Samarkand, which may be found in the valley of the Zeravshan River, is one of the oldest cities in the whole globe. The city is referred to as “The Gem of the East,” and it is the location of a number of magnificent structures that were built during the reign of Timur. Following Tashkent in terms of both population and economic importance comes this city that is home to a diverse range of people. Samarkand is on the verge of becoming recognised on the map of the globe as a location that is rich in world-heritage monuments thanks to the efforts of a number of organisations, including UNESCO and the WTO.
Samarkand has a history dating back 2500 years and has been profoundly impacted by the cultures of Iran, India, Mongolia, the West, and the East during the course of its history. In the 4th century BC, Samarkand rose to prominence due to its location on the Silk Road. Marakand was the name of the city when it was founded in 329 BC, according to the tales that date back to the time of Alexander the Great. During the 14th through the 16th centuries, it continued to serve as the commercial and cultural centre of Central Asia. It was the capital of Uzbekistan from 1924 to 1930, when it was relocated.
Tourist Attractions of Samarkand
The Registan
The huge Registan Square served as the city’s primary focus throughout the mediaeval era in Samarkand. This area is bordered on three sides by enormous medressas. Shaybanid Emir Yalangtush built the Sherdar Medressa in the east in 1636, while Ulugh Beg built the Ulugh Beg Medressa in the west in 1420. Both medressas are located in the city of Samarkand in modern-day Turkey. In the middle of the plaza is the Tilla-Kari Medressa, which was constructed in the year 1660. Each of the medressas has ceramic art as well as gilded decorations throughout the building.
Bibi Khanym Mosque
A vast and impressive place of worship may be seen at Samarkand’s Bibi Khanym Mosque. The mosque, which was finished in 1404, is regarded as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture. The mosque was given its name in honour of Timur’s elder wife, and it has a massive dome covered in tiles of many colours. The majestic gate was damaged by an earthquake in the 19th century, but it was repaired and now serves as another one of this location’s attractions.
Shah-I-Zinda
The shrine of Qusam ibn Abbas is one of the most well-known features of this sacred location. It was Qusam ibn Abbas who was responsible for teaching the inhabitants of that area the fundamentals of the Islamic faith. He was a relative of the Prophet Muhammad, and the shrine that honours him is one of the oldest buildings in this town. The ensemble is comprised of various buildings with dates ranging from the 9th to the 14th century. During the 19th century, other structures were also put up during this time. The graves of members of both Ulug Beg’s and Timur’s families are particularly notable among them. Each and every one of these mausoleums has exquisite tile work crafted from majolica.
Guri Amir Mausoleum
Tombs belonging to Timur, Miran Shah, Shahrukh, Ulugh beg, and Mir Sayyid Baraka can be found at this location. Timur’s sons Miran Shah and Shahrukh, as well as his grandson Ulugh Begh, were known as the Golden Horde. Timur was instructed in the ways of the world by Mir Sayyid Baraka. The edifice dates back to the 14th century and has intricate carvings on the bricks that cover its outside. Muhammad bin Mahmud Isfahani, a skilled and experienced professional, was the architect and builder of the tomb. Tiles in blue and white have been used to create the decorative work. This octahedral structure is topped with a dome that is blue in colour.
Afrosiab Museum
The Afrasiab Museum may be found in close proximity to the excavation site of Afrasiab, which is the location of the old city of Samarkand. The burial site of Daniel, a prophet from the Old Testament, is one of the most important attractions in this area. The museum also has relics from Sogdian culture as well as frescoes from the seventh century. Crockery, terracotta statuettes, glasswork, coins, and ornate crockery are some of the other types of artefacts that may be seen in the museum. Wall murals of a very high artistic quality may be seen on several of the structures that were constructed at the excavation site throughout the sixth and seventh century.
Tomb of the Old Testament Prophet Daniel
The burial site of Daniel, a prophet from the Old Testament, may be found on the outskirts of Samarkand, among the undulating hills of the old city of Afrasiab. Pilgrims of many faiths, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, go to the tomb often. It is supposed that Timur purchased the arm of the Prophet Daniel from Mecca and brought it back to the grave.
Ulugbek’s Observatory
During the reign of Ulugbek in the 14th century, construction began on an astronomical observatory that would eventually include three stories. Within the observatory is a sizable astronomical sextant that may be used. This astronomical sextant is capable of measuring the location of several stars with an impressive degree of precision. Samarkand had a preeminent position throughout the middle ages as a scientific centre, as shown by the ruins that were discovered in 1908. These ruins provide an insight into this preeminent status.
State Art Museum
The State Art Museum has a sizable collection of artefacts that, when seen together, provide light on the history, archaeology, and folk arts of the surrounding area. The art gallery in the museum has a sizable collection of works created by well-known artists from all around the world. Other things of interest here are traditional jewellery, carpets, and costumes that are representative of many eras throughout history. The museum also has an extensive collection of ceramics spanning a broad range of styles and forms.
Hazrat-Hizr Mosque
On the slopes of the Afrasiab peak is a mosque that dates back to the 18th century and serves as a gateway to the city of Samarkand. The well-known saint Hazrat-Hizr was the inspiration for the naming of the mosque. There are many areas of the mosque that include doors and columns that have elaborate decorations on them. The interior of the mosque has carved columns, ivory work, tiles, and paintings on the ceiling. The mosque also has a minaret that is elaborately embellished.
Mausoleum of Ismail al-Bukhari
The Mausoleum of Ismail al-Bukhari is a religious shrine that was created in honour of Muhammad ibn al-Bukhari, an Islamic saint who lived in the 9th century. The monument was recently refurbished. He travelled all throughout the Muslim world in order to gather Hadith, which are sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. Al-Jami Al-Sahih is a compilation of his thoughts and beliefs that Sunni Muslims believe as being second in importance to the Holy Quran. This book was created from his collection of ideas and beliefs. The mausoleum serves as a significant place of worship for Muslims travelling across Central Asia.
