Guided Tour of Samarkand - Part 1

We spent the day today touring the amazing city of Samarkand, the cultural capital of the the Islamic World. Our guide, Rousland, is a gifted storyteller and had us spellbound as we followed in the footsteps of Tamerlane. Our first stop was King Ulugbek’s Observatory, which still houses parts of the original astronomical instruments. In a time of war and conquest, this leader prioritized science and knowledge, leading to great advances in astronomy. His choices also led to his demise as he was ultimately beheaded by his son who returned the country to military expansion for the pursuit of gold and slaves. Our next stop was a visit to Gur Emir Mausoleum, where the tomb of Tamerlane lies beneath an enormous slab of dark green jade. The interior of the mausoleum is ornately decorated with blue and gold panels, which shine brightly. The marble work on the minarets and spires are stunning as well.Read more