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.