Samarqand

Samarqand, also spelled Samarkand, is a city in Uzbekistan located in the central part of the country along the Zeravshan River. It is the capital of Samarqand Region and one of Uzbekistan’s most populous cities, with a long history as a major trading hub on the Silk Road and a center of culture and learning.

The city has ancient origins and developed under several empires. In the 14th and 15th centuries, it became a political and cultural capital of the Timurid Empire under the ruler Timur (Tamerlane), who oversaw the construction of monumental architecture that helped define Timurid style. The city’s historic core features grand Islamic monuments and period architecture from the 12th to 16th centuries.

Key sites include Registan Square, framed by three madrasas (Ulugh Beg, Shir-Dor, and Tilya-Kori), as well as the Gur-e Amir mausoleum and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is another important ensemble. In 2001, the Historic Centre of Samarkand was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural ensembles and cultural significance.

Today, Samarkand remains a major cultural and economic center in Uzbekistan, attracting visitors with its historic architecture, crafts, and bazaars. The city is connected by rail and road to other major Uzbek cities, and high-speed services link it to Tashkent.