• +世界行旅
    • 亞洲
      • 烏茲別克
      • 緬甸
    • 美洲
      • 古巴
      • 阿根廷
  • +美食札記
  • +飛行體驗
    • 烏茲別克航空
  • +主題分享
    • 世界之最
  • +旅行秘招
    • 航空訂票

Daydream with Mr. Smile

微笑先生的白日夢旅行

  • EnglishEnglish
  • 中文 (台灣)中文 (台灣)
  • +Destination
    • Asia
      • Myanmar
      • Uzbeksitan
  • +Food Explorer
  • +Flight Experience
    • Uzbekistan Airways
  • +Topic Sharing
    • Best of the Best
  • +Travel Tips
    • Flight Booking

Unforgettable Silk Road Trip in Uzbekistan – Samarkand

October 15, 2016 by Mr. Smile Leave a Comment

Post Views: 1,558

Samarkand

This ancient city was built as early as 5th century B.C. It is located right at the pivot of the ancient silk road between China, India and Persia. That is why it was once prosperous  in between 6th and 13th century until it was destroyed by Chinggis Khan in 1220. It might had been the end of the history for the city. However, Timur’s new empire in the 14th century set its capital in Samarkand and as a result it found its renaissance again for another 2 centuries. But after 16th century, due to the move of the capital and several earthquake strikes, it was no longer as important as before. It is during the Soviet time when the ancient sites got restored in a large scale to the credit of the Soviet government. However, it also took some liberty to add new decor to the mosque such as the blue dome at Tilla-Kari Medressa.

Registan Square

This might the single biggest tourist site in the whole Central Asia. It is surrounded  by three ancient medressas – Sher Dor, Tilla-Kari and Ulugbek. The magnificent arches, high-rising minarets paired with blue sky forms the best view of my trip in Uzbekistan.

p1070524-revised

Sher Dor Medressa

There are two tiger-like animal figures on the arch of the medressa, although according to the research it should be lions instead. This is pretty rarely seen in the Islamic arts as the figure depiction is usually forbidden and more often plants and geometric combination are used in the arts . That is also why it is very special and eye-catching.

p1070579

Actually there is not much to see after you enter the medressa since most of the rooms and spaces are occupied by the souvenir vendors. In fact, it is difficult to understand the history or story of the medressa as there is merely no guide signs in the medressa. I guess hiring a good tour guide might be the only option if you’re interested to know more about the place.
p1070538

Tilla-Kari Medressa

p1070564

p1070546

The most famous spot in the medressa is the golden-tiled prayer hall. As soon as you enter the space, you will soon be stunned by the shining light and amazed by how delicate the building was crafted.

p1070559

p1070555p1070557p1070556

學院內一隅

A corner in the medressa

俏皮的烏茲別克人偶老公公,我們超愛的

Super cute Uzbekistan grandpa figure. We loved it.

學院內的一間間房間又再度淪為紀念品商店

Again, all spaces are occupied by souvenir vendors.

Ulugbek Medressa

This is the most ancient medressa among the three. It was built during the time of Ulugbek, who is the grandson of Timur. In addition to being a king, Ulugbek is actually more well-know for his excellent achievement in Astronomy and General Science. It is said that he had taught lesions of Mathematics and Astronomy in this medressa before.

p1070534

p1070578

One couple was shooting their traditional wedding photos – very interesting.

p1070574

 

Shah-i-Zinda

Located on the hills north-east of Samarkand, it is said that the saint Qusam ibn-Abbas who brought Islam to this region was buried here. That was why Timur and Ulugbek also build the mausoleums of their relatives next to the saint here. You can see probably the richest and most beautiful Islam tile arts here as they were all the best of their times and are well maintained until today.

