Samarkand
Tourism information and more.
Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan and is of the same age as Rome, Athens and Babylon- more than 25 centuries old. Ancient Arab manuscripts refer to it as the “Gem of the East”, Europeans called it the “The Land of Scientists”. A majestic and beautiful city, Samarkand is the city of legends. When Alexander the Great first time saw Samarkand, he exclaimed: I heard that the city was beautiful but never thought that it could be so beautiful and majestic.
The city has an astonishing collection of ancient monuments. The turquoise dome of Samarkand is among the world most evocative architectural symbols. The most magnificent landmark in this old city is Registan Square (means “sandy place”) - a traditional centre of the city.
Sights & Activities
- Shah-i-Zinda (“Tomb of the Living King”) - the complex is based on the grave of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad who brought Islam to this area. His shrine is one of the oldest buildings in Samarkand
- Gur-e Amir Mausoleum - after the death of his grandson Muhammad-Sultan in 1403 Timur ordered the mausoleum built for him. With time, the Gur-e Amir became the family mausoleum of the Timurid dynasty
- Main Bazaar
- The Ruins of Afrasiab from the 7th century - the restored building is a long, low structure with five domes, containing an immense 18-meter long sarcophagus. According to legend, Daniel’s body grows by half an inch per year, thus the long tomb
- State Museum - this museum (which has not changed much since Soviet times) contains serious exhibitions on local archaeology, history, and folk crafts
Touring Options
