Ak-Saray Palace
Historical site in Shahrisabz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ak-Saray Palace is a ruined palace and historic site in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan. The palace was built at the beginning of the Timurid period, between 1380 and 1404,[1] under the reign of Timur. In 2000, the palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[2]
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| Ak-Saray Palace | |
|---|---|
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  Location within Uzbekistan | |
General information | |
Architectural style | Architecture |
| Location | Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan |
| Coordinates | 39°03′39″N 66°49′45″E |
Construction started | 1380 |
| Completed | 1404 |
History
Timur was born near Shahrisabz, which was known as Kesh during that period, and wanted to make the city the capital of his empire instead of Samarkand.[citation needed] So he had a mighty palace built here. Construction of the castle began in 1380 and lasted 24 years until 1404, just before Timur's death.
In the 16th century, Shahrisabz along with Ak-Saray Castle were destroyed by the forces of Abdullah Khan II, the Khan of Bukhara. After Uzbekistan gained independence, conservation works were carried out between 1994 and 1998. A colossal statue of Timur was erected on a high pedestal on the original site of the palace.
Architecture
The remains Ak-Saray Palace lie to the north of the historic center of Shahrisabz in a park near the north gate in the city walls. Above all, the remains of the 38 m (125 ft) high pylons of the former portal, whose vault had a span of 22 m (72 ft), have been preserved.[3] The facade is decorated with large patterns of ocher and dark blue and light blue glazed bricks. A scroll bears the inscription "God prolong the Sultan's days."[3] The arcaded main courtyard of the palace with a water basin was 120–125 m (394–410 ft) wide and 240–250 m (790–820 ft) long.[4] It was surrounded by buildings, one of which is said to have been six stories high.[3] The number and size of other farms could not be determined due to destruction in the 16th century.[4]
