More Samarkand and train to Tashkent

We had time to walk over to the Bibi Kahnym Mausoleum after breakfast and stop at a cafe for a coffee before rejoining our group for more sightseeing in Samarkand. We started at Konigil Village where we learned about traditional Samarkand paper. The paper dates back to the 8th century and is made from mulberry. Reminded us of papyrus paper.

Next up was a carpet workshop where we watched how both wool and silk carpets are made. It’s a time intensive craft that requires patience. We were also taught how to distinguish a handmade carpet from a machine made.

Our final site in Samarkand was Shakhi-Zinda, a necropolis dating from the 14h century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is spectacular. While there are currently 20 mausoleums here, there were originally 40, all covered in blue and turquoise tiles. It would have been magnificent.

One of the most celebrated mausoleums here is a shrine to Qusam ibn-Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Mohammed, who is said to have brought Islam to this area in the 7th century.

We then had a late lunch and headed to the train station to catch a train to Tashkent. We arrived mid evening and will discover the city tomorrow.Read more