Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning 2750 years. It is a contemporary of Rome, Athens, and Babylon. Located on the left bank of the middle course of the Zeravshan River, Samarkand lies at the very heart of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In ancient times, it was the capital of the powerful Sogdian state.
At the city’s entrance, the ruins of Afrosiab have been preserved, where the ancient city of Marakanda once stood. The name Marakanda is associated with Alexander the Great’s Central Asian campaigns. Samarkand has long captivated the attention of politicians, businesspeople, and travelers.
Its peak of prosperity and grandeur was reached during the reign of the great Tamerlane. The city occupied a strategically advantageous geographical position, serving as a vital crossroads on the Great Silk Road. This era left the most significant traces on the historical and architectural landscape of the city.
Samarkand’s attractions include magnificent examples of medieval architecture, characterized by their perfect forms and rich colors:
Contemporary Samarkand is a city with numerous parks, squares, educational institutions, scientific centers, and museums.