By Kathleen Pokrud
Samarkand is one of the world’s most ancient cities, as old as Athens and Rome. Often referred to as “East Babylon”, it is over 2,500 years old. Located in Uzbekistan, it is a significant historical city in Central Asia, as part of the Silk Road trade routes between the East and West. Over time, Samarkand has been a melting pot of civilizations, influenced by various cultures such as Persian, Mongol, Arab and Greek.
Alexander the Great once said, “Everything that I heard about Samarkand is all true, absolutely everything! Except for one thing: it turned out to be more beautiful than I could imagine.” Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and well-preserved monuments. The city remains an important cultural and educational centre.
Samarkand reached its glory during the Timurid Empire in the 14th and 15th centuries under the rule of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), who made the city his capital. Under Timur, the city transformed into a vibrant cultural and intellectual hub, with the construction of grand mosques and madrasas.
Samarkand is renowned for many architectural marvels as a backdrop of Islamic heritage. To name a few, there is Registan Square, the magnificent venue where the bi-annual “XIII Sharq Taronlari” Music Festival was recently held. Often hailed as an outstanding example of urban planning in Central Asia, the Square consists of three majestic buildings - Madrassah of Ulughbek, Tillya-Kori and Sherdor, that display stunning and intricate tilework.
The Gur-Amir Mausoleum, where Amir Timur, his sons and grandsons are buried, is known for its striking blue dome. During the reign of Amir Timur, he commissioned the Bibi-Khanum Mosque in honour of his wife. This is one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world and the most monumental building in Samarkand.
The Ulughbek Observatory is considered one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world. The basis of the observatory was a giant goniometre vertical circle with a radius equal to 40,212 metres and arc length of 63 metres. Another outstanding ancient architectural ensemble is Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis with beautifully decorated tombs and mausoleums.
Today, Samarkand is a vibrant city, blending its ancient heritage with modern life. It continues to attract tourists from around the world. Many visitors are drawn to its rich history and architectural wonders. The legacy of Samarkand remains as a crossroads of cultures. Its breath-taking and stunning architecture make it one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
