The Unrestored Ishrat Khana Mausoleum

Samarkand is full of amazing sites, ancient Silk Road relics that have been preserved, restored, maybe obliterated back into brand new shape. Impressive for the eye, but maybe leaving one with a bit of curiosity as to the authenticity and what kind of condition, when.

The Ishrat Khana Mausoleum offers a nice peek at what an un-restored site looks like. The place is a bit out of the city center, kind of locked up and not ready for trampling tourists. Perfect!

The mausoleum, bones solid, decoration rough.

No doubt it's in bad shape. A tin roof protects it from further erosion. Small restoration is present: a reconstructed window.

Inside, hints of elaborate painting work beneath arches and a dome. The steps lead down to the tombs.

Details. The un-restored condition is a nice look at the various layers to a finished state. Before and after, a clear example of what kind of liberties are taken in re-creating the past.

The back view of the mausoleum. Not bad for a place built in the 1460s.