Shakhrisabz ('Green City') is the native town of the most prominent warlord and political personality of the medeival history of Central Asia, Amir Temur (King Temur) who is more known in the West as Tamerlane. He was born here, but chose another city, Samarkand, as the capital for his huge empire. Nevertheless, there are many monuments left from that time in Shakhrisabz which deserve to be see, such as the spectacular ruins of the White Palace (Ok Saray), Timur's crypt and other attractions.

Also, Shakhrisabz is probably the best place in Uzbekistan to see the real Uzbek lifestyle, with all its richness of tradition and culture.