The Gur-i Amir Necropolis In Samarkand

Poor humble Timur, all he wanted was a simple grave in his hometown of Shakhrisabz. Forget that idea. Instead, ancestors expanded a site built originally for Timur's grandson. The Gur-i Amir would eventually include many Timur family members.

Main entrance, impressive.

Timur and family tombs. In the courtyard, carved wooden doors and understated tile work.

One thing not understated is the blinding bling of the domed ceiling over the graves. Heaven is a lot closer for royalty.

Alcove stalactite tile work. You want blue or white?

Parts of the complex have been left un-restored, a nice peek into history.

The State Museum Of History Of Uzbekistan

A modest scope in the naming of Tashkent's main history museum. Anything and everything is welcome. The museum was originally called the Lenin Museum. After 1991, that narrative fell out of fashion and it was time for something a bit more local.

The building itself, built in 1970, is a triumph of Soviet modernism, all marble draped in a woven style pattern. Brutalist box meets delicate, floating lines. The screening style is based on the local design for sunscreens or "panzhara," a nice nod to the region. Tremendous.

Enter through the grand hall. Imposing. Tweak your retinas at the fabulous fabrics. Wild.

The museum does a bit of a standard run through of civilization, starting with dinosaurs and the Stone Age. "Are you hunting with me?"

A mighty mural. Uzbekistan likes to feature the age of the Silk Road as its defining era, a triumphant time filled with amazing architecture and the reign of Timur. Let the glamor begin.

The top floor is devoted to post-independence development, with a stress on economic gains. Think cases filled with electronics, gears, models of real estate projects, all looking like toys for adults.