"Samarkand - pearl of East" Samarkand by Rumiya

Samarkand Travel Guide: 302 reviews and 892 photos

Wellcome to Oriental fairy tale...

The city on the banks of the Zerafshan river, referred to in days gone by as "The splendid face of the earth" and "The capital of the world" still casts a spell over today's visitor. Formerly Uzbekistan's capital and now it's the second largest city. Samarkand offers masterpieces of temurid architecture as well as quaint Russian barock and classic buildings. Take a stroll under the shady roof of the tree lined University Boulevard-Samarkand opened the first university in Uzbekistan-join a guided tour of Afrasiab, the very foundations of the Sogdian empire more than 2700 years old and mentioned in the zoroastrian Avesta and then visit Marmar Bazaar with its abundance of the choicest fruits and vegetables you'll ever taste and you'll get a sense of Central Asia like nowhere else.

The origin of the word Samarkand is explained in different ways: Samarya (gathering), Semizkent (rich settlement), Hamarya (our).
Under Temur's reign, a vast area from China to the Mediterranean was united under one reign, creating stability and a favourable climate for bustling trade along The Great Silk Road. The realisation of Amir Temur's vision to build the greatest architectural monuments of all times was made possible by settling captivated Grand Masters from all over his empire in Samarkand, who each contributed their unique know-how and style.

Intro Updated Aug 17, 2004
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Reviews (7)

Ulugbek Medrese Things to Do (7)

A highlight of classic Central Asian monumental architectural heritage. The medrese's mosaics are among the finest both... more travel advice

Tilla-Kari Medrese Things to Do (7)

The "gold covered", served as the main Friday Mosque, which after extensive renovations once again takes your breath... more travel advice

Sher Dor Medrese Things to Do (7)

The rich colored finishing and the depiction of sun, lion (tiger) and antelope tell of a different approach to artistic... more travel advice

Shahi-Zinda Ensemble Things to Do (7)

Shahi-Zinda Ensemble - "alive king" - is a unique necropolis; one of the sacred places of Muslim East. It includes 44... more travel advice

Comments (15)

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uzbekgirlie Jun 26, 2007 at 7:55 AM

I love this city. And ever time I visit it makes me proud to be from Samarkand, the most beautiful city on earth. I miss home so much and hoping to go back again this upcoming summer. :))
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TheWanderingCamel Jan 12, 2007 at 1:00 AM

Lovely photos - I really want to get back to Samarkand one day. leyle
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RhineRoll Jun 24, 2006 at 12:48 AM

fascinating tips about a dreamlike destination!
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kokoryko Apr 6, 2006 at 1:48 PM

Beautiful, ; a place I certainly will visit this summer; Ulugbek seems interesting.
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BluBluBlu Jan 4, 2006 at 2:59 AM

Some great photo's of a beautiful place! Blu
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nada1712 Aug 4, 2004 at 3:12 PM

Another wonderful page - hope there will be more!!!
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aah_stone Aug 4, 2004 at 12:15 AM

Ulegbek sounds very interesting, I will have to find out more about him. Thanks.
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lotharlerch Jul 31, 2004 at 6:19 AM

A nice start!
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dsantosh Jul 27, 2004 at 10:17 PM

Rumiya, many many happy returns of the day. Wishing you a happy birthday, a great time and great future travels. Greetings from India.
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dr.firas Jul 10, 2004 at 1:04 AM

Very imprerssive, the more I see the more I'm motivated to come and visit :-)))