[Asia Travel] Uzbekistan : Samarkand

Samarkand is known as the second largest city of Uzbekistan. Samarkand has been a trading hub and trading post on the Silk Road since ancient times. Culturally of great importance, Samarkand was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Samarkand has many beautiful mosques and historic buildings, making it a highly recommended tourist destination for those who love history.

place

Samarkand is a city located in the southeastern part of Uzbekistan.

history

Samarkand was founded as an oasis city in the 10th century BC. At that time it was called Marakanda and the Sogdians. Samarkand, which functioned as a trading route with nomads and Chinese dynasties, came under the control of Islamic forces in the Middle Ages. After that, around the 14th century, it became the capital of the Timurid dynasty and prospered greatly. In modern times, it became a territory of Russia as Russia moved southward, but now it is a city of Uzbekistan.

climate

Samarkand has a continental climate and is known for its extreme temperature differences. Temperatures range from -4°C to 40°C throughout the year.

language

The official language is Uzbek. Other languages spoken are Russian and Tajik.

security

Samarkand is relatively safe. However, it is also known that there are many pickpockets in areas where there are many people such as bazaars and around the station. Please do not leave your valuables unattended.

industry

Samarkand has one of the most industrially developed industries in Uzbekistan, with a flourishing production of cotton, machinery and chemicals. Also, since it was originally a trade route on the Silk Road, it is also a distribution base and has a very large market.

Race

Uzbekistan is over 80% Uzbek. The rest are Russians, Kazakhs, Tajiks and a few others.

religion

Uzbekistan is more than 90% Muslim. Others include the Russian Orthodox Church and Jews.

currency

Sum is used in Uzbekistan.

Sightseeing Spot 1 : Registan Square

A square that can be said to be the centerpiece of Samarkand tourism. The Registan Square has three madrasas and is very large. At night, the madrasah is lit up and the entire Registan Square becomes a magical atmosphere.

Sightseeing Spot 2 : Bibi-Khanym Mosque

This mosque was built in 1404 by Timur, the founder of the Timurid dynasty. It is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia and testifies to Timur’s power.

Sightseeing Spot 3 : Siab Bazaar

Samarkand’s largest market. Inside, there are many colorful vegetables and fruits. It’s a very hot place because many locals gather there.

Sightseeing Spot 4 : Gur-Emir Mausoleum

The tomb of Timur’s family, the founder of the Timurid Empire. The interior of the mausoleum is decorated with gold. The walls inside the mausoleum are gorgeous with blue mosaics and golden decorations.

Sightseeing Spot 5 : Shahi Zinda Mausoleum complex

A group of 11 ruins, including mausoleums and mosques for Timur’s relatives and dynasties. The tombs were not all built at the same time, the oldest being built in the 6th century and the newest in the 20th century.

Sightseeing Spot 6 : Ulug Bek Observatory

The Ulugh Bek Observatory can only be visited in part of the observatory. There is also a museum next to the observatory, where excavated artifacts and historical materials discovered at the observatory are on display.

Sightseeing Spot 7 : Afrasiab Museum

The museum is designed to teach you about the history of Samarkand. Some of the exhibits relate to the conquest of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, with exhibits from antiquity to the present day.

Sightseeing Spot 8 : Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari

The mausoleum of Islamic theologian Muhammad al-Bukhari. The Al-Bukhari Mausoleum is considered a very important place of Islamic pilgrimage within Uzbekistan.

Sightseeing Spot 9 : Saint Daniel’s Tomb

During Timur’s expedition to Iran, he brought Daniel’s bones back to Samarkand and built a tomb there. It is a sacred place for three religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.

Hotel

Samarkand has a wide range of accommodation options. The nearest airport is Samarkand International Airport. You can book flights and accommodation from the link below. Other languages are also supported.