Samarkand is a city which can go head to head with the likes of Paris, London, and Rome when it comes to offering some the best mesmerizing ancient monuments in the world. But despite this Samarkand is well underrated and far less visited. But only the intrepid travelers who’ve been on the Samarkand City Tour know the treasure trove that this city holds. Located at the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has the reputation of serving as the crossroad of the Silk Road which enabled transcontinental trade between China and fringes of Europe.Samarkand was a prime site on the Silk Road route as it offered abundance natural resources in the form of rivers and fertile soil.
Brief History Of Samarkand
The city of Samarkand is as ancient and old as one could get and it was founded way back in 8th century BC. It’s a crucible of various religions and cultures that inhabited it from time to time. It was long inhabited by Sogdians, people of Iranian origin before being conquered by Alexander in 329 BC. The Chinese have had a profound influence on Samarkand as well who have a long history of trade with various European and other parts of Asia. Later in the 14th century, Samarkand came under the rule of Amir Timur which helped this city to grow immensely. From religion perspective, taking into account various archaeological material and manuscripts, it is quite evident that a number of different religion and beliefs were followed including Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Manichaeism. But currently Islam is the main followed religion in this country and city with 90% being Sunni Muslims, and the Islamic monuments and buildings dominate the city. The signature Islamic domes in the building can be found literally everywhere. Interestingly, it’s the turquoise-colored domes that paint the city.
Here Are The Highlights Of Samarkand City:
- Samarkand is Uzbekistan second largest city located in the central part.
- One of the oldest cities in the world, older than Rome.
- Finest Islamic architectures dating back to 14th century.
- Numerous monuments and historical museums.
- Extremely hospitable people and service.
- UNESCO World Heritage Center.
Here Are The Major Sightseeing Tourists Spot In Samarkand:
Registan
Registan which consists of three distinct madrasahs (Islamic school) is the main and standout tourist attraction of this place.
The Ulugh Beg Madrasah
It is a religious educational institution founded by Ulugh Beg, a renowned mathematician and astronomer located at the heart of Samarkand.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
One of the best astronomy observatory built by Ulugh Beg himself where some of the renowned Islamic astronomers like Ali Qushji and Al-Kashi worked. A museum was later built besides it to honor Ulugh Beg.
Sher-Dor Madrasah
One of the madrasahs located in Registran square, it is the first to have been built in this school complex.
Tilya-Kori Madrasah
Another madrasah located in Registran square, it was the residential college for scholars studying in these madrasahs.
The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
It is one of the necropolises situated in the north-eastern part of Samarkand housing mausoleums and ritual buildings continually being built since the 14th century.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
One of the most important monuments in Samarkand, it is among the most magnificent mosques in Islamic world.
The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The tomb of conqueror Timur, it is an important place to see the Persian-Mongolian architecture.
The Siyob Bazaar
This bazaar is a buzzing hub for all daily necessities of people of Samarkand like vegetables, dairy products, meats et cetera. You can just stroll through the corners and get a sense of the local lifestyle.
Khazret-Khyzr Mosque
It is one of the oldest Muslim religious buildings in Samarkand built in 8th century.