Registan Square is the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand and one of Central Asia's most stunning sights. The square is surrounded by three splendid madrasahs (Islamic schools) – the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Tilla-Kori Madrasah, and the Sher-Dor Madrasah. Visiting Registan Square offers a glimpse into Samarkand's rich history, showcasing the pinnacle of medieval Central Asian architecture. The madrasahs are adorned with intricate blue tiles, towering minarets, and spacious courtyards. During your tour, you can explore the classrooms, dormitories, and mosques that once served as the center of Islamic learning. A guide can help you understand the stories and significance behind the beautiful calligraphy and tilework.
Gur-e-Amir is a mausoleum of the Asian conqueror Timur (also known as Tamerlane). It stands as a monument to the Timurid Empire at its zenith. The exterior is impressive with its blue ribbed dome and dark blue tiles. Inside, you'll find the tombstone of Timur and other members of his family. The interior is ornately decorated with gold leaf and intricate geometrical patterns. A visit to Gur-e-Amir offers a cultural experience as well as a chance to reflect on the region’s history. The mausoleum not only serves as the final resting place for Timur, but it also influenced later Muslim architecture, including the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra.
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the Islamic world's largest and most opulent, was built in Samarkand by order of Timur. Although it has been partially destroyed over time, the restored mosque is still a symbol of the city's historical grandeur. The main entrance, with its massive arch and flanking minarets, is a sight to behold. As you wander through the mosque complex, your guide will recount its storied past, including legends of its construction and details of Persian-Mongolian architectural style. The mosque now houses a market where you can find traditional Uzbek textiles and souvenirs.
The Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis is a street filled with mausoleums and other ritual buildings. 'Shah-i-Zinda' means 'The Living King', in reference to the legend that Kusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, is buried here. The site is remarkable for its stunning tilework and the variety in mausoleum design, with each displaying unique features and decor from various centuries. A walk through this sacred avenue is not just a journey through a beautifully preserved Islamic funerary complex, but also a pilgrimage taken by many to pay homage to the figures from Islamic history buried here.
Uzbek cuisine is a delightful aspect of the nation's culture, and there's no better way to experience this than by taking a traditional cooking class. Join a local chef in a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to make classic Uzbek dishes such as Plov, the country’s national dish made from rice, carrots, onions, and meat. Discover the secrets behind perfecting delicate steamed dumplings known as Manti, or create the layered noodle dish, Lagman. The experience not only allows you to delve into the culinary traditions of Uzbekistan but also enjoy the fruits of your labor with a shared meal at the end of the class.
Exploring the bazaars of Samarkand is akin to stepping back in time to the Silk Road era. The vibrant Siab Bazaar offers a maze of stalls brimming with fresh fruits, nuts, sweets, and spices. Amidst the chatter and bartering of locals, you can purchase traditional handicrafts, silk scarves, and ceramics. The hustle and bustle of the market, coupled with the colorful displays and aromas of exotic spices, make for a sensory overload. Be sure to try some of the freshly baked bread and local cheese for a taste of everyday Uzbek life.
The Samarkand region is famed for its winemaking traditions, with a history that dates back to Alexander the Great’s time. A visit to the Khovrenko Winery (formerly known as the Samarkand Winery), offers you a chance to explore the cellars and learn about the local production of both wine and brandy. After a guided tour of the premises, indulge in a tasting session where you can sample several varieties of wine and brandy produced using indigenous grape varieties. Accompanied by an expert, you'll learn to appreciate the subtle notes and flavors that make Uzbek wine unique.
The Afrasiab Museum is situated on the site of ancient Afrasiab, once a flourishing city before being destroyed by the Mongols. The museum beautifully tells the tale of this ancient city through a collection of artifacts that includes pottery, coins, fresco fragments, and terracotta statuettes. The highlight of the museum are the seventh-century frescoes that were discovered in the old palace. They give an unparalleled view of life during the Sogdian period in Samarkand. Through the exhibits, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the various cultures that thrived in the city throughout its storied past.
The Ulugh Beg Observatory once housed the finest observatory in the Islamic world, created by Timur's grandson who was not only a ruler but a pioneering astronomer. Here, you can view what remains of the giant sextant that Ulugh Beg used to map the stars and calculate the length of the year within minutes of modern measurements. The adjacent museum provides context to the observatory's achievements and gives visitors a sense of the impressive scientific advances made at the time. Stargazing at the observatory is a unique opportunity to connect the history of astronomy with the present.
The Navoi Theatre, a grandiose Soviet-era opera and ballet theater, offers a magnificent setting to enjoy Uzbek and international performing arts. While visiting Samarkand, catching a cultural show here can be a divine experience. From classical ballet to traditional Uzbek dances and operas, the performances are an amalgamation of stunning costumes, talented artists, and enthralling music. It's not only a way to experience the vibrant art scene of Uzbekistan but also to appreciate the architectural beauty of the theater itself.
