One of the oldest cities in the world is very popular with tourists now. For many years, the way of living in Samarkand has not almost changed. Like many centuries ago, the liveliest areas of the city are its vast markets where you can not only buy amazing sweets and gifts, but also chat with your friends and sink into an atmosphere of national comfort.
Samarkand is the same age as Babylon and Rome. As scientists suppose, the city is almost 3 000 years old. The ancient city is located on the Silk Road. That is why different conquerors, including the troops of the Arab caliphate and great conqueror Alexander the Great, had been struggling for its territory for over two thousand years. The city was destroyed completely but rose from the ruins and got on with its life.
In welcoming Samarkand, there are almost no noisy entertainment venues, so the city will delight those who like spending their free time far from the bustle of big cities. There are several big upscale hotels that are ready to offer its clients a wide choice of entertainments. Find fashionable restaurants and pubs exactly on the territory of guesthouses. The quiet streets of Samarkand will impress shopping enthusiasts and fans of leisurely strolls more. Besides interesting streets stalls and noisy markets, there are a lot of interesting restaurants. The acquaintance with the culture of Samarkand is impossible without the tasting of national dishes.
The starting point of many sightseeing tours in Samarqand is the Registan Square. There are a lot of mosques and tekkes that were built in the 15th-17th centuries. The oldest tekke on the square is Ulugbek. This architectural complex looks very harmonious despite the fact that the exact date of its construction is unknown. All the buildings are decorated with fine mosaics. On the square, there are traditional patterns made of colorful stone. There are also a lot of trees and decorative plants complementing an atmosphere.
One of the most mysterious attractions of the city is the Chupan Ata Shrine built in the 15th century. This shrine was constructed in honor of the extraordinary person, St. Chupan Ata who was esteemed by local herdsmen in the Middle Ages. There are very few written references to him. Many modern historians even think that he had never existed. The shrine is located on the top of the Kukhak Hill. Its main value is a big sky-blue dome.
You can learn more about important events of the history of Samarqand in the Afrosiyob Museum. The historic museum was opened in 1970. Now, it presents the rich collections of archeological exhibits that were found the city territory and surroundings were explored. One of the most interesting collections is one of the artifacts found in the archeological district of Afrasiab. It includes old frescoes, samples of paintings, old coins, ceramics, ancient weapons, and accessories.
Fans of unusual attractions should definitely visit the holy water source Nur associated with many exciting legends. According to one of them, the meteorite, from which the light came, fell here in the prehistoric period. The crater appeared on the surface and the stream ran out of its center. Its water has healing properties. The latest researches have confirmed that is consists rate mineral compounds. The beautiful complex of pools and viewing platforms that have a beautiful view of the wonder of nature has been built around the spring. Tours to the Kyzylkum Desert are really popular with nature admirers. It is one of the biggest deserts in the world. It is almost 300 000 km2.