Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum

The Bibi Khanoum mausoleum (Uzbek: Bibixonim maqbarasi) is an architectural monument in Samarkand whose construction began at the end of the 1390s and was completed at the beginning of the 1400s. It was in a state of ruin before being restored at the end of the 20th century. It is located on Tachkenskaïa Street in Samarkand.

History

The Bibi Khanoum mausoleum is situated opposite the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. It was built for Bibi Khanoum and some Timurid women.

Bibi Khanoum's mother is the first to be buried there. In 1941, anthropologist Mikhail Guerassimov opened the tomb and studied the remains of the buried persons.

In 2000, at the initiative of the first president of Uzbekistan after the Soviet period Islam Karimov, the mausoleum was restored. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (no. 603). The modest exterior appearance of the building contrasts with the interior featuring ivory‑colored stalactites.