Hirayama Ikuo said,"Samarkand, the ancient capital of Uzbekistan, was prosperous as an important joint of trade on the Silk Road. In Chinese historical books, it was named Kang State where the civilizaiton of the Sogd, merchants along the Silk Road, gained prosperity. Shohi Zinda was the tombs for the clan of the Mongolian hero Amir Temur (1336-1405) and other persons involved. The tomb, with domes in a variety of shapes, was famous for its Islamic architecture."