- The Shah-i Zinde One of the most interesting and important historical sites in Samarkand is the Shah-i Zinde, a mausoleum complex located just northeast of the city on slopes which command a panorama of the Zarafshan valley and snow-capped peaks to the south. While the site attracts tourists and artists, it is significant first and foremost because it contains the most important Muslim shrine in ...faculty.washington.edu/dwaugh/CA/cities/samarkand/shahi.html