Mirankul’

Today we were headed for the ancient town of Bukhara. Our huge bus meant we were unable to negotiate the faster mountain pass route. Instead we prepared for a 9 hour journey along pot-holed dirt roads.

While Tamerlane is buried at Samarkand, his birthplace is to the south near the town of Shakhrisabz, along a side branch of the Silk Road on the Oxus River. Evidence of past history is found amongst the numerous ruins, with the best known being Ak Serai or the White Palace. Built by artisan slaves, it was intended as the summer residence for Tamerlane. Known for its blue-tiled walls, golden ceilings and lush surroundings, restoration provides a glimpse of its' past glory.

Beyond this complex, where once there was desert, now resides an accomodation and service complex. Clearly tourism is a good business to be in, in Uzbekistan!

Several tombs can also be found here, as well as a crypt containing an empty tomb intended for Tamerlane. Two of his sons are buried in the Tomb of Jehangir, all that remains of the once spectacular Dorius Siadat, a Timurid family memorial.

As we approached Bukhara the browned earth turned to sand, as the city is bordered by the Kyzyl Kum Desert. I wasn't looking forward to high temperatures again!Read more