Samarkand in Uzbekistan - The Rome of the East

What is there to see in those places of interest in Samarkand? I would say, you will have incredible architecture, an enduring history and a dazzling mixture of cultures for you to explore.

You may want to know that Samarkand, which is strategically located in the Zarafshan Valley in Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most important cities of Asia. Further, it serves as a key entry point on any visit to places to see and places to visit in Central Asia.

The Registan ('sandy place') - a huge square in the centre of the city, consists of three huge madrassas, i.e. Ulugh Beg Madrassa in the west, Sherdar Madrassa in the east, and Tilla-Kari Madrassa in the middle, are sparkle with turquoise mosaic patterns and decorated inside and out with glazed bricks, mosaics and carved marble, representing the finest of Islamic art and architecture in the world.

Those have been to these tourist attractions have agreed that it is home to a dazzling array of architecture and culture, and Samarkand is majestic and beautiful to be seen, felt and touched. I believe that is the reason why Samarkand is acknowledged by tourists and travelers as ‘the Rome of the East’, ‘the pearl of the Muslim world’ or ‘the Land of Scientists’.

Uleg Beg Madrassah

I believe its dazzling array of architecture and culture is the result of being rule by the Persians, Alexander the Great, Arabs, Genghis Khan, Timur Gurkani (Tamerlane or Tamburlaine the Great), Turks and Russians, leading it to develop a culture consisting of Persian, Indian and Mongolian influences with a splash of both Western and Eastern cultures.

Among the many places of interest, places to visit and places to see that I feel you should not miss, shall include the following:

Gur Emir Mausoleum - the blue, ribbed dome that dominates the skyline of central Samarkand which houses the remains of Timur (i.e. the man that made Samarkand the capital of his empire and turn it into a magnificent centre of mosques and mausoleums) and his family. Do take a look at the broken, gigantic slab of dark green jade commemorating this once mighty ruler, it is said to be the largest jade stone in the world.

Bibi Khanum Mosque - restored by the Russian Government after earthquake damage in the nineteenth century. Its dome is considered to be the largest in the Muslim world and the multi-coloured decorated roof is one of the largest and most grand in Samarkand. With an impressive main gate of 35 m or 115 ft high, and looms above a noisy, crowded market brimming with colourful fruits, vegetables and locally grown spices.

Shah-i-Zinda - the tomb of the living king. This beautiful shrine is one of the oldest structures in Samarkand and is a popular pilgrimage site. In fact, it houses the shrine of Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Qusam ibn Abbas, who brought Islam to the region.

When is the best time to visit those tourist attractions and places of interest? April to June, or September to October.