Samarkand Uzbekistan, Silk Road

The legendary city of Samarkand has, for more than two millennia, been a key crossroad for the Silk Road. Sitting on the southern banks of the Zeravshan River in northeastern Uzbekistan, its history traces back to 1,500 BCE. Initially governed by local tribes, the region was later ruled by the Persian Empire until Alexander the Great's conquest.

By the 6th century BCE, Samarkand became home to the Sogdians, ancient Iranians known for their trading skills. It was a melting pot of religions, influenced by Zoroastrianism (Persian faith), Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Manichaeism (a dualistic religion). 

Despite suffering devastation from Genghis Khan's Mongol armies in 1220, Samarkand experienced a remarkable revival in the 14th century under Timur (aka Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire. Timur made Samarkand his capital and turned it into a major cultural and scientific centre. 

Many of the city's landmarks are representative of the Timur Dynasty, as they showcase the grandeur and architecture of the era. One of the most iconic examples is the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex, a collection of tombs and mosques dating from the mid-14th to the 16th century. The complex is the final resting place of many of Timur's relatives and Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Qusam ibn Abbas is believed to have come to Samarkand to teach Islam and is revered as a martyr, with his tomb serving as a pilgrimage site for Muslims.

Another architectural masterpiece is the Bibi Khanum Mosque, built by Timur to honour his wife. Once one of the grandest mosques in the Islamic world, it was constructed with materials transported by 95 elephants and designed by artisans from Persia and India. The mosque features towering domes, beautifully detailed facades, and extensive use of blue and turquoise tiles. However, the mosque has suffered significant damage due to its hasty constructions and earthquakes over the centuries. Restoration efforts are ongoing to help preserve its stunning tile work. 

Perhaps the most historically significant landmark is the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, whose name means "Tomb of the King" because it is the burial place of Timur. The mausoleum has an octahedral structure crowned with an azure dome decorated with rosettes and fluting. Its walls are decorated in geometric patterns using blue, white, and terracotta tiles. Inside, the mausoleum is richly embellished with onyx panels, marble stalactite cornices, painted plaster and gilded papier-mâché ornaments. Timur's grave is marked by a solid block of dark green jade, surrounded by the tombstones of his sons, grandsons, and spiritual teacher.