Samarkand
From Wikitravel
Samarkand, also Samarqand, is perhaps the most famous city of modern Uzbekistan. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
[edit] Understand
The site of Samarkand was settled about 2000 BC. In times of old the city was also known as Afrosiab, and also Maracanda by the Greeks. The city was the capital of Sogdiana, an ancient Persian province, and was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. It subsequently grew as a trade center on the Silk Road, the great trading route between China and the Mediterranean region. In the early 8th century AD, it was conquered by the Arabs and soon became an important center of Muslim culture. In 1220 Samarkand was almost completely destroyed by the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. It flourished again when Timur-i-Leng (known as Tamerlane in the West) made it the capital of his empire in 1369. As his capital Timur put Samarkand on the world map and much of the architecture visible today was built by him or his descendants. The empire declined in the 15th century, and nomadic Uzbeks (Shaybanids) took Samarkand in 1500. In 1784 the emirate of Bukhara conquered it. The city was taken by Russia in 1868 and once again began to assume importance. From 1924 to 1930, Samarqand was the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR). Samarkand is a must see for all travellers visiting the area. The most famous product of Samarkand is "Samarkand Non". A visitor will rarely find any body leaving Samarkand with out buying Non as a gift. There are so many interesting stories about "Samarkand Non".
[edit] Get in
[edit] By plane
Uzbekistan Airways [1] operates flights from Tashkent on Wed and Sun (operated by AN-24, flying time: 1:15 hrs, return flights to Tashkent on Thur and Mon) and on Tue, Sat and Sun (operated by B757, flying time 1 hr).
[edit] By train
Train 2 leaves Tashkent on Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun at 7.00 a.m., arriving in Samarkand at 10.50 a.m., Train 50 leaves Tashkent every day at 7.00 p.m., arriving in Samarkand at 11.55 p.m.
Train 1 leaves Samarkand on Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun at 5.00 p.m., arriving in Tashkent at 8.50 p.m. Train 49 leaves Samarkand every day at 7 a.m., arriving in Tashkent at 10.55 a.m.
[edit] By road
Samarkand is about 4 hours by road from Tashkent; shared taxis leave from Sobir Rahimov bus station. The distance from Samarkand to Tashkent is 295 km, to Bokhara 280 km and to Khiva 745 km.
[2] Train, Bus, Air Time tables, Prices]
[edit] Get around
[edit][add listing] See
- Afrosiab or Afrosiyob Remains: Located on an irrigated valley of the Zerafshan River in the center of Uzbekistan, area of present Samarkand always ensured favorable conditions for human settlements. As proof, one can freely walk through the ancient ruins of Afrosiab, which are a few hundred meters from the center of the city. A Museum is located in the center of the remains. The famous Persian Pehlvan Rustam and Sohrab Belonged to the Afrosiyob. (Not authenticated but part of Folk Lores)
- Registan: This is of course the main attraction of Samarkand and is every bit as impressive as its reputation. It Consists of Sherdor Madrissa, Ulugbek Madrissa and Mosque. In Summers in the evening generally special folk programs are organized.
- Gur-Emir: As a conqueror there are few that are Tamerlane equal, both in territory and lives taken. It is said that he made pyramids out of the skulls of his vanquished. Today one can visit his tomb in the beautifully reconstructed Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404-1405, 15-17 centuries) and reflect on his life while looking at the largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the world.
- Shakh-i-Zinda: Another point of interest is ancient necropolis Shakh-i-Zinda (9-14, 19 centuries)situated on southeastern mound of Afrosiab. This architectural complex consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums. The greatest Significance of Shah E Zinda is that he was the First cousin of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH and resembles the Prophet the most. (Hadrat Hissam Ibne Abbass or Kissam Ibne Abbass)
- Bibi-Khonum: The restored Mosque Bibi-Khonym (named after the wife of Temur 1399-1404) is one of most well known architectural attractions of Central Asia. The Mosque was erected on Timur's order after his raid of Delhi. The Minaret of the Mosque was supposed to be the tallest.
- Khazrat-Khizr: This mosque is one of the ancient edifices of Samarkand was destroyed by Genghis Khan's hordes. It was rebuilt in 19 century. A beautiful Mosque stands on the elevation at the entrance of town from where their eye wanders over Bibi-Khonym Mosque, the big bazaar and the mountains in the South.
