Salim Chishti Tomb in Fatehpur Sikri, India

Shaikh Salim was a Chishti saint who lived in the village of Sikri, as an ascetic. He came to imperial notice when he correctly predicted the birth of Akbar's son Jahangir, and cared for his wife during her pregnancy. It was to thank and honor this saint that Akbar, in 1571, established the palatial-religious complex of Fatehpur Sikri on the site of Shaikh Salim's village, making it his capital. The saint died shortly after construction began. His tomb is of white marble, and sits in an enclosure with a pool. The entrance porch is held up by unusual, serpant-like supports. A verandah enclosed by a finely carved perforated screen surrounds the main tomb hall. At its center is the cenotaph, sheltered by a canopy decorated with mother-of-pearl. A wide marble dome covers the structure.

Source: AGA KHAN TRUST FOR CULTURE

Photographer: Süha Özkan

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