Samarkand
“The dome is the top of all the wonders of the world, like the dome of the eternal heavens” – Alisher Navoi.
Samarkand is a pearl of Central Asia, one of the most beautiful cities of Uzbekistan. It is also, like Bukhara, the oldest city and historical center of our country. The old part of Samarkand is on the World Heritage List and is under a safe wing of UNESCO.
Among the travelers and guests of the city - Samarkand is famous for its main attraction - Registan Square, which is considered the crown of 15th-century Persian architecture. However, historians still cannot define the exact year when Samarkand was founded.
Samarkand is about 2750 years old. Archeologists discovered a lot during archeological excavations to prove it on the territory of the city. The most interesting were the treasures of the cultural art of the past. Because from the old days Samarkand was proud of the great minds of scientists, artists and writers.
Initially, the city was located on a small part of the hill Afrosiab, which rises closer to the north of the current Samarkand. Later, it was repeatedly conquered: by Alexander the Great, by the troops of the Arab Caliphate, by Genghis Khan. After the capture of Samarkand by the Mongol horde, the city was razed to the ground and for many years the desert reigned here. But, despite the fact that the city was subjected to severe destruction each time, during the reconstruction Samarkand grew and became the capital of many large oriental states.
Traditional house of Ilkhom Ibragimov in Samarkand
The complete revival of Samarkand fell on the reign of Tamerlane (Amir Timur). Thanks to the coming of his army, Samarkand returned to life. Mosques, madrassas, and gardens were created. For two centuries, Samarkand was the main city on the Silk Road, connecting the Old World with China.
Today, thanks to the active growth of tourism business in Central Asia, more and more people from Russia, as well as countries of near and far abroad, are turning their attention to Uzbekistan and taking trips to various cities of our country. Samarkand is included in the TOP cities of Uzbekistan by the number of tourists who want to know the Uzbek culture and learn about the history of Central Asia as much as possible.
Music of Samarkand
Craft of Samarkand - Koni Ghil Meros, Silk Paper Workshop
Koni Ghil Meros is a workshop for the production of paper from mulberry wood, organized by local artist Zarif Mukhtorov. It is known that the production of silk paper in Samarkand begins in the 8th century; rather quickly, paper becomes popular due to its quality. At that time, many pen professionals, calligraphers, used Samarkand paper to write books. At the end of the 19th century, the production of modern paper almost displaces the use of silk paper and art almost disappears. Thanks to the efforts and zeal of Zarif Mukhtorov, almost forgotten art was restored. Today, visiting the Koni Ghil Meros production center, you do not only see the production of silk paper, but also get acquainted with the production of sesame oil and the manufacture of Samarkand ceramics.