Samarqand (Uzbek Cyrillic: Самарқанд; Russian: Самарканд)
alternatively Samarkand, is one of the largest cities in Uzbekistan. The city is notable for being in a central position on the Silk Road between China and the West, and an Islamic centre for scholarly study. It boasts many significant landmarks, including Registan square (pictured above) which was the ancient centre of the city. Samarqand has carefully preserved the traditions of ancient crafts: embroidery, silk weaving, copper engravings, ceramics, carving and wood paintings.

Samarqand, what a beautiful looking place. It’s the architecture that particularly interests me, with the decorated sandstone and the minarets with all the different colours. I think visiting here would really make me feel like I had stepped back in time.

Shahrizoda (Uzbek music group that I like) has a song called ‘Samarqandcha‘ which is all about three princes of Samarqand that are playful and charming!

~Jess