Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures

A historic city

The legendry explorer Marco Polo described Samarkand in the 13th century as a great and noble city. During his visit it was already a nearly 2000-year old prosperous city. Because of its strategic location in the middle of the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean region of the Occident, Samarkand prospered further over the centuries.

The legendry conqueror of continents, Alexander the Great captured the city in 329 BC after defeating the Persians, founders of Samarkand. There is ample proof that Samarkand had been attracting both ambitious invaders and romantic explorers as it was considered as one of the most important places of the Central Asia. It tempted the ruthless Mongol invader, Genghis Khan, to ransack the city in 1220. In recognition of Samarkand’s historical importance and the grandeur of its magnificent monuments, UNESCO put it on the World Heritage List.

A magnificent city

Much of what we now see in Samarkand was built during the rule of anothr conqueror, Timur the Lame in the late 14th century and his descendants. Timur made Samarkand the capital of his vast empire from Turkey to India. During his long rule he rebuilt the city and brought in skilled artisans from various countries he had already conquored. Being an ardent connoisseur of art and architecture, the city that he rebuilt became a showpiece of excuisite architectural heritage sites.

Heritage sites

Afrosiab: Being located in the firtile valley in the center of Uzbekistan, Samarkand region, then known as Afrosiab, was conducive for human habitation. People are continuously living here for the past 4000 years. Tourists can walk through these ancient ruins which are within walking distance from the center of Samarkand.

Registan Square: Samarkand’s main attraction is this impressive Square resembling a magnificent open-air museum comprising three massive Madrassahs which are Koranic schools.

Shakh-I-Zinda: This ancient necropolis was built in the 9th century located on a mound of Afrosiab. There are 44 tombs in this complex containing in 20 mausoleums.

Gur-Emir: This is where Timur was buried and his mausoleum is located in this complex.

Bibi-Khonym: It took first five years of the 15th century to restore this mosque under Timur’s command and is considered to be one of the best examples of architectural creations of Central Asia and the world’s biggest.

There are so many monuments in Samarkand that it would take a tome to list them all.

A liberal city

Samarkand is a religiously tolerant cosmopolitan city. Despite being the second largest city of Uzbekistan, the majority of its people are Persian-speaking Tajiks. Jews, Muslims and Christians live here in perfect harmony. It is an enlightening experience to see Muslims offering prayers at the Tomb of Prophet Daniel in the Afrosiab and followers of other Faiths listening respectfully.

Food and drinks

Samarkand is the right place to enjoy the nightlife of Central Asia. Bar-b-que preparations in lamb, chicken, steak and pork are Samarkand’s speciality. Beer and hard drinks are reasonably priced.

Accommodation

Reasonably good and reasonably-priced accommodation isn’t difficult to get in Samarkand. It is a party town and hotels and restaurants serve good food.

Getting there

Nearest international airport is Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. Take a train or bus and reach comfortably within four hours, while enjoying the countryside. Don’t go back home home without visiting another enchanting Uzbek city, Bukhara.