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.
