Registan Square
Registan is the heart of Samarkand and one of the most iconic landmarks in Central Asia. It consists of three grand madrasahs:
Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417-1420) – built by the great astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg.
Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619-1636) – known for its unique facade, featuring sun-faced tigers.
Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646-1660) – decorated with rich golden mosaics and serving as both a madrasa and a mosque.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Shah-i-Zinda is a sacred complex of mausoleums and tombs, dating back to the 11th-15th centuries. It is famous for its intricate blue-tiled decorations and is believed to house the tomb of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
This mausoleum is the final resting place of Tamerlane (Amir Timur), the founder of the Timurid Empire. Built in the early 15th century, it features a striking azure dome and intricate Persian-style tilework.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, Bibi-Khanym Mosque was constructed by Tamerlane in the 14th century. It was named after his wife and symbolizes the grandeur of his empire.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Established by Ulugh Beg in the 15th century, this observatory was one of the most advanced in its time. It housed a massive sextant used for astronomical observations and contributed significantly to medieval science.
Samarkand's historical monuments reflect its rich past as a center of culture, science, and trade. Today, the city remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.