Location: Samarkand
Top Things to do in Samarkand
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The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Samarkand, Samarqand Province
Samarkand (Uzbek Latin: Samarqand; Uzbek Cyrillic and Tajik: Самарқанд; Persian: سمرقند; Russian: Самарканд; Greek: Σαμαρκάνδη), alternatively Samarqand, is a city in modern-day Uzbekistan and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. There is evidence of human activity in the area of the city from the late Paleolithic era, though there is no direct evidence of when exactly Samarkand was founded; some theories propose that it was founded between the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Prospering from its location on the Silk Road between China and the Mediterranean, at times Samarkand was one of the greatest cities of Central Asia.
Restaurants in Samarkand
1. Bibi Khanym Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 601 reviews
Built between 1399 and 1404, this was one of the Islamic world's biggest mosques which crumbled for centuries before collapsing in an 1897 earthquake.
Reviewed By davidhZ7783PK
Breath taking. Recognize that, like all the other historic buildings in Samarkand, the mosque has been rebuilt from near-rubble, with little of the original structure remaining. However, I my opinion, it’s a lot better this way.
2. Sher Dor Madrasah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
One of the 3 Muslim clergy academies surrounding the Registan.
Reviewed By SQYKS
This Madrasah with the tigers depicted on the front is an rare mix of Zoroastrianism and Islam in this part of the world.
3. Tillya Kori Madrasah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
One of the 3 Moslem clergy academies that surround Registan square.
Reviewed By F8714PN_Alex_W - Singapore, Singapore
The exterior was a symphony of architecture. Beautifully balanced, intricately decorated. But when I walked into the domed area and looked up, it took my breath away. The gilt interior, the combinations and permutations of design elements... amazing. Out of this world! Even away from the dome, gold trimming is used liberally in its joyously floral patterns. Tilya Kori is the middle building in the Registan ensemble. It is also the newest -- though "new" is entirely relative, having been built in the 1600s, representing one last artistic burst before the long decline of Samarkand. Entry is with the same ticket to the entire Registan ensemble: 40,000 som.
4. Ulugbek Madrasah
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
In the present Registan square in the XV century on the behest of Mirzo Ulugbek bin Shahrukh there were built several buildings: khamam, mosques, caravanserai, khanaka and majestic and incomparable building of Palace of Sciences - madrasah. Unlike his famous grandfather - "the ruler of the seven constellations of Tamerlane Shahrukh", Mirzo Ulugbek did not seek to build the highest building...
Reviewed By moviegeekjn - Phoenix, United States
The entire Registan Square complex is THE highlight of the Silk Road, and this madrasah was my personal favorite of the three. It has a wonderful art gallery inside along with a number of shops that offer local crafts.
5. Mosque Koraboy Oksokol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By andrewmU2655XD
The Qoraboy Oqsoqol Mosque is a short walk into the Jewish quarter on Khudzhumskaya Street. It was probably the most authentic mosque which we had seen in Samarkand. Most ancient structures in Samarkand have been restored with glossy finishes, but this mosque had an aged appearance and showed evidence of regular use. There are directional signs to the mosque on Tashkent Road, and it is a short 50 meter walk. On approaching, the first thing that you will notice are the four (4) wooden columns at the front. The column to the right is smooth and seems to have been recently replaced, while the others are sculpted. The open "summer" mosque section was to the left. There were six sculpted columns of varying age, and mats on the floor. The ceiling in this section was aged, but this added to the charm of the mosque. Unfortunately the winter mosque section was closed when we visited, and we were unable to view the interior. We had heard that the mihrab was beautiful, and the chandelier and internal decorations exquisite. To the right of the building was a single slim guldasta, which we though was a unique design. The galdusta was made from brick, and had lantern designs in tin near to the top. It's cap was a brick dome, and a star and crescent moon symbol was on top. Also of interest, was the tapchan furniture at the mosque entrance. The guidebook didn't have a date for the construction of this mosque, but we estimated it to be at least 100 years old. After visiting this site, you can head east through the Jewish quarter to the synagogue and bath house, which are a 5 minute walk. After visiting the bath house, If you turn southward to Bukhara Street, the Maturidi mausoleum can be viewed.
6. St John the Baptist Church
7. Chupan Ata Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
