The inner dome
Blue and turquoise stars.
John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Npb-aia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hans Birger Nilsen — CC BY-SA 2.0
The Turabek Khanum Mausoleum is a 14th-century building at the Konye-Urgench archaeological site, and many regard it as the finest thing at this UNESCO site. It is known for an inner dome covered in delicate blue and gold mosaic, among the masterpieces of this art in Central Asia. From outside you face a tall southern portal about 25 metres high. It is attributed to Turabek Khanum, daughter of Uzbek Khan of the Golden Horde and wife of Qutlug-Timur, governor of Khwarezm, with evidence pointing to the 1330s. That attribution and date are not fully settled, and sources differ. Some accounts say the dome's mosaics were laid out like a calendar, an idea guides repeat more than texts prove. You pass through the high portal into a wide hall, then look up at the dome. Stars and interlaced lines in dark blue, turquoise and white fill it, ringed by rows of small windows and coloured panels. Outside, a brick drum framed by 24 panels rises above the building, with only a few pieces left of a ribbed turquoise outer dome. The Kutlug Timur Minaret is about 500 metres away in a straight line. Dress modestly, as many visitors come to pray. Ask about photo rules at the entrance, as an extra sum may be asked. The dome is at its best around midday, when light enters through the windows. Keep your voice low, and remove your shoes if asked.
Blue and turquoise stars.
Tall, in brick tones.
Framed by 24 panels.
Konye-Urgench, Daşoguz Province, Turkmenistan
Sources link the tomb to her as daughter of Uzbek Khan and wife of Qutlug-Timur, with some dispute.
The inner dome, so do not stop at the front, and go in if the door is open.
