The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a monumental mosque in Samarkand, built by order of Timur, the Central Asian conqueror, after his campaign in India, using labour and materials, including stone and elephants, from the conquered lands. It was meant to be the largest and most magnificent mosque in the Islamic world, with a huge courtyard and a dome covered in blue tiles. The structure was built so quickly that it began to deteriorate soon after completion, and later centuries and earthquakes damaged it badly. Legend links the name to Timur's wife, Saray Mulk Khanum. Major restoration was done in the twentieth century, and the mosque is now a central part of the Samarkand historic heritage.
Before and after
- from 1402 to 1976Spanish Empire
- from 20 July 1402 to 5 July 1413Ottoman Interregnum
- 1403Construction of Gur-e Amir
- 22 February 1403Birth of Charles VII of France
- 1404Construction of Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- 19 February 1405Death of Timur
- 6 May 1405Birth of Skanderbeg
- 18 October 1405Birth of Pius II
- 17 March 1406Death of Ibn Khaldun
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The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 15th century.