping centre of the city. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC035.jpg
  • General view of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Picture shows main entrance gate (left), main building (a huge Mihrab), dome of one of three domed buildings, and 3 minarets. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC118.jpg
  • Oblique low angle view of main building, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. The main building was used to be also as a huge Mihrhab. Seen here are the side of the gate of this main building and its huge blue dome. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC098.jpg
  • Low angle view of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1404, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, seen at twilight, on July 14, 2010. Floodlighting enhances the decorative tiled archways and loggias of the domed building, whose blue colour scheme compliments the evening sky. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC032.jpg
  • Panoramic view of Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Picture shows main entrance portal, (left), main building which was used as a huge Mihrab, (centre), one of the three domed buildings (right) and the 4 corner minarets. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC136.jpg
  • Low angle view of main building, which was used as a huge Mihrab (left) and one of the three domed buildings (right), Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC087.jpg
  • Detail of dome, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC083.jpg
  • Detail of one of the corner minarets, main gate, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC095.jpg
  • Low angle view of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque (Juma mosque), Registan square, early 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, seen at sunrise on July 16, 2010, showing the huge entrance gateway. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC037.jpg
  • Low angle view of the side of the gate of the main building, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the morning. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC134.jpg
  • Detail of huge lecturn, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. In the middle of the yard there was a pavilion for ritual ablution. Nowadays a marble lectern for the huge Koran stands here. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC085.jpg
  • Low angle view of main building which was used as a huge Mihrab, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. Named after the wife of Amir Timur, 14th century ruler, the mosque was constructed following his 1399 Indian campaign. It collapsed after an earthquake in 1897 and was restored in the late 20th century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC084.jpg
  • Detail of the Tilla-Kari (Gold-covered) madrasah, 17th century, on the Registan square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, showing small cylindrical corner towers crowned by cupolas and the huge monochrome blue dome, on July 16, 2010 at dusk. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC038.jpg
  • Detail of minaret and cupola in the courtyard of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1404, Samarkand, Uzbekistan. pictured at sunrise on July 15, 2010. Both are decorated with elaborately patterned tilework. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC034.jpg
  • Detail of gilded decoration, in geometric pattern, on the cupola ceiling, in the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1404, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010.  Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries.
    LC_Uzbekistan_0710_MC033.jpg
  • General view of Mausoleum of the middle group, ("Nameless 1" Mausoleum), 1380s, Shah-I Zindah ensemble, and in the distance the blue cupola of the Bibi-Khanym Madrasah and mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  exampleof ceramic art. The Mausoleum of the middle group.("Nameless 1" Mausoleum) was created by Usto Alim Nesefi, and is decorated with relief painted majolica. The portal decorations are notable for the symbol of "octagonal stars". Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC121.jpg
  • View from the front of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010 at sunset which lights up the elaborately tiled facade and domes. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC073.jpg
  • General view of octagonal pavilion, Mausoleum of the middle group, 1380s, Shah-I Zindah Complex, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the early morning. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC123.jpg
  • General view of mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda Complex, 14th-15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC094.jpg
  • Aerial view of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010 at sunset which lights up the elaborately tiled facade and domes. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC072.jpg
  • General view of Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. The 75 metre main facade is two-storied with corner turrets and  decorated in brilliant mosaic. Around the courtyard are the dormitory cells.  The dome was only completed during the 20th century Soviet restoration. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC065.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling decorations of central hall of the mausoleum which contains several symbolical gravestones of the timurids,  Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC055.jpg
  • View from below of interior,  Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). It has an underground octahedral crypt where a headless skeleton was discovered in a  niche by the eastern wall, possibly Ulugh Beg's eldest son Abd al-Latif (c.1420-50), who ordered his father's death, and was later executed himself. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC106.jpg
  • Detail of domes and mosaic decoration, Shah-i-Zinda Complex, 14th-15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the afternoon. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC090.jpg
  • General view of statue of Ulugh Beg (1393-1449), father of scientific learning, and other Scholars in courtyard, Ulugh Beg Madrasah, 1417-20,  Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC062.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling decorations of central hall of the mausoleum which contains several symbolical gravestones of the timurids,  Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC052.jpg
  • General view of Rukhabad Mausoleum, 14th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, at sunset. The Rukhabad Mausoleum (Abode of the Spirit) was built by Timur over the grave of the mystic Sheikh Burhan al-Din Sagarji. The cubic building is topped with a dome based on an octahedron and mausoleum has three entrances. The simple interior walls are covered with alabaster plasterwork with one glazed tile band. A  19th century carved wooden door leads to the tomb. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC046.jpg
