Samarkand - Bibi Hanum and Shah-i-Zinda

Today we went on a tour of Samarkand. Interestingly, unlike Bukhara old city, which is concentrated in a small walkable area, Samarkand sites are spread out, so our guide took us around in a car. Samarkand is an overwhelming feast for eyes and soul. The sparkling beauty of the tile work on soaring Medresses and mausoleums is just incomparable. You can imagine how the tired caravan leaders who arrived to this crossroads oasis on the Silk Road, felt, after traveling for weeks across the mountains and deserts. We first went to the mosque named after Bibi Hanum - she was the favorite and most powerful wife of Timur (Tamerlane). He married her because she was the great granddaughter of Gingis Khan and he wanted to connect with the Mongol empire. We then went to the mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda - many smaller mausoleums cramped together on the hill, in a stunning alleyway. Every square inch covered by the title work of intricate patterns and Arabic calligraphy is incredible, and so are the translations of the poetry on the buildings. Every corner and every building demanded to be photographed!Read more