SAMARKAND Samarkand
sits throghout Zeravshan valley. City issurrounded by the spurs of Pamir-Alay
ridges. Ancient Samarkand (Marakanda) was known all the World. In the 4th c BC
Marakanda, was one biggest centers of culture and trade in the World. Samarkand
is contemporary of Rome.
The
Registan Square Registan is one of the most spectacular ancient architectural
ensembles of Central Asia, which is situated in the heart of Samarkand city. The
ensemble has a breathtaking view from three geometrically accurate located medressas
on a square. The word "Registan" descends from Persian origin meaning
"sandy place".
Ulughbek
Observatory Ulughbek was more astronomer than governor. And indeed, Ulughbek
was interested very much in exploring stars. His observatory was well equipped
in the medieval world attracting the world's leading scientists and it became
a center of progress.
Shahi
Zinda "Living King" from Persian, Shahi Zinda is named in honor
of Kusam Ibn Abbos, Prophet Mohammed's cousin, who is said to bring Islam to this
area. Shahi Zinda is also a place of pilgrimage, so dress conservatively and enter
it with respect, please.
Bibi
Khanum Mosque The gigantic conjugational mosque faces north east of Registan.
Today it is restored and represents a majestic panorama. The legend goes that
Bibi Khanum, a chinese wife of Tamerlane, decided to surprise her spouse who in
India during one of his military campaigns of 1398-1399. She ordered to build
a mosque. The architect fell madly in love with her and refused to complete construction
of the building if she would not let him kiss. Timur was enraged and ordered to
bring the architect alive or dead. But the Architect took an advantage of a high
minaret, climbed it and vanished to Persia. The construction of mosque was complited
shortly before Timur's death.
Guri
Amir Mausoleum Timur, his two sons and also two grandsons, including Ulughbek
are buried in Guri Amir, Persian "Emir's Tomb". Timur's burial place
(a whole stone block made from dark - green Jade, nephrite) is in the center of
Guri Amir. Before his death he whispered "Only a stone and my name on it".
This biggest greenstone was brought from a mountain district. And according to
another story, Ulughbek himself brought it in 1411.
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