The Ishratkhana Mausoleum, meaning House of Joy, was built in 1464 for Habiba Sultan Begim, a wife of the Timurid ruler Abu Said. It is one of the finest late Timurid monuments, with a large entrance arch, a corridor-like plan and a drum for a dome that has partly collapsed. Carved tile and brickwork remain on the facade.
The ruin offers a quiet look at how Timurid monuments appeared before the full-scale restoration seen at Registan or Gur-e-Amir. The mausoleum is on the southeastern side of the city, away from the main tourist circuit. Visitors usually need 15-20 minutes.
| Admission | Free or a small ticket depending on the day |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, daylight hours (interior access varies) |
| Address | Amirshokhmurod Street, Ishratkhana, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
Why it matters
A rare surviving mausoleum built for a woman of the Timurid court, Habiba Sultan Begim, showing late Timurid planning before restoration.
Location
Amirshokhmurod Street, Ishratkhana, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
39.6431, 66.9910 View on map
Highlights
- Late Timurid mausoleum of 1464
- Large entrance arch with remnants of tile
- Partly ruined dome
- Quiet site away from tours
Tips for visiting
- Check access at the site; some parts may be fenced.
- Wear sturdy shoes.
- Allow 15-20 minutes.
When to visit
Morning.
Accessibility
Uneven ground; limited accessibility.
Frequently asked questions
Who was it built for?
Habiba Sultan Begim, a woman of the Timurid court.
When was it built?
1464.
Is it restored?
Only partly; it remains largely a ruin.