Guided Tour of Samarkand Part 3

Our 4th stop was the Bibi Khanym Mosque, built by Tamerlane in the 15th century for his favourite wife. The first photo is one of a mosque that she built and claimed was big. Her husband built one across the street from hers to show her what big really was. In the middle of the complex sits a large glass enclosed concrete and marble book stand for the Koran. We saved the best for last, visiting the magnificent Registan Square, and the 3 Madrassahs (Islamic Colleges). One of the minarets was leaning slightly and claimed to give off the feeling of inbalance if you climbed to the top. Of course we had to see for ourselves and paid to climb up and admire the view. I loved to stroll through the square with its beautiful grounds and watch people coming and going or gathering for coffee or ice cream. Our lovely hotel was only a 15 minute walk away so around 4 pm we returned to rest and freshen up for dinner and the evening light and laser show in the square. A tiring but perfect day of cultural immersion.Read more