Nicknamed the pearl of Uzbekistan, Samarkand is a fascinating city, both for its rich history and architectural beauty. Traversed by numerous civilizations throughout its long existence, it has managed to preserve the legacy of these diverse cultures through its countless monuments, each more impressive than the last. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2001, a visit to the City of Blue Domes promises moments filled with discovery and emotion.

History

Samarkand ranks among the oldest cities of Central Asia. It dates back to the 6th century B.C. and was known by the name Afrasiab. At that time, the city successively belonged to the Achaemenid Empire and that of Alexander the Great. Its geographical position, at the crossroads of major trade routes from China, India, Afghanistan, and Iran made it a prosperous city in the 2nd century A.D. Four centuries later, the city was conquered by the Turks. Then, in 712, Arab general Kutayba ibn Muslim captured Samarkand and the ancient temples were transformed into mosques, an administrative center, and treasure halls. In the 9th and 10th centuries, the city was occupied by the Iranian Samanids. A century later, it was retaken by the Turks, before being completely destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1220 during the Mongol invasion.

A century later, Timur rebuilt the city of Samarkand to the southwest of its former site and made it the capital of his empire, which stretched from the Volga River and the Caucasus Mountains to India. Under his reign, the city was the guardian of war treasures from the emperor's numerous conquests and the site of the most spectacular constructions the world had ever seen. However, from the 16th century onward, Samarkand gradually lost its importance despite numerous construction projects.

In 1868, under Russian domination, it became a provincial capital, which contributed to the growth of its economy. Then, between 1924 and 1930, it served as the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

Between the 1930s and 1937, it became a district center. Today, although it has evolved into a modern metropolis, Samarkand remains one of the principal cradles of the civilization of Central Asian peoples.

Discovering Samarkand

Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan in terms of area and population. Nicknamed the Eden of the Orient, the Face of the Earth, the Glittering Summit of the Earth, or the City of Blue Domes, it stands as a reference point of Oriental culture with over 300 monuments, the majority of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Like most Central Asian cities, Samarkand is divided into two zones: the medieval town and the new city. The old town is home to historical monuments and elementary schools. The new city houses administrative, cultural, and industrial buildings. It is also home to a university with over 10 faculties. But what captivates travelers about Samarkand is above all its mausoleums, mosques, and madrassas (Islamic religious educational institutions) covered with blue domes, which earned it the nickname the City of Blue Domes.

Among the must-see sites during your stay in Samarkand are: Registan Square and its three Madrassas, the Hazrat-Hyzr Mosque, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Ulug Beg Observatory, the Gour Emir Mausoleum, the Tilla Kari Mosque-Madrassa, and Shah-i Zinda, a complex of Timurid mausoleums.

By Air

Samarkand is served by two daily flights from Tashkent. The airport is located 6 km north of the city.

By Train

High-speed trains (Afrosyob) also connect Samarkand to the major cities in the country. For example, two Afrosyob trains operate daily service between Tashkent and Samarkand. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs between $15 to $18. The station is located 7 km northwest of the city.

By Bus

Samarkand is also served by numerous buses from the major cities of Uzbekistan. From Tashkent, for example, you should allow approximately 5 hours by minibus and 6 hours by coach.