Samarkand, located in Uzbekistan, is famous for its historic mosques and tombs. Situated along the ancient Silk Road trade route, it’s home to iconic landmarks such as Registan Plaza, surrounded by three beautiful madrassas from the 15th to 17th centuries. The Gur-e-Amir tomb honors Timur (Tamerlane), the founder of the Timurid Empire. Shah-i-Zinda is a street lined with decorated mausoleums, attracting Muslim pilgrims. The impressive Bibi-Khanym Mosque, restored since the 1970s, sits near the bustling Siyob Bazaar. Outside the city, the ancient Afrasiyab hill fort, dating back to the 7th century B.C., features unique Sogdian wall murals. The Ulugh Beg Observatory and museum showcase the scientific accomplishments of Samarkand’s 15th-century astronomers.
Places to visit in Samarkand
Registan
Registan was the center of ancient Samarkand in the Timurid Empire. Its name means “sandy place” or “desert” in Persian. Registan was a public square where people gathered for royal announcements, often accompanied by loud copper pipes called dzharchis. It was also the site for public executions. The square is surrounded by three madrasahs with distinctive Islamic architecture.
Gur-e-Amir
Gur-e-Amir is the mausoleum of Timur (Tamerlane), the famous conqueror, in Samarkand. The mausoleum, with its iconic azure dome, holds the tombs of Timur, his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah, his grandsons Ulugh Beg and Muhammad Sultan, and his teacher Sayyid Baraka.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of Samarkand’s most important monuments. Built between 1399 and 1405 under Timur’s orders, it was once one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. Its architecture showcases typical features of medieval Muslim construction.
Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand
The Afrasiab Museum is located at the Afrasiyab archaeological site, an ancient city destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. The museum displays a variety of artifacts, including ancient weapons, coins, manuscripts, pottery, and statues, offering insight into the daily life of ancient Samarkand.
Shah-i-Zinda
Shah-i-Zinda is a necropolis in the northeastern part of Samarkand, containing mausoleums and other religious buildings from the 9th, 14th, and 19th centuries. It is divided into three sections, connected by domed passages called chartaks.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Ulugh Beg Observatory was built in 1420 by the Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg in Samarkand. It was one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world, where astronomers like Al-Kashi, Ali Qushji, and Ulugh Beg made significant discoveries.
Rukhobod Mausoleum
Rukhobod Mausoleum is the tomb of Sheikh Burhanuddin Sagarji, Timur’s religious advisor. The mausoleum is known for its blue glazed tiles and a vaulted pavilion decorated with similar tiles.
Ishratkhana Mausoleum
Ishratkhana Mausoleum, built in the 15th century, served as a tomb for royal women of the Timurid dynasty. The name means “house of pleasure,” referring to its formerly lavish interior.
Sherdor Madrasa
Sherdor Madrasa, located on Registan Square, was built in the 17th century and is known for its bright tile work and tiger mosaics. The madrasa is decorated with intricate patterns and Arabic quotes from the Quran.
Amir Temur Haykali
Amir Temur (Tamerlane) is highly revered in Uzbekistan, and his statue in the heart of Samarkand is a fitting tribute to his legacy. The statue is surrounded by a large, beautiful park.
Best Time to visit Samarkand
The best time to visit Samarkand is from April to June and in August and September when the weather is pleasant.
