From blue domes of Shah-i-Zinda to stars of Ulugh Beg: Media forum participants visit historical complexes

Participants of an international media forum have visited the Shah-i-Zinda archaeological and architectural memorial complex-necropolis, as well as the Mirza Ulugh Beg museum-complex in Samarkand, Report's correspondent in Samarkand informs.

The participants learned about the history of one of the city's oldest architectural ensembles and the scientific heritage of the outstanding scholar and astronomer Mirza Ulugh Beg.

The Shah-i-Zinda complex is a unique architectural ensemble reflecting the history of 25-century-old Samarkand. Local residents refer to it as a "cemetery street." The ensemble includes 11 mausoleums, mosques, and other structures. Blue domes, high portals, majolica, carved terracotta, and intricate ornaments form the necropolis's distinct architectural appearance.

During the tour, participants were informed that archaeological excavations date the earliest structures of Shah-i-Zinda to the 11th–12th centuries.

A special place in the complex is held by the tomb of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The legend behind the name Shah-i-Zinda, which translates to "The Living King," is tied to his name. According to tradition, Qutham arrived in Samarkand in 676 to introduce the local population to Islam.

Participants noted the rich decorative design of the mausoleums. Particular interest was drawn to the color red, which appears here alongside blue and other shades. As explained during the tour, manufacturing red dye in the Middle Ages was complex, making it a rarity. Additionally, red was associated with blood.

No less interesting are the star-shaped compositions containing text inside. Some inscriptions are written in Arabic and Persian, featuring intricate calligraphy that requires specialized training to read.

Participants were also told about compositions that include the names of Shiite imams. This highlighted complex and not fully resolved religious and cultural characteristics of the Timurid era.

Two unnamed mausoleums remain a unique puzzle within the complex. According to one theory, they may be connected to the remnants of an ancient madrassah in Samarkand.

One of Shah-i-Zinda's striking monuments is the mausoleum of Tuman Aka, the youngest wife of Amir Timur. It stands out for its violet hue, whereas blue tones dominate most other structures. Landscape panels are preserved inside the mausoleum.

The ensemble also houses the mausoleum of Qazi Zadeh al-Rumi, a great astronomer-scientist, friend, and associate of Ulugh Beg. Although he did not belong to a noble family, he was an outstanding scholar of his time. As a sign of respect, Ulugh Beg built his mausoleum higher than the other tombs.

A special place is occupied by the mausoleum of Shadi Mulk Aka, which art historians call the "Jewel of Shah-i-Zinda." Erected in 1327 for Timur's niece who passed away at a young age, it features numerous ceramic elements, complex ornaments, and a depiction of a grapevine above the arch.

Another vivid monument is the mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aka, which belonged to the sister of Amir Timur. It is distinguished by carved multi-colored mosaic patterns, skillful ornaments, and landscape panels.

Following their visit to Shah-i-Zinda, the media forum participants visited the Mirza Ulugh Beg museum-complex, where they explored the history of the prominent scholar's scientific work and viewed surviving fragments of his famous 15th-century observatory.

The museum exposition features materials on the development of astronomy and science during the era of Mirza Ulugh Beg, alongside artifacts from the period of Ulugh Beg and the Timurids, historical astronomical and mathematical instruments, books and manuscripts, archaeological finds, and materials related to the scholar's scientific legacy.

The preserved section of Mirza Ulugh Beg's observatory left a strong impression on the participants. Built between 1424 and 1428 on Kuhak Hill in the outskirts of Samarkand, its remnants were discovered by archaeologist V. L. Vyatkin in 1908.

The main component of the observatory was a massive goniometric instrument-a sextant, or quadrant. Its surviving subterranean part remains on the complex's grounds today. Using this instrument, scientists conducted observations of the Sun, Moon, and other celestial bodies.