The palace was built at the beginning of the Timurid period, between 1380 and 1404,[1] under the reign of Timur.

Timur was born near Kesh, as Shahrisabz was then called, and wanted to make the city the capital of his empire instead of Samarkand.

Construction of the castle began in 1380 and lasted 24 years until 1404, just before Timur's death.

A colossal statue of Timur was erected on a high pedestal on the original site of the palace.

A scroll bears the inscription "God prolong the Sultan's days.