  • Detail of decorative tiling, Mausoleum, 1361, Shah-I Zinda Complex,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the morning. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. This mausoleum is trimmed with carved slip terracota. One of Timur's wives might have been buried here. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC126.jpg
  • General view of Rukhabad Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010, in the afternoon. The Rukhabad Mausoleum (Abode of the Spirit) was built by Timur over the grave of the mystic Sheikh Burhan al-Din Sagarji. The cubic building is topped with a dome based on an octahedron and mausoleum has three entrances. A  19th century carved wooden door leads to the tomb. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC103.jpg
  • Detail of dome and minaret, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1404, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, at night, its colours picked out by floodlighting. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC101.jpg
  • Detail of solar tiger mosaic, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010 at sunset which lights up the elaborately tiled facade. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC075.jpg
  • Panoramic view of Shah-i-Zinda Complex, including double-dome mausoleum, early 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC135.jpg
  • Panoramic view of the rear side of the Sher Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, (left) and side of the Tillya-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. The 75 metre main facade is two-storied with corner turrets and  decorated in brilliant mosaic. The dome was only completed during the 20th century Soviet restoration. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC132.jpg
  • Detail of Mirhab of the mosque of the Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC130.jpg
  • Panoramic view of Registan Square, showing the Sher-Dor, 1619-36, (right), Tillya-Kori, 1646-60, (centre) and Ulugh Beg, 1417-20, (left) Madrasahs, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. The lancet arched portal of the Ulugh Beg Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. It was restored in the early twentieth century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC129.jpg
  • General view of Mausoleums of the middle group, Shah-I Zinda Complex, from right to left: Unknown mausoleum, Mausoleum of the 1380s,  Octagonal pavilion, dome of the "double dome mausoleum", Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC119.jpg
  • General view of Gur-Emir Mausoleum with the cupula of the Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace) in the distance (left), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010, in the afternoon. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC110.jpg
  • View from below of interior,  Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). It has an underground octahedral crypt where a headless skeleton was discovered in a  niche by the eastern wall, possibly Ulugh Beg's eldest son Abd al-Latif (c.1420-50), who ordered his father's death, and was later executed himself. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC108.jpg
  • General view of Ulug Beg Observatory, 1420s, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. Ulugh Beg built this observatory to advance astronomical study at his Madrasah and appointed Ali Qushji to direct it. Other astronomers associated with the observatory included Qadizada al-Rumi and Jamshid Kashani. Destroyed by religious fanatics in 1449 the observatory was re-discovered in 1908, by V L Vyatkin. One of his most exciting discoveries was the Fakhri sextant, a large arch used for the observation of the Sun, Moon and other celestial bodies, and to determine midday, which was placed in a trench dug into a hill along the line of the Meridian. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC092.jpg
  • Detail of niche in courtyard, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the afternoon. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC078.jpg
  • Low angle view of Mirhab, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC068.jpg
  • Low angle view of elaborately tiled Mirhab, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC066.jpg
  • Low angle view of decorations of central hall of the mausoleum which contains several symbolical gravestones of the timurids,  Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC051.jpg
  • Low angle view of  monumental arch, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, floodlit at night. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC050.jpg
  • General view of Monumental arch, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, in the afternoon. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC048.jpg
  • General view of Shah-I Zinda Complex showing  Mausoleum of the middle group (right), octagonal pavilion, Mausoleum of the 1380s, (behind on the left), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC122.jpg
  • View from the front of statue of Amir Timur, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Amir Timur (1336-1405) ruler and warrior founded the Timurid dynasty. He is also known as Tamerlane, or Tamberlaine. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC114.jpg
  • View from the front of the Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, dramatically floodlit at night. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. The 75 metre main facade is two-storied with corner turrets and  decorated in brilliant mosaic. Around the courtyard are the dormitory cells.  The dome was only completed during the 20th century Soviet restoration. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC091.jpg
  • Detail of minaret, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the afternoon. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC077.jpg
  • Detail of solar tiger mosaic, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC076.jpg
  • General view of Rukhabad Mausoleum, 14th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010, in the afternoon beneath a stormy sky. The Rukhabad Mausoleum (Abode of the Spirit) was built by Timur over the grave of the mystic Sheikh Burhan al-Din Sagarji. The cubic building is topped with a dome based on an octahedron and mausoleum has three entrances. The simple interior walls are covered with alabaster plasterwork with one glazed tile band. A  19th century carved wooden door leads to the tomb. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC060.jpg
  • General view of Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20,Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, at dawn. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC057.jpg
