Itinerary

1. The Gur-Emir Mausoleum

   • This tomb was built by Timur himself in 1404 for his grandson. But Tamerlane died suddenly in 1405 and was buried in Gur-Emir himself, although he planned to find his last refuge in his native city of Kesh (modern Shakhrisabz). In addition to Timur, his sons Shahrukh and Miran Shah, grandsons Ulugbek and Muhammad Sultan, Timur's teacher Mir Said Baraka and several other representatives of the Timurid dynasty are buried in the tomb.

2. Registan Square

   • On the square are three madrasahs of the XV-XVII centuries combined into one architectural ensemble. In the center stands the Ulugbek madrasah, built in 1420, on the sides - the Sherdor madrasah (1636) and the Tillya-Kari madrasah (1660). Madrasahs were spiritual, educational institutions for those wishing to study Islam. Each madrasah had cells (living rooms), a mosque and a courtyard. The madrasas have come down to us in good condition. This architectural complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

3. Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque

   • The Bibi-Khanum Mosque, located next to the Siab Bazaar, was built in honour of the beloved wife of Amir Timur in 1404. They say that the ruler personally controlled the progress of construction. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a large stone stand for the holy book of Muslims - the Koran. According to legend, a barren woman can become pregnant if she crawls under the stand.

4. Khazret-Khizr Mosque

   • Hazrat Khizr Mosque - one of the oldest Muslim religious buildings in Samarkand. The mosque was built in the VIII century and was on the hill at the entrance to the city, close to the band appeared much later Shahi Zinda mausoleums and Siab market. Around the mosque later emerged cemetery. According to legend, there are seven levels of graves and bodies at each level of the saints or prophets.

5. The Memorial Complex Shakhi-Zinda

   • It is a narrow, long street along which the mausoleums of famous residents of Samarkand of the XI-XV centuries are located. To climb to the necropolis, you need to go up the stairs. They say those with the same number of steps going up and down are happy people. They can make any wish, and it will come true.

6. Ulugbek Observatory

   • Ulugbek's observatory is the remains of an observatory from 1420. They were discovered in 1908 during archaeological excavations. Archaeologists have concluded that the observatory had a cylindrical shape and three floors. During the excavations, a unique measuring tool was discovered - a sextant, which allows you to determine the height of the sun and stars. Ulugbek himself, the grandson of Amir Timur, led the observatory. Today, the foundation and boundaries of the observatory rooms have been recreated.

7. Afrasiyob Museum

   • Afrosiab settlement, located on the territory of modern Samarkand, was first mentioned in written sources in the 8th century BC. During archaeological excavations that were carried out at the end of the 19th century, scientists discovered many artifacts from the 8th century BC.