Samarkand

Samarkand is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as the city of Babylon or Rome. The history of Samarkand dates back to 2,750 years. The city is located on the left bank of the middle course of the Zarafshan river, in the center of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The city is noted for being an Islamic Centre for scholarly study. At the entrance to the city the forking of Afrasiab remained, where old Marakand, with the name of which Central Asian campaigns of Alexander the Great are associated. In the 14th century it became the capital of the empire of Timur and is the site of his mausoleum. Modern-day Samarkand is divided into two parts: the old and new city. The old city includes historical monuments, shops, and old private houses, while the new city includes administrative buildings along with cultural centers and educational institution.

Samarkand for a long time has been the most catching object to the eyes of politicians, businessmen and travelers. It reached the prosperity and grandeur in the time of Timur the Great. The city had an advantageous geographical situation; it was an important crossroad on the Great Silk Road. This epoch left the most significant marks in the historical and architectural appearance of the city.

Samarkand witnessed conquerors that brought bloody wars, but it resisted and rose, having become more beautiful and strong through the ages.

Samarkand is the open-air museum: there is much to see and many places to visit. It is divided into old and modern pars of the city. And of course if you are visiting Samarkand, you should first pay your attention to the old city. This place is full of mysteries, filling every corner of every building.

Registan – the heart of Samarkand city. The name of this world famous square means “sand place” and was given to it because the square is standing on the earth where the river dried out many years ago. Ensemble of the Registan square includes three beautiful madrasahs (centers of education for Muslims): they are the 15th century Ulugbek Madrasah, 17th century Sher-Dor Madrassah and Tilla-Kari madrasah. All three madrasahs together in one great graceful amazing ensemble will impress you a lot.

If you want to see more beautiful place then Registan, then you have to see the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Imagine a blue tiled maze from the 14th century, losing itself in infinite geometric patterns. This and so much more is the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis.

Today Samarkand is the treasure of unique antiquity spirit. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to the abundance of material and spiritual values. Unique monuments of ancient architecture, heritage of scientific and arts schools, artisan’s workshops are well-known around the world.