A beautiful but underrated city has been crowned one of the prettiest in the world, despite not getting as many tourists as European favourites. Samarkand, an ancient town of historical significance, serves as a convergence point and melting pot for various cultures from around the world.
Situated in Uzbekistan, the city’s origins trace back to the 7th century B.C. when it was established as ancient Afrasiab.
However, Samarkand experienced its most profound development during the Timurid period spanning the 14th to the 15th centuries.
This historic town boasts a remarkable array of major monuments that stand as testaments to its rich cultural heritage.
Among these prominent structures are the awe-inspiring Registan Mosque and madrasas, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the enchanting Shakhi-Zinda compound, the splendid Gur-Emir ensemble, and the scientific marvel of Ulugh-Beg’s Observatory.
Each of these architectural marvels contributes to the unique tapestry of Samarkand’s cultural and historical significance, showcasing the town’s evolution and its pivotal role as a crossroad of civilizations.
The legacy of Samarkand is intricately woven into the fabric of time, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the diverse and storied history of this ancient town.
A compelling motive to explore Samarkand lies in the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking Islamic architecture exhibited in its mosques and mausoleums.
Revered by poets and historians alike, the city has been eloquently dubbed “The Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World,” underscoring its significance as a gem showcasing the splendor of Islamic artistic heritage.
Uzbek cuisine mirrors the diversity of the country’s landscape, and Samarkand is no exception to this culinary richness.
The quintessential national dish is plov, akin to pilaf or pilau. This rice-based delicacy can be crafted using a myriad of ingredients, such as carrots, beef, raisins, and onions. Notably, each family in every region boasts its unique plov recipe, encouraging exploration to discover the perfect match that suits individual tastes.
Complementing most meals is obi non, a distinctive bread style freshly baked in a clay oven. This bread is then intricately stamped and adorned using a spiky tool, readily available at souvenir stands, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the dining experience.
The city has received numerous favorable reviews from several travelers on TripAdvisor.
One person said: “Words cannot explain beauty of this place. I knew how it will look alike, I google it, read about it etc but nothing prepared me to the glory of this place. I stayed in Tashkent and drove by speedtrain to Samarkand on a day trip.
“One day was enough to see what I was playing to see. I hired a driver to drive me around. I spent several hours in Registan, just enjoying islamic architecture, small madresas, small shops and artwork. People arw so friendly and they love seeing tourists.
“Don’t be surprised if they ask you to take a picture with them as they have never seen tourists before. This place is once in a life time must see. Enjoyed every minute of my travel!”
Another person commented: “Visited Registan in Sept. 2017 as a highlight of my 14 days tour of Uzbekistan and it did not disappoint. The splendid colourful mosaic, religious abstract and geometric Islamic patterns that decorate the 3 Madrasahs: Uleg Beg, the magnificent Tilla Kari and Asher-Dar.
“The blue coloured minarets towering high blending with the colour of the blue sky is mermirising, left me standing in the middle of the square in awe of its beauty. Must visit to see its grandeur!”