  • View from the front of the Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. The 75 metre main facade is two-storied with corner turrets and  decorated in brilliant mosaic. The dome was only completed during the 20th century Soviet restoration. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC133.jpg
  • Panoramic view of Registan Square, showing the Sher-Dor, 1619-36, (right), Tillya-Kori, 1646-60, (centre) and Ulugh Beg, 1417-20, (left) Madrasahs, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. The lancet arched portal of the Ulugh Beg Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. It was restored in the early twentieth century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC131.jpg
  • Detail of octagonal star decoration, "Nameless 1" Mausoleum, 1380s, Shah-I Zinda ensemble, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the morning. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. This Mausoleum, created by Usto Alim Nesefi, is decorated  with relief painted majolica. The portal decorations are notable for the symbol of "octagonal stars". Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC125.jpg
  • Low angle view of tombs and in the backround, Mausoleums of the middle group, Shah-i-Zinda Complex, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the early morning. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. From left to right "Nameless 1" Mausoleum, 1380s, created by Usto Alim Nesefi, which is decorated  with relief painted majolica. The portal decorations are notable for the symbol of "octagonal stars"; on the right of the image is the "Nameless 2" mausoleum, 1390s. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC124.jpg
  • Detail of portal of Mausoleum of the middle group, ("Nameless 1" Mausoleum), 1380s, Shah-I Zindah ensemble, and in the distance the blue cupola of the Bibi-Khanym Madrasah and mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. The Mausoleum of the middle group.("Nameless 1" Mausoleum) was created by Usto Alim Nesefi, and is decorated  with relief painted majolica. The portal decorations are notable for the symbol of "octagonal stars". Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC120.jpg
  • General view of Hazrat-Hyzr mosque, known as a "Kadamjoy" (place of a Trace), 19th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn.The Hazrat-Hyzr mosque, built in "ayvan" style, is located on a hill in Tashkent Street on the site of the ancient shrine of the holy elder Hyzr, protector of wanderers, and the 11th century site of Samarkand's first mosque, destroyed in the 1220 invasion of Genghiz-khan. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC117.jpg
  • General view of Bibi-Khanym Madrasah and Mausoleum, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn with mountains in the background. the mausoleum of Timur's wife is located opposite Mosque also named after her. Both have been extensively restored. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC115.jpg
  • Detail of head and shoulders of statue of Amir Timur, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Amir Timur (1336-1405) ruler and warrior founded the Timurid dynasty. He is also known as Tamerlane, or Tamberlaine. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC113.jpg
  • Detail of head and shoulders of statue of Amir Timur, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Amir Timur (1336-1405) ruler and warrior founded the Timurid dynasty. He is also known as Tamerlane, or Tamberlaine. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC112.jpg
  • General view of  Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace) Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010, in the afternoon. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). It has an underground octahedral crypt where a headless skeleton was discovered in a  niche by the eastern wall, possibly Ulugh Beg's eldest son Abd al-Latif (c.1420-50), who ordered his father's death, and was later executed himself. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC105.jpg
  • General view of Bibi-Khanym Madrasah and Mausoleum, 15th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, in the afternoon. The mausoleum of Timur's wife (which houses a madrasah) is located opposite the Mosque also named after her. Both have been extensively restored. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC100.jpg
  • High angle view of trench, Ulugh Beg Observatory, 1420s, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010. Ulugh Beg built this observatory to advance astronomical study at his Madrasah and appointed Ali Qushji to direct it. Other astronomers associated with the observatory included Qadizada al-Rumi and Jamshid Kashani. Destroyed by religious fanatics in 1449 the observatory was re-discovered in 1908, by V L Vyatkin. One of his most exciting discoveries was the Fakhri sextant, a large arch used for the observation of the Sun, Moon and other celestial bodies, and to determine midday, which was placed in a trench dug into a hill along the line of the Meridian. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC093.jpg
  • General view of Ulugh Beg Madradsah, 1417-20, Registan,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The lancet arched portal of this Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. Geometrically patterned mosaic surrounds the entrance arch. It was restored in the early twentieth century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC080.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling decorations of central hall of the mausoleum which contains several symbolical gravestones of the timurids,  Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC054.jpg
  • View from below of interior,  Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). It has an underground octahedral crypt where a headless skeleton was discovered in a  niche by the eastern wall, possibly Ulugh Beg's eldest son Abd al-Latif (c.1420-50), who ordered his father's death, and was later executed himself. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC109.jpg
  • View from below of interior,  Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, (White Palace), Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010. The Ak-Sarai Mausoleum, located South East of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, is also a Timurid tomb, commissioned by Abu Sa'id (1451-1468/9). It has an underground octahedral crypt where a headless skeleton was discovered in a  niche by the eastern wall, possibly Ulugh Beg's eldest son Abd al-Latif (c.1420-50), who ordered his father's death, and was later executed himself. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC107.jpg
  • Detail of Monumental arch, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, at dawn. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC059.jpg
  • General view of monumental arch and Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, in the warm light of sunset. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC047.jpg