永生之王陵墓群入口

Entrance of Shah-i-Zinda

p1070420p1070426p1070427

p1070428p1070431

p1070436p1070437

p1070443 p1070450 

 

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Rumors had it that this construction was ordered by Timur’s Chinese wife Bibi-Khanym when Timur was away. However the architect fell in love madly with Bibi-Khanym and demanded giving her a kiss otherwise he won’t finish the mosque. After Timur knew about this, soon he executed the architect and decree that women should wear veils from similar stories from happening. Although this sounds not making sense at all nowadays, it does add spices to this once the highest mosque in the Islamic world. With its height of 41 meters, the building was greatly damages after several earthquake and today it looks like there is a need for serious restoration. In fact, I think the building may fell anytime so that’s why I passed through the mosque pretty quickly.

地震損壞的痕跡依然明顯

The damages from earthquakes are very obvious

p1070498

兩旁的小清真寺

Smaller mosques on two sides

p1070500

最後還遇到一個可愛的小男孩跟我們合照

A cute boy wants a photo together with us!

Bazaar

There is a bazaar near Bibi-Khanym mosque. In Central Asia, it is really a fun event to shop at a bazaar. Looking at the faces with totally difference appearances, listening to selling shouting in unfamiliar languages and seeing the exotic products and fruits all make a perfect experience for an authentic Central Asia. What’s more, if you could buy some yummy fruits at cheap prices, it would be even more perfect!

p1070463

滿滿的西瓜、哈密瓜還有香瓜阿! 每個都香甜無比

Full of watermelons, melons! What a sweet experience.

p1070474

Great driving technique to go through the market

p1070470

跟這攤的阿嬤買了葡萄,雖然她看起來還是沒有很開心哈哈

Got some super sweet grapes from this grandma although she doesn’t look happy…哈

Gur-E-Amir Mausoleum

This is the mausoleum of Timur, his two sons and two grandsons. It is said that when Timur died away, his body was supposed to be transported back to his hometown Shakhrisabz. However, when passing through Samarkand on the way, it was stuck due to huge snow. Therefore finally the mausoleum was built here instead.

p1070628p1070599

筋肋式的圓頂

In the sacred hall lay the marble marker stones of Timur and his sons/grandsons. According to Islam customs, the stones are just markers instead of the real coffins. There are still real tombs underground. We found seats to sit down and listened to the prayer of the people who came here to pay their respects to the National Hero in this holy site. Their prayers are so peaceful, yet extremely powerful. I felt as if I can read their minds and their respects to Timur!

p1070611p1070613p1070615p1070616

馬尾是帝王的象徵

Horse tail is the symbol of emperor.

回頭望向帖木兒陵墓,並向薩馬爾干道別

Looking back at the Mausoleum and say goodbye to Samarkand.

The most interesting thing about Samarkand is that the city landscapes outside the ancient sites are extremely modern, with wide roads, beautiful squares and pedestrian walks. Sometimes I even feel that I’m actually in Europe! On the other side, it may be also hard to imagine its ancient glorious time as a pivot of silk road since all the buildings are renovated to extremely new looks.

p1070508p1070511p1070513

Filed Under: +Destination, Uzbeksitan Tagged With: Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Travel

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Who is Mr. Smile?

After working in Singapore for 4 years, Hank is amazed by how big the world is and how rich different cultures are. Thus, he decided to quit his professional job and started a round-the-world trip with Miss Smile Christine to explore the continents where they've never been to.

Subscription

Sign Up and Get Updates!
Loading

訂閱

訂閱並收到新文章通知!
Loading

Recent Posts

  • Flight Ticket Purchasing Tips
  • Top 13 Best Views from the Air
  • The Kingdom of Plov – A Brief Introduction to Uzbekistan Cuisine
  • Unforgettable Silk Road Trip in Uzbekistan – Samarkand
  • The Glory of The Silk Road Empire – Uzbekistan Initial Impressions

Find Posts

My Visited Countries

I've visited 69 out of 217 countries. That is 31.80%.

My Location

Taipei, Taiwan

My Footprints

    Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in