SAMARKAND WALKING EXCURSION

Introduction to the tour program. This walking tour covers the central part of Samarkand, exploring the city’s main historical landmarks and learning about the history and culture of the Uzbek people and the ancient city of Samarkand. Gur-Emir Mausoleum (50 min) We begin our tour with a visit to the Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Gur-Emir is the mausoleum of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), his spiritual mentor Mir Sayid Baraka, and several members of the Timurid dynasty. The name is sometimes interpreted as “Guri Mir” — “Tomb of the Masters,” referring to Mir Sayid Baraka. In 2014, Gur-Emir was included in the list of “Pearls of the Commonwealth” by the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS countries. Registan Ensemble (1 h 20 min) Registan is the central square of Samarkand. In the medieval cities of the Middle East, the word “Registan” referred to the main public square. The Samarkand Registan is world-famous for its stunning architectural ensemble of the 15th–17th centuries, consisting of: Ulugbek Madrasah (1417–1420); Sherdor Madrasah (1619–1636); Tillya-Kari Madrasah (1646–1660) This complex is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and urban design. In 2001, the Registan ensemble, along with other historic sites of Samarkand, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Bibi-Khanum Mosque (30 min) The Bibi-Khanum Mosque (“Elder Princess”) is a monumental architectural masterpiece built between 1399 and 1404. It was the main Friday mosque of Amir Timur’s empire, richly decorated with glazed tiles, carved marble, and intricate paintings. The mosque was commissioned by Timur after his victorious Indian campaign. The courtyard could accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers. The mosque features a grand courtyard layout (78×64 m), with monumental portals and domed halls connected by multi-domed galleries supported by 400 stone columns. The Bibi-Khanum Mosque underwent significant restoration during Uzbekistan’s independence and today is part of the Samarkand State Museum-Reserve. Siyob Bazaar (40 min) Siyob Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in Samarkand, one of the biggest in Central Asia. Its total area exceeds seven hectares, and it is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The market consists of several large pavilions and numerous sections offering everything from fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, nuts, traditional sweets, bread, household goods, and Samarkand’s famous non (bread). Siyob Bazaar is also well known for its variety of meat products. Local craftsmen have dedicated sections where they produce and sell handmade items such as: wood carvings, copper work and engraving, metal crafts. The bazaar also features craft stalls where artisans craft various items on-site and sell them. Among the crafts on offer are wood carving, forging, and engraving on copper and other metals. Khazrati Khizr Complex (30 min) Hazrati Khizr is one of the most revered shrines in Samarkand and one of the most atmospheric places worth visiting for every traveler. The complex is located on a hill at the foot of Afrasiab and offers a magnificent view of the old city and the mausoleum of Ismail Samanid. According to tradition, Khizr is an eternal traveler and patron saint of travelers, who helps those setting out on their journeys. Therefore, many visitors to Samarkand come here to receive a symbolic blessing before their journey. The modern building, constructed in the 1990s, is designed in the classic Uzbek style. Here you'll see elegant carved wooden columns, traditionally painted ceilings, and vibrant ornaments reflecting the Samarkand school of decorative art. The courtyard offers magnificent views of the ancient city of Afrasiab, the minarets, madrassas, and mausoleums of Samarkand, and the domes of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. It's one of the best photo spots in the city.