| Page Views: 4,475 Last Visit to Samarkand: October, 2002 | Samarkand - Eternal City on the Silk Road by lotharlerch - last update: Nov 4, 2009  |
The Registan ("Sandy Square") is the heart of Samarkand, often named "the most noble square in the world". No visitor remains unimpressed. The square is open on one side and opposite of it is Tilla Kori, the Golden Mosque. At the right side is the Shir Dor ("Tiger") madrasah, at the left the older named after Ulug Beg. Both were Koran schools with cells where the students lived. All three buildings are completely covered with mostly blue ceramic tiles showing fantastic ornaments and wonderful kalligraphics.
For more pics see the travelogue.
Important notice - Acknowledgment:
Some of the pictures on this website were taken by my friends Peter Lieberzeit and Bruno Sperl who have been together with me in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. |
| Wall tiles from 15th century |
|  | Shohi Zinda This extraordinary necropolis is about one km from the Registan at a corner of Afrosiob, the old pre-Timurid Samarkand which was existing for about 2000 years before Timur Lenk destroyed it.
Shohi Zinda shows even more refined ceramics and fantastic carved woodden doors. Until hundred years ago this holy place was forbidden for non-Muslims. See also the travelogue. |
Gur Emir and Bibi Hanum These are together with the Registan and Shohi Zinda the most important architectonic landmarks of Samarkand. In Gur Emir Tamerlan (Timur Lenk) is buried and Bibi Hanum is the largest mosque in Central Asia.
For more pics see the travelogue | | |
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| Pros: | "The most spectacular architecture along the Silk Road" | | Cons: | "Starts to get "touristy" with heavy "rip-offs"" | | In A Nutshell: | "One of two Musts in Uzbekistan" |
lotharlerch's Samarkand Travel Tips
 lotharlerch's Samarkand Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for lotharlerch about Samarkand | | | | |
globetrott Wed Mar 19, 2008 22:40 UTC
What an interesting location ! Excellent tips & pics and great updates again, Lothar ! Sieht aus wie bei 1001 nacht !! | nepalgoods Sat Sep 8, 2007 06:52 UTC
Samarkand is definitely a highlight!! I did not see many beggars, no Hassle at all. | TheWanderingCamel Wed Aug 24, 2005 14:10 UTC
Interesting how different the cities of Uzbekistan are, one from the other. Nice pics here. -leyle | matthieuxjames Thu May 12, 2005 05:45 UTC
The timeless beauty of Samarkand is captured very well in your photographs. When I look at the peaceful streets and intricate architecture, it's hard to imagine the stormy history which unfolded here over countless generations. |
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