Gallery
Description
Property Name: Aksaray Complex
Inventory No: 998-75-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2009-03-18
Country (State party): Uzbekistan
Province: Shakhrisyabz
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 39° 3′ 36.66″ N
66° 49′ 48.52″ E
Historic Period: 14th century, 2nd half
Year of Construction: 1396
Style: Timurid
Original Use: Palace
Current Use:
Architect: Unknown
Significance
As medieval Kesh was defined within the fortress walls, which were constructed during the reign of Timur, the administrative quarter of Shakhrisyabz was constructed in the 14th century. Masters from Maverannahr and various other masters brought here by Timur from many countries, along with masters from Khorezm, took part in the construction works of this grand palace, which became one of the largest architectural complexes of the Timurid period.
Selection Criteria
iii. to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
iv. to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history
State of Preservation
The palace complex is in a ruined state, only pylons of the entrance portal have survived up to this date. In 1973-1975, excavation work was carried out, which revealed the remains of the palace constructed before Timur’s reign and also a glazed floor 600 square meters. Between 1994-1996, conservation work was carried out for the upper parts of the two pylons. In 1996, decorations of the pylons and the glazed floor were fixed and reinforced.
References
Shakhrisyabz Architectural Monuments, Main Scientific-Production Board for Preservation of Monuments, Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 2003
whc.unesco.org/ (UNESCO official website)
Uzbekistan the monuments of Islam, Uzbekiston Nashriyati, Tashkent, 2002.