Buzz
1. Taj Mahal - India
This stands as one of the foremost renowned mausoleums globally. Emperor Shah Jahan - of the Mughal dynasty - commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal to honor his beloved wife over a span of 22 years, from 1632 to 1653.
The Taj Mahal stands as a majestic mausoleum, boasting a unique architectural style, impeccably preserved, and ranks amongst the architectural masterpieces of the Mughal era, a world-renowned marvel. Crafted from white marble, featuring a stunning dome, it also boasts exquisite buildings and beautiful gardens with serene water bodies.
2. Shah-i-Zinda - Uzbekistan
Shah-i-Zinda stands as a marvel of intricate architecture, adorned with interconnecting domes. Its construction commenced in the 12th century and concluded by the 14th century.
According to the legend of Kusam ibn Abbas, Shah-i-Zinda translates to 'the living king,' as he was beheaded but purportedly rose and carried his head to a deep well, the Garden of Paradise, where it's believed he still resides to this day.
3. Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang - China
Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of the Qin dynasty, who conquered all neighboring states and unified China. Although Qin Shi Huang's tomb remains unexcavated, the nearby terracotta army site has become one of China's top tourist attractions.
It's estimated that there are over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, 520 horses, 150 cavalry horses, and 130 chariots, mostly still buried. Each soldier has a unique face, and it's speculated that these statues were modeled after living individuals.
4. Shirvanshahs - Baku
This tomb is situated within the city walls of Baku, forming part of the architectural ensemble of the Shirvanshahs Palace, the largest monument here built in Azerbaijani architectural style. The Shirvanshahs Palace complex also comprises main buildings, stone-carved halls, mosques, burial vaults, and more.
The Shirvanshahs tomb was commissioned by Sultan Khalilullah in the 15th century as the burial site for his wife and son. The tomb features a rectangular shape, a hexagonal dome, and is adorned with symmetrical stars on the exterior.
5. Imam Husayn Shrine - Iraq
The Imam Husayn Shrine stands as one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, annually attracting countless pilgrims. The shrine sits atop the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali - martyred in the Battle of Karbala and the grandson of Muhammad.
His tomb is housed within a golden-domed structure. The entire surrounding walls are crafted from wood and adorned with glass. The courtyard of Imam Husayn Shrine is divided into 65 small rooms, each intricately decorated from inside out.
6. Tomb of Jahangir
The Tomb of Jahangir is a 17th-century mausoleum built for Emperor Jahangir of the Mughal Empire. Constructed in 1637, it lies in Shahdara Bagh near the city of Lahore, Pakistan, along the banks of the Ravi River. Located in Lahore, Pakistan, the tomb serves as the final resting place of Mughal emperor Jahangir, who ruled from 1605 to 1627. The mausoleum was commissioned by his son 10 years after his death.
The structure is surrounded by high walls and features four 30-meter tall minarets. Inside the tomb, intricate carvings and colorful marble adorn the walls.
7. Lenin Mausoleum
To commemorate the first leader of the Soviet Union, the Lenin Mausoleum serves as a dignified yet modest final resting place atop Red Square. Situated in Moscow, Russia, the mausoleum is the resting place of Vladimir Lenin. He passed away in 1924, and his body has been meticulously preserved. A dedicated team of staff ensures the body is injected with preservative fluids and maintains humidity levels.
Lenin's casket is kept at a temperature of 16°C and humidity between 80 - 90%. Every 18 months, Lenin's body undergoes a chemical bath. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs or videos, speak, or smoke inside the mausoleum.
