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Pin Ak-Saray PalaceAk-Saray Palace
UzbekistanCountry
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Ak-Saray Palace, also known as the White Palace, is an unfinished palace complex located in the city of Shakhrisabz in southern Uzbekistan. It was commissioned by Timur, the Turco-Mongol conqueror, in the 14th century as a symbol of his power and grandeur. Construction of the palace began in the late 1380s, and although the palace was intended to be the largest and most magnificent of all Timur's buildings, it was left unfinished due to his death in 1405.

The ruins of the palace consist of a massive entrance portal, the remains of a large courtyard, and the remains of several smaller structures. The portal is over 40 meters high and was intended to be covered in gold and mosaics. The palace was also meant to have a large throne room, private quarters for Timur and his family, and other public and private spaces. Despite being unfinished, the palace is a remarkable example of Timurid architecture, which combines elements of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic design.

The palace was partially destroyed by a strong earthquake in the 16th century, and the ruins were largely abandoned until the 20th century. Today, the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important tourist attraction in Uzbekistan.