The Bibi Khanum was built by Timur the Great (1336-1405; r.1370-1405); also known as Tamerlane. The mosque was built in honour of his chief wife; Saray Mulk Khanum and was constructed on an epic scale.

The building was financed from the spoils of a recent campaign to Delhi (1398) and built with the labour of 95 imported Indian elephants. The original 35m entry arch was flanked by 50m minarets that led into a court paved with marble and flanked with mosques.