The Shah-I-Zandah Necropolis, built on the southern slopes of Afrasaib Hill over a period of 900 years from 11th - 19th centuries. It developed around the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin and companion of the Prophet who was with the first Arab armies in Transoxiana and died at Samarkand in 677. The necropolis was abandoned after the Mongol conquest of 1220 but rebuilt during 14th C by Timur. A series of 16 small mosques and mauselea were built along a narrow lane as a burial place for the clergy of Samarkand and Timur's family and friends.