  • Night-view of Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1404, Samarkand, Uzbekistan Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 17, 2010, its colours picked out by floodlighting. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC102.jpg
  • Detail of dome, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC082.jpg
  • General view of Ulugh Beg Madradsah, 1417-20, Registan,  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The lancet arched portal of this Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. Geometrically patterned mosaic surrounds the entrance arch. It was restored in the early twentieth century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC079.jpg
  • Detail of mirhab, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC071.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling decoration, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC070.jpg
  • Low angle view of the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20,  framed by the monumental entrance arch, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, floodlit at night. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC056.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling of monumental arch, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 14, 2010, in the afternoon. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC049.jpg
  • Detail of small minaret, late 19th century - early 20th century, summer mosque, Rukhabad Mausoleum, 14th century, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July , 2010, at sunrise. The decoration bears influence of Eastern-Turkistan or Chinese traditions. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC138.jpg
  • General view of Ulugh Begh Madrasah, 1417-20, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the morning. The lancet arched portal of this Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. Geometrically patterned mosaic surrounds the entrance arch. It was restored in the early twentieth century. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC128.jpg
  • View from below of the ceiling of the Shadi-Mulk Mausoleum, 1372, Shah-I Zinda Complex One, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC127.jpg
  • Detail of statue of Amir Timur, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, at dawn. Amir Timur (1336-1405) ruler and warrior founded the Timurid dynasty. He is also known as Tamerlane, or Tamberlaine. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC111.jpg
  • General view of Registan Square, showing the Sher-Dor, 1619-36, (right), Tillyah-Kori, 1646-60, (centre) and Ulugh Beg, 1417-20, (left) Madrasahs, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. The 75 metre main facade is two-storied with corner turrets.  The dome was only completed during the 20th century Soviet restoration. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. The lancet arched portal of this Madradsah, commissioned by the scholarly Ulugh Beg, faces the square and high well-proportioned minarets flank the corners. Geometrically patterned mosaic surroun Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC088.jpg
  • Detail of the external wall of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 16, 2010, at dawn. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC081.jpg
  • Detail of ceiling decoration, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60,Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC069.jpg
  • Detail of dome and minaret, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, 1417-20, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, at dawn. Gur-Emir Mausoleum, or Tomb of the Ruler, was built by Timur in 1404 for his favourite grandson, Mohammed Sultan, and became the mausoleum for the Timurid dynasty. The simply formed building is an octagonal drum beneath an azure fluted dome (diameter: 15m, height: 12.5m). Its walls are tiled in blue and white geometric and epigraphic patterns including the words 'God is Immortal' in 3m. high white Kufic script around the top of the drum. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC058.jpg
  • Panoramic view of Mausoleums of the middle group, Shah-I Zinda Complex, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 19, 2010, in the early morning. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex is a necropolis of mausoleums whose legendary origin dates back to 676 when Kussam-ibn-Abbas arrived to convert the locals to Islam. So successful was he that he was assassinated whilst at prayer. His grave remains the centre of the sacred site which grew over many centuries, especially the 14th and 15th, into an architecturally stunning  example of ceramic art. From right to left: "Nameless 1" Mausoleum, 1380s, created by Usto Alim Nesefi, the mausoleum is decorated  with relief painted majolica; the portal decorations are notable for the symbol of "octagonal stars"; to its left are 4 unknown Mausoleums; then another Mausoleum built in the 1380s, and on the extreme left, an octagonal pavilion with a high dome and lancet arches, built under Ulugh Beg. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC137.jpg
  • Low angle view of interior of Rukhabad Mausoleum, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 18, 2010, in the afternoon. The Rukhabad Mausoleum (Abode of the Spirit) was built by Timur over the grave of the mystic Sheikh Burhan al-Din Sagarji. The mausoleum has three entrances. The simple interior walls are covered with alabaster plasterwork with a glazed tile band. A  19th century carved wooden door leads to the tomb. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC104.jpg
  • Detail of solar tiger mosaic, Sher-Dor Madrasah, 1619-36, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010 at sunset which lights up the elaborately tiled facade. The Sher-Dor Madrasah, commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhodur as part of the Registan ensemble, and designed by Abdujabor, takes its name, "Having Tigers", from the double mosaic (restored in the 20th century) on the tympans of the portal arch showing suns and tigers attacking deer. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC074.jpg
  • Detail of inscription on the wall, Tillyah-Kori Madrasah, 1646-60, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. The Tillyah-Kori (gilded) Madrasah is part of the Registan Ensemble, surrounding a magnificent square. Commissioned by Yalangtush Bakhadur it is not only a school but also the grand mosque whose lavishly gilded main hall in Kundal style justifies the name. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC067.jpg
  • Low angle view of main hall, Ulugh Beg Madradsah, 1417-20, Registan, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, pictured on July 15, 2010, in the morning. Pale blue columns adorn the simple white hall. Samarkand, a city on the Silk Road, founded as Afrosiab in the 7th century BC, is a meeting point for the world's cultures. Its most important development was in the Timurid period, 14th to 15th centuries. Picture by Manuel Cohen.
    LC_UZBEKISTAN_0710_MC064.jpg
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