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    Tourist Attractions in Samarkand

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Samarkand. Photos and a brief description.

    Samarkand
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    About Samarkand

    Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities in the world. He found states and peoples that no longer exist. Samarkand flourished during the reign of Tamerlane. He made the city the capital of his empire. In addition, many architectural beauties of the district were created during that period. The followers of the ruler from the Timurid clan continued his work.

    UNESCO’s high assessment can eloquently tell how successful they have been. Several architectural complexes are included in the World Heritage List at once. Mausoleums and mosques, even erected at different times, look harmonious. And the Siab bazaar, it seems, has not changed at all in six centuries of existence. Registan Square deserves special attention – “a place covered with sand”. This is the pride of the entire Middle East.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Samarkand

    Registan

    The name of the main square of Samarkand translates as "a place covered with sand". At one time, all the squares of the Middle East were called Registan. Samarkand dates back to the XV century and is known far beyond the borders of the country. In different periods, the square was a gathering point for troops, as well as a scientific center. It is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A complex of three madrassas played an important role in such a high assessment. Ulugbek was created almost simultaneously with Registan. Sherdor and Tillya-Kari were built in the XVII century. Madrasas are not only beautiful, but also fulfill important missions: cultural, spiritual, educational.

    Registan
    The ancient settlement of Afrosiab

    The ancient settlement of Afrosiab

    It is located in the north of Samarkand. Loess hills cover an area of about 200 hectares. In the past, the Sogdian capital was located here. Archaeologists began to explore the territory back in the 70s of the century before last. During the excavations, terracotta figurines, glass products, and samples of tools were found. There is little reliable information about the appearance of the ancient city. By the 13th century, Afrasiab began to decline.

    Gur-Emir Mausoleum

    The ancient tomb of Tamerlane. Hence the name, which translates as "the grave of the king". The building is impressive in area, has one high dome. Despite all the historical and cultural importance, the mausoleum is almost not decorated externally. Tiles of calm tones were used in the design: white, blue, light blue. But the tombstone in the crypt is much more unusual: it was made of dark green jade.

    Gur-Emir Mausoleum
    Shahi Zinda

    Shahi Zinda

    A complex of mausoleums in the north of the city. Its name translates as "the living king". The landmark was formed during the XIV-XV centuries. On the "street of the dead" one tomb for representatives of royal houses and nobility was attached to another. There are 11 main mausoleums, but during the excavations numerous earlier burials were found. The latest of them is dated to the XII century.

    Bi bi-Khanim Mosque

    It was built at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries in honor of his beloved wife from the harem of Amir Timur. In total, the complex includes three mosques: a large main one with a blue dome and two small ones. The best masters of the East were invited for the construction and finishing works. The courtyard was paved with marble and surrounded by a covered gallery. The outer walls were covered with ornaments, the inner walls with carvings, patterns, mosaics. Reconstruction is underway now.

    Bi bi-Khanim Mosque
    The Mausoleum of BI bi-Khanim

    The Mausoleum of BI bi-Khanim

    It was built at the same time as the mosque. Judging by its appearance, it was originally attached to a madrasah. Externally, the mausoleum is not decorated with anything. Against the general background, only a bright dome stands out. But inside, visitors are mesmerized by the silhouettes of stalactites, which are painted like ivory. The sarcophagi in the crypt are marble. They were studied in the 40s of the last century. The remains of one of the women probably belong to Sarah Mulhanym.

    Siab Bazaar

    About 600 years have passed since its foundation in the Old Town. Little has changed in the oriental bazaar. On an area of more than 7 hectares, there are many trade pavilions and rows. It's always noisy and bustling here. Bargaining is a mandatory component of any transaction. They sell a lot of goods. Spices, oriental sweets and dried fruits prevail. It is a 10-minute walk from Registan.

    Siab Bazaar
    Hazret-Khizr Mosque

    Hazret-Khizr Mosque

    The first shrine appeared on this site in the VIII century. It was named after the prophet who patronized travelers. Destroyed almost to the foundation, the mosque began to be rebuilt in the middle of the century before last. The work stretched over more than 60 years. The appearance of Hazret-Khizr is characteristic of the Samarkand architectural school. In the interior decoration, the ceiling painting immediately catches the eye.

