Samarkand - Uzbekistan:
It is located in the Zarafshan Valley in Uzbekistan and is one of the
oldest and most important cities of Asia. It is the third largest city in
Uzbekistan with a long and violent history. Due to its dazzling array of
architecture and culture, it has also been called "the Rome of the East", "pearl
of the Muslim world", and "the Land of Scientists". Samarkand has experienced
rule by a lot of different rulers like Persians, Alexander the great, Arabs,
Timur Gurfkani etc. leading it to develop a culture consisting of Persian,
Indian and Mongolian influences with a splash of both western and Eastern
cultures. Famous scientists and poets of the Medieval Orient lived and worked in
Samarkand. Its geographical location in the picturesque valley of the Zerafshan
River gave Samarkand an advantage over other cities of Central Asia. Samarkand
is one of the most popular travel and tourism destination of Uzbekistan and has
an astonishing collection of ancient monuments.
• Overview of Samarkand
• Attractions
• Additional Useful Information
Samarkand Overview:
Samarkand’s importance to the history and culture of mankind is now being recognized by UN, UNESCO and WTO, which are helping to promote tourism to the region. As the government, who has made tourism a priority sector for development is continuing to invest in hotels, airports, transportation and leisure facilities, service is becoming yet another of the country’s attractions. The monuments of mediaeval architecture arouse admiration by the perfection of forms, harmony of colors, daring engineering design. Due to its gaining popularity, Samarkand has a variety of hotels and restaurants ranging from Budget to Top Budget to Backpackers.
Some of the popular tourist attractions of Samarkand in Uzbekistan are as follows.
POPULAR SAMARKAND TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Registan Square
The centerpiece of the city is one of the most important monuments of Islamic arts. Registan which means "sandy place" is surrounded on three sides by the medieval Ulugh Beg, sherdar and Tilla-Kari madrasahs which sparkle with turquoise mosaic patterns. Decorated with glazed bricks, mosaics and carved marble, they are considered to be an architectural gem representing the finest in Islamic Art.
Bibi Khanym mosque
This architectural treasure is a gigantic mosque north-east of Registan. Much restored after the earthquake damage in the 19th century, the Bibi Khanym Mosque was named in the honour of Timur's senior wife. It has one of the largest domes in the Muslim world with a multi colored roof. The architects, artists, craftsmen from all the countries conquered by Tamerlane took part in the construction of the mosque. The mosque has a impressive gate which is 35m high and looms above a noisy, crowded market brimming with colorful fruits and vegetables. The main bazaar lies around the mosque.
Shahi Zinda
Shahi Zinda houses the shrine of Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Qusam ibn Abbas, who brought islam to this region. This beautiful shrine is one of the oldest structures in Samarkand and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Gur Emir Mausoleum
The Gur Emir Mausoleum is within walking distance from Registan and has a blue, ribbed dome and houses the remains of Timur and his family. Inside, the broken, gigantic slab of dark green jade commemorating this once mighty ruler is said to be the largest jade stone in the world.
Ulughbek observatory
The Ulughbek observatory was contructed by Ulubek in 1428-1429 and is one of the finest historical monuments of Samarkand. It is located in the outskirts of Samarkand on the hill of Khuhak.
Additional Useful Information:
According to travel.state.gov about Uzbekistan: (As of Aug 2007)
Uzbekistan declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Corruption is endemic at all levels of society. Much of the country, particularly areas outside of Tashkent and the major tourist destinations of Samarkhand, Bukhara, and Khiva, are remote and difficult to access. Tourist facilities, when they exist at all, are typically below Western standards, and many goods and services remain difficult to find on a regular basis. Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Travelers to Uzbekistan are subject to frequent document inspections therefore your should carry your identification at all times. U.S. Embassy is located at # 3, Moyqorghon Street, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent -700093, Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan tourism center
47 Horezmskaya Street, 700047 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Website: www.uzbektourism.uz
Time zone of Uzbekistan :
GMT + 5.
Religion
Muslim
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Currency of Uzbekistan
Uzbek Sum
Language
Uzbek, many people involved with tourism speak English.
