Samarkand: Azerbaijani journalists embarked on a historical exploration in Samarkand, delving into the rich legacy of the Timurid dynasty. As part of their press tour, they visited the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, a key architectural landmark and the burial site of Amir Timur and his dynasty.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the journalists were informed that 'Gur-e-Amir' translates to 'Timur's Tomb' in Persian. The construction of this historical site commenced in the early 15th century, initiated by Muhammad Sultan, Amir Timur's grandson. Originally housing a madrasa and a khanqah, the site's purpose shifted after Muhammad Sultan's unexpected demise in 1403.

Amir Timur commissioned the mausoleum in memory of Muhammad Sultan but passed away en route to China in 1405, before its completion. The construction was completed by his grandson, Mirza Ulugh Beg. Gur-e-Amir subsequently became a family mausoleum for the Timurids, housing the remains of Amir Timur, his descendants, and his spiritual mentor, Mir Sayyid Baraka. Notably, Timur's tombstone is crafted from a single piece of dark-green nephrite, with the actual graves located in a crypt beneath the main hall.

The mausoleum gained further attention in 1941 when a Soviet expedition led by anthropologist Mikhail Gerasimov opened the Timurid tombs, sparking the legend of the 'Curse of Timur.' Gur-e-Amir stands as an impressive example of Timurid architecture, adorned with mosaics, glazed brick, gilding, marble, and intricate designs. Its style influenced numerous monuments across Central Asia, solidifying its status as one of Samarkand's most iconic sites.