Ak Saray Palace, Shahrisabz

Ak Saray Palace, Shahrisabz (Uzbekistan)

Timur began to think of building a magnificent edifice summoned an architect and set out his objective. After listening to the ruler the architect asked to be allowed into the state exchequer. When permission was granted the craftsman started to make foundation blocks from clay mixed with gold in full view of Timur.Seeing that the ruler remained impassive he broke up the blocks and returned the gold to the exchequer. When Timur asked Why did you do that the architect replied So as to make sure of your determination to embark on constructing a building that requires vast expenditure. A second legend recounts that after the main building work had been completed Timur began to tell the craftsmen to hurry up and finish the decorative facing of the palace.