Samarqand General Sights

General Sights

Afrosiab: Located on an irrigated valley of the Zeravshan 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. Registan: This is of course the main attraction of Samarkand and is every bit as impressive as it's reputation. 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. Bibi-Khonym: The restored Mosque Bibi-Khonym (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. This was to be biggest Mosque ever constructed. Until now the Bibi-Khonym Mosque is one of the biggest in the Islamic world. 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 located 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. Ulugbek's telescope: Another curiosity is the telescope of Ulugbek (Timur's grandson). 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.