Upon its completion in 1404, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Emperor Tamerlane's latest audacious project, was the largest in Central Asia and could accommodate a congregation of almost 10 000 worshippers. In large part destroyed by earthquakes, its 50m-high minarets, portal decorated with blue ceramics and majestic cupola still act as landmarks for kilometres around. Just opposite, the mausoleum is an initiative of Bibi Khanym, the emperor's favourite, who wanted to be laid to rest in front of the mosque bearing his name.