Samarkand is the city of the Timurids. Samarkand means „Pearl of the Orient“ and is an oasis city and the second largest city in Uzbekistan. It was the capital of Timur’s empire from 1369-1405 and located on the silk road. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as „Crossroad of Cultures“ since Indian, Iranian, Mongolian, Eastern and Western influences come together here.
It will be the highlight of your trip, so you should spend 3 days here.
⭐️📸 Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum that Timur built for his favourite grandson Muhammad Sultan that died unexpectedly. Later it became the family tomb of the Timurids.
⭐️📸 Visit the Registan-Square meaning „Sand-Square“, Samarkand’s main sight during the day. It is worldwide the only square that has 3 Medreses and was used for royal anouncements and Hinrichtungen in the past:
Medrese Ulugh Begh named after the astronom Ulugh Begh, the grandson of Timur is the oldest Medrese from 1420. He priorised science befor religion and let his life for that.
Medrese Tilya Kori means „covered in gold“ and the inside of the mosque is covered in gold.
Medrese Sher Dor means „Tiger Medrese“ and has a tiger design in the Entrance.
⭐️📸 Visit the Bibi-Khanum Mosque that Amir Timur built for his favourite wife Bibi-Khanum (meaning „first lady“) in 1399. In the 15th century it was the bigest and prächtigste mosque in the world. But she became a ruin and was only restaurated in the 20th century. On the opposite site you can visit the Bibi-Khanum Mausoleum.
Scroll through the Siyob-Bazar, the largest bazar in Samarkand where you can try the unique Samarkand bread.
⭐️📸 Visit the Hazrati-Khizr Mosque where the mausoleum of Islom Karimov, the first president of Usbekistan, is located. SInce becoming independent, Usbkeistan only had 2 presidents. He is very cherished. His grace stone is made of white Onyx and the walls are decorated with jewels and gold and green Onyx. The building belongs to the UNESCO WOrld heritage.
⭐️📸 Visit the Shohi-Zinda-Nekropolis where 11 mausoleums are located. Many of Amir Timurs wifes are lying here. Also the Cousin of the Prophet Mohammed is buried here.
⭐️🔍 Visit the Observatorium Ulugh Begh, that was bui7lt by Amir Timu’s grandchild Ulugh Begh, a famous astronomist and an UNESCO world heritage. In the 15th century it was one of the most developed astronomical centres. In the museum you can learn about the astronomical instruments and his influence for astronomy.
Visit the Chodja-Doniyor Mausoleum where the grave of the prophet Daniel is located. It is a holy place.
⭐️🔍 Visit the Museum Afrosiyob located onthe area of the old settlement of Afrosiyob that was founded in 750 BC and is the Vorläufer of Samarkand. It was destroyed by Djingiz Han in 1220. Here you can see archaeological artifacts from the time of the Sogdians.
⭐️📸 Revisit the Registan-Square in the evening to enjoy it in a different atmosphere. The ticket is valid for 1 day. Every evening at 8pm there is a Light show.