    Mausoleum of Khoja Donier

    The Old Testament prophet Donier, also known as Daniel or Daniyar, is revered in three denominations at once: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. His remains were brought to the city by Tamerlane. A mausoleum was built over the grave, there is a spring nearby, and an almond tree grows. It dried up, and then for inexplicable reasons came back to life. In 2001, the tomb with other urban sites was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    Mausoleum of Khoja Donier
    Rukhabad Mausoleum

    Rukhabad Mausoleum

    It is located in the central part of Samarkand. Amir Timur ordered the construction of a mausoleum in 1380 over the grave of Sheikh Burhaneddin Klych Sagarji. The latter was known as a preacher, theologian and scientist. The area of the cube–shaped building is 168 m2, and the height is 24 m, including the dome. Wall decoration is practically absent. They are covered with alabaster, only the entrances-arches are decorated with carved tiles.

    Mausoleum of Abu Mansur Maturidi

    The building was erected over the grave of the interpreter of the Koran. According to legend, about three thousand more of his colleagues are buried nearby. Over the years of its existence, the architectural monument has become dilapidated and began to collapse. At the beginning of the noughties, he needed reconstruction. The mausoleum was not only repaired, but also supplemented with decorative elements. For example, quotes from Abu Mansur himself appeared on a snow-white marble tombstone.

    Mausoleum of Abu Mansur Maturidi
    Ishrathana

    Ishrathana

    An architectural monument of the XV century. It is currently in a state of ruins. It was destroyed in stages, and earthquakes played an important role in its destruction. There is no clear idea what Ishrathona was used for. As an option – a place for burials of representatives of the noble family of the Timurids. It was decided to reconstruct the object, restored mosaic fragments have already appeared on one of the arches.

    Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex

    It is located at some distance from the city. It is one of the most important Islamic shrines in Central Asia. A mausoleum has been built in the central part of the complex, where the remains of the imam are buried. The tomb, like its dome, is made in soft blue tones. On the left there is a khanaka with a mosque, and on the right there is a spacious museum. In it, Islamic exhibits are side by side with gifts from the heads of other countries.

    Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex
    Khoja-Ahror Ensemble

    Khoja-Ahror Ensemble

    200 years after the death of Sheikh Khoja-Ahrar, it was decided to build a mosque and madrasah near his grave. Since the region is seismically active, buildings have suffered from aftershocks over time. They were reconstructed, which distorted the initial idea of the authors of the project. However, they returned to the restoration again, so that the complex shone with its former splendor. Now this place is one of the most visited in the city.

    Museum of the History of Samarkand "Afrasiab"

    The building was built in 1970 in the northern part of the city. The exposition is divided into 5 halls. The first one contains archaeological finds. The second tells about the early history of Samarkand up to the VI century. The third contains evidence of the history of the conquests of Alexander the Great. The fourth is dedicated to the main religion of the city until the IV century – Zoroastrianism. And the fifth refers to the spiritual life of local residents.

    Museum of the History of Samarkand
    Cathedral of St. Alexy of Moscow

    Cathedral of St. Alexy of Moscow

    It was built in the neo-Russian style for a military unit at the beginning of the last century. It was consecrated in 1912 and received the name of the Metropolitan. The green arch above the entrance and the roof of the same color stand out against the walls of the cathedral. After the revolution, the premises were given to the military. The dome and bell tower were destroyed. Later, a branch of the Museum of Local lore was placed here. In 1996, the church was returned to the ROC, and the re-consecration was conducted by Patriarch Alexy II.

    Carpet factory "Khujum"

    Although the company is called a factory, they work here manually using only primitive tools of the past. It takes about a year to create one carpet. It all depends on its size and the complexity of the pattern. Mainly national ornaments and their variations are used. During a visit to Khujum, tourists can observe all stages of the production process, starting with the parsing of the silkworm cocoon.

    Carpet factory
    Sadriddin Aini House Museum

    Sadriddin Aini House Museum

    The exposition is located in the house where Aini lived for more than 30 years. He is a well–known poet and writer in many countries. Sadriddin stood at the origins of the modern literature of his native country. He was persecuted for his views. The interior of the house is perfectly preserved. The museum highlights not only the creative path and personal life of the writer. There is an exhibition of household items from the pre-revolutionary period.

    Monument to Amir Timur

    The majestic monument is installed on University Boulevard. Amir Temur is depicted sitting on a bench and leaning on a sword with both hands. His face expresses equanimity. This territory was mastered in the century before last. An alley of tall plantings divides the avenue into two parts. In the modern period, illuminated fountains appeared here. The first European-style buildings in the city were built nearby.

    Monument to Amir Timur
    Ulugbek Observatory

    Ulugbek Observatory

    It is named after its founder, a Turkic astrologer and astronomer. Here, in the 30s of the XIV century, an astronomical catalog with more than a thousand stars was compiled. He received the name Gurgan zij. A medieval historical monument was found in 1908 on Kuhak Hill. The full study had to wait about 40 years. The observatory was reconstructed. One of the valuable finds is a sextant of impressive size.