After Bukhara, our fourth day in Uzbekistan focuses on the discovery of Samarkand. The similarities with Bukhara are quite strong. Which is quite logical since this is also an important stage on the Silk Road.
The mausoleum of Amir Temur
If the hometown of the Uzbek conqueror is Chakhrisabz, about forty kilometers south of Samarkand, it is in this latter that this burial site is located. The Gour Emir (literally, the king’s tomb, in the Persian language) is even the precursor of great Mughal works, including the Taj Mahal (source vicedi.com). The interior of the monument is particularly grand.
Reghistan
This central square no longer has much to do with its name. Indeed, it means “sandy place” in Persian. Today, it is a complex of three madrasas: Ulugh Beg, Cher-Dor and Tilla-Qari. After admiring it at night (see our previous post), it’s time to appreciate the architectural details in full light!
The highlight of the show
There are many beautiful monuments in Samarkand. We will have the opportunity to appreciate the massive Bibi Khanym mosque with its 167 meters long and 109 wide. But the one we preferred is the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis. The ceramics there are of an intense blue and the interior of the various mausoleums is often particularly worked. A real treat for the eyes. It is also a place of pilgrimage for many Muslims. Moreover, the chance of the timing made that we appear undoubtedly on a group photo of one of these pilgrimages. 🙂
Late afternoon free in Samarkand
After this series of visits, our guide leaves us free to stroll around the city. We take this opportunity to walk in the city at random from the streets. And yes, with Google maps, we are less afraid of getting lost … So we leave tourist places to discover the streets where the inhabitants live. It will be an opportunity to discover the ornate portals of dwellings or the Ladas still very present in Uzbekistan.
If you want to see the other days of this stay, find all our stories. This day will have led us to the discovery of Samarkand. If you liked it, this trip can give you the opportunity to visit it for yourself.