- Tomb of Prophet Daniel: Amongst other curiosities in Samarkand is the tomb of the Hebrew Prophet Daniel, which is in the cemetery section of Afrosiab next to a pleasant stream. For a small fee you may enter the tomb, which contains a burial chamber around 18 meters long. Muslim men will offer prayers while you listen respectfully. After the conquest of Syria the Grave was transported to Samarkand under the orders of Amir Temur.
- Ulugbek's Observatory: Another curiosity is the observatory of Ulugbek (Timur's grandson). It was located by the Russian archeologists. Only the foundations remain but it is truly extraordinary. Ulugbek was an astronomer, scientist and architect. His scientific and astronomical discoveries greatly advanced knowledge in these fields.
- The Mausoleum of Al Buxori Al Bukhari located in suburb of Samarkand, in Payerik. Al Buxori was collector of the sayings of prophet Muhamed and compiled them in to a book Known as Hadith Bukhari Sharif or Bukhari Sahih. He was burried in the place where his mausoleum is located now. His Mausoleum was reconstructed by Uzbek Government and supported by some Muslim Governments, the brick were delivered from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. The constructers and artists from all Uzbekistan and Iran were working to reonstruct the complex. The Green Marble was supplied by the Pakistan Government
- Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi Mausoleum Newly Renovated the Mausoleum of great Sunni Faqi is located 1 Km from masjid Bibi Khanum inside the Residential area. Visitor has to walk. Mirza Zaheer Ud Din Babur in his book Babur Noma has praised the knowledge and Command on Fiqah of Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi.
[edit][add listing] Do
[edit][add listing] Buy
Samarkand Zeera is famous all over the world for its aroma. Samarkand Pistachio, smaller in Size but very popular. Samarkand Shafran Or Zafran is famous but inferior in quality as compared with Iranian.
[edit][add listing] Eat
- Cafe Nur, Registan 9 (Almost opposite Registan). Ordinary clean local cafe selling pizza (3500S) etc., including vegetarian options. Good for travellers because of the location and because the owner speaks excellent English. edit
- Regal Palace Restaurant, Regal Palace Hotel (Samarkand Airport). Indian Food Prepared by Indian Chef etc., including vegetarian options. The Only Restaurant offering Indian Food. 7 USD Lunch 9 USD Dinner. edit
[edit][add listing] Drink
Samarkand is a conservative city as compared with Tashkent. There are few Night Clubs and Bars. On Afrosiab Hotel there is a Night Club and Bar. In President Hotel Guests can have Beer in Nice Environments. Incante Show Club is at a walking Distance from Afrosiab Hotel and in the evening visitors can watch Pole Dance.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
- Hotel Regal Palace (Regal Palace Hotel Building), Kunaev Street, Samarkand Airport (Samarkand Airport), ☎ +998 97 4431080 (info@theregalpalace.com), [3]. checkin: 14.00; checkout: 12.00. $65-85 including breakfast. edit
- Hotel Malika, 37, Khamraev Street, ☎ +998 662 330197 (info@malika-samarkand.com), [4]. $40-65 including breakfast. edit
- Hotel Zarafshan, 65 Sharaf Rashidov St (beside Central Park in the new part of town), ☎ +998 662 333 372. A recently renovated old Soviet hotel with loads of moody charm. Rooms are variable, so ask to see more than one if the first isn't to your liking. The front desk staff were very helpful. $15-30. edit
- Bahodir B&B, Mulokandov 132 (In the city center, a stones throw away from the Registan, behind the museum.), ☎ +998 (83) 66 235 85 29. checkout: 12:00. This place seems to be the main meeting point for backpackers in Samarkand. The courtyard with teabeds makes a nice place for few beers and sharing travel stories. The staff is friendly, honest and willing to sell beer from their fridge. However, if staying in the dorm, be warned that the shared bathroom is worse than the "bug pit" of Bukhara. US$ 6 for a dorm bed, doubles from US$ 18 , breakfast is included and a dinner costs US$2 extra.. edit
- B&B Davr, Samarkand,Republik of Uzbekistan,Ali Kushchi st.43 (In the city center, close to the Registan), [5]. checkout: 12:00. This is a beautiful B&B with rooms set around a courtyard. They also do dinners on request which are a delicious and massive spread and very reasonable. The son of the owner speaks English. US$ 15 per person per night incl breakfast. edit
