destinations | uzbekistan DESTINATION: UZBEKISTAN


 REGISTAN, SAMARKAND: A mosaic plaza sits between three magnificent works of Islamic architecture, where each building is adorned with intricate, turquoise tile work. Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty, and was previously the epicentre of all social life in the city and is home to three of the world’s oldest madrasas. On the west stands the Ulugbek Madrasa, the first of the three madrasas to be built, finished in 1420 and named after a great mathematician who taught there. The tile work is patterned like stars and said to reflect his love of astronomy. Visitors can come at night to see the entire complex lit up.


 CHORSU BAZAAR, TASHKENT: An everyday market-cum-mecca that draws thousands of shoppers daily to roam through stacks of fresh food, sweets and spices. Goods are laid out in a circular


procession underneath a giant turquoise dome, whose centre has been left bare so that sunlight can pass through. Chorsu Bazaar is well worth a visit to marvel at the architecture alone. Aside from everyday goods, the market offers an array of handmade ceramics and traditional items of clothing, including immaculately embroidered skull caps popular in the region. It’s a great place to sample freshly made local cuisine.


 SHAH-I-ZINDA: A giant burial ground that is home to some of Uzbekistan’s most magnificent architectural wonders. Here, historical figures from Islam are said to be buried, including a cousin of the prophet Muhammad, Kusam Ibn Abbas, for whom a mosque has been built on site. Visitors can go inside the mosque to admire the walls and domed roof up close; every inch of available space has been covered in blue and red tiles creating


an unforgettable, ever-changing pattern around the room. The Shah-i-Zinda complex consists of more than 20 different buildings, each a work of art with a unique history.


 GUR-E-AMIR, SAMARKLAND: The final resting place of the notorious military leader Timur, who built his empire stretching from Iraq to India and was famous for being undefeatable, until finally taken by a bout of pneumonia. Gur-e-Amir resembles a kind of sanctuary; with a small courtyard surrounded by more classic, Islamic architectural works that are complete with Uzbekistan’s signature azure and turquoise tile work. However, it is the interior of Timur’s tomb that may outshine Uzbekistan’s other historical sites. This seemingly endless procession of gold and blue mosaic, studded with semi- precious stones, rises up into


every slither of space and glows like a star-studded sky.


 OLD CITY, KHIVA: A walled city that has allegedly been built several times and was once famous for its slave trade, Khiva was a key spot on the Silk Road. It was captured and recaptured by Arab, then Mongolian invaders, until finally being secured by Timur. Inside the fortified city lie assorted architectural marvels, including a 108ft-high mosaic-studded tower, part of the Juma Mosque, that boasts unrivalled views of the sandcastle-like city — where every other rooftop is either round or studded in jade. Khiva remains an important trade site today, although business has since become handmade tablecloths, carpets and handbags. Come 5:30pm, shops shut sharpish, but a range of luxury local accommodation is available in this historic delight.


Registan Square, Samarkand


434 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2021/22


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