The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. It was built at Agra by Indian Emperor Shah Jahan between 1630 and 1648 to immortalize his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Contrary to what many at first think it is not a palace, but rather a tomb, a monumental dream in white marble.

When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive she extracted four promises from the emperor: first, that he build the Taj Mahal; second, that he should marry again; third, that he be kind to their children; and fourth, that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary.

He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia; it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. It was designed by the Iranian architect Istad Usa, and is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it.

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