The Mighty Mausoleum Of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Central Asian ruler Timur loved Turkic poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi enough to commission the re-building of his mausoleum. Work started in 1389 and continued until Timur's death in 1405. No ruler, no finish. No matter, what was left is still the most impressive Silk Road era site in Kazakhstan and a highlight along the whole of Central Asia's Silk Road. Sleep well, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

All hail the magnificent structure! The front facade hints at the building's unfinished state, wood logs still sticking out of the top arch section and no intricate tile work.

Ah, that great tile work. It's present on other sections. Crazy columns in the corners, a maze of designs along the side walls. Heading inside, airy. Underneath the central dome.

To see the full fruition of the classic design of the mausoleum, head around to the back of the structure. Fluted dome, full tile work on display in late afternoon light. Golden.

Big mausoleum, room for the whole family, groupies. Interior tile work detail, an original piece highlighted with a frame.

Sun up on another day, always looking impressive.