24 HOURS IN SAMARKAND

Tour guide Temur Khudayarov, who is named after the great conqueror Amir Timur (Tamerlane), recommends what you should see in Samarkand if you have only one day to spare.

To get to know Samarkand, I would suggest starting with a visit to the main square – the Registan. This is one of the most famous architectural ensembles in Central Asia, consisting of three madrassahs: Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tillya-Kari. Take time to explore each building and its interior to get a feel for the atmosphere and spirit of the Middle Ages.

After the Registan, head on foot to the Bibi-Khanim Mosque via the picturesque pedestrian street named after Islam Karimov. This mosque, built on the orders of Timur, was one of the largest in the Islamic world. Its sheer size and impressive architecture will amaze you.

Not far from the mosque is the colourful Uzbek market known as Siab Bazaar, which beckons to you with the fragrance of oriental spices, sweet juicy fruits and traditional sweets. This is a great place to experience local flavours.

After the bazaar, visit the tomb of Amir Timur, the Gur-Emir. The architectural elements and decorations of the mausoleum make it one of the most beautiful in Central Asia. The great conqueror Tamerlane and some of his descendants rest inside.

It is impossible to come to Samarkand and not try its version of Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov. Go to Plov Centre №1, where you can taste the most authentic Samarkand plov.

After this delicious lunch, be sure to resume your tour, because it is impossible to leave without having seen the memorial complex of Shah-i Zinda. This tomb ensemble on top of a hill that was once part of the ancient city of Afrosiyab impresses with the beauty of Central Asian architecture and the bright tile decorations of the tombs’ façades. Here you can feel the spirit of antiquity, as some buildings date back to the 11th and 12th centuries.

After completing your tour, I suggest you return to the Registan to see it illuminated at night – a glorious sight.

Finish off the day in a local restaurant serving traditional Uzbek cuisine, where you can taste dishes like manti, lagman, shurpa and mastava.

This itinerary covers the main sights and will allow you to experience the culture and history of Samarkand in one day.