Shakh-i-Zinda is a special and fascinating cemetery, and today a major attraction, in the Uzbek city of Samarkand. There are magnificent and beautiful mausoleums from the 11th, 16th and 19th centuries. Here you will also find the legend of the Living King ...
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Shakh-i-Zinda in Samarkand
Shakh-i-Zinda means "The Living King", and includes a number of impressive mausoleums and other religious buildings.
The site is located in the north-eastern part of the city of Samarkand, in Uzbekistan.
Shakh-i-Zinda in Samarkand - The Legend of the Living King
The name Shakh-i-Zinda (The Living King) is linked to the legend of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed who came to Samarkand with the Arab invasion in the 7th century to preach Islam.
Kusam ibn Abbas was attacked by 'infidels' while praying, but managed to escape into the well of Shakh-i-Zinda, where, according to legend, he still lives today. So this is the legend of the 'Living King'.
The Shakh-i-Zinda complex was formed over eight centuries, from the 11th to the 19th century. Today the site comprises more than twenty buildings. Eleven of these buildings are mausoleums, most of which date from the 15th century.
The original part of the complex, the Kusam ibn Abbas complex, contains the Kusam ibn Abbas mausoleum and mosque. Others buried here include the relatives of Timur Lenk, the great 14th century Turk-Mongolian warlord.
Visiting Shakh-i-Zinda
There are many historic and beautiful sights in Samarkand, and we found Shakh-i-Zinda to be one of the most beautiful and fascinating. The area is relatively large, and each building is more beautiful than the next.
You can go inside several of the mausoleums, and some are beautifully decorated. It's also great to check out all the amazing mosaics.
Things to consider when visiting Shakh-i-Zinda
Many tourists visit Samarkand, especially from Turkey, South Korea and neighbouring countries, and Shakh-i-Zinda is a popular attraction.
Uzbekistan is a Muslim country, and when visiting religious sites a certain dress code should be followed out of respect. This means that women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, and men should wear long trousers. Women should also cover their hair with a scarf.
If you ever come to Samarkand, we highly recommend a visit to Shakh-i-Zinda!
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
There are many historical attractions in Samarkand, such as the square Registan, Gur-Emir mausoleum and Ulughbek Observatory. In addition, it is interesting to experience market, Uzbek cuisine, the primeval good area and the newly built Silk Road Samarkand Tourist Centre, with the Eternal City.
Facts about Shak-i-Zinda in Samarkand
- Country: Uzbekistan
- City: Samarkand
- Name: Shak-i-Zinda or Shakhi-Zinda (Uzbek: Shohizinda), meaning 'the living king'.
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BP says:
The mosaic buildings are magnificent, both inside and out. I wonder how long it took to build them - I'm glad Samarkand continued in the same style as before. Guess it's the only city in the world with these works of art. Fascinating!
29 October 2023 - 16:12
Helena says:
The architecture is certainly special! There are similar ones in a few more cities nearby, in Bukhara among others. But I think Samarkand is best known for this type of building!
29 October 2023 - 19:37