Samarkand Secrets Historical Insights and Unique Photo Adventures

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Gur Emir Mausoleum

  Gur-e Amir means "Tomb of the King" in Persian. This architectural complex with its azure dome contains the tombs of Tamerlane, his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah and grandsons Ulugh Beg and Muhammad Sultan. Also honoured with a place in the tomb is Timur's teacher Sayyid Baraka. The earliest part of the complex was built at the end of the 14th century by the orders of Muhammad Sultan. Now only the foundations of the madrasah and khanaka, the entrance portal and a part of one of four minarets remains.

  1 hour • Admission ticket not included
• 2
  Registan

  The Registan (Uzbek: Регистон, Registon) was the heart of the city of Samarkand of the Timurid Empire, now in Uzbekistan. The name Rēgistan (ریگستان) means "sandy place" or "desert" in Persian. The Registan was a public square, where people gathered to hear royal proclamations, heralded by blasts on enormous copper pipes called dzharchis — and a place of public executions. It is framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) of distinctive Persian architecture. The square was regarded as the hub of the Timurid Renaissance.

  2 hours • Admission ticket not included
• 3
  Bibi Khanym Mosque

  The Bibi-Khanym Mosque (Uzbek: Bibixonim masjidi; Persian: مسجد بی بی خانم; also variously spelled as Khanum, Khanom, Hanum, Hanim) is one of the most important monuments of Samarkand, Uzbekistan. In the 15th century, it was one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. It is considered a masterpiece of the Timurid Renaissance. By the mid-20th century, only a grandiose ruin of it still survived, but major parts of the mosque were restored during the Soviet period.

  40 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• Hazrat Khizr Mosque (Pass by)

  Hazrat Khizr Mosque is located in the south of the Afrasi ab settlement, opposite the famous Siab Bazaar and the Bibi Khanum Mosque. The facade of the mosque consists of a fairly high base with arched niches "aivan" (canopy), which is closed from the west "guldasta" (corner a semi-tower) with brick veneer. Top aivan completed a number of bricks laid on edge - "dandana". To the east of the mosque in the organic system includes an entrance portal - "darvazahana" with “guldasta” and beautiful carved doors. This series closes the eastern minaret.

  Admission ticket free
• 4
  Necropolis Shah-i-Zinda

  A unique ensemble of ancient tombs (1370-1449 years) is located near Afrasiab settlement. It is also called "Street cemetery". Building of mosques and mausoleums of XI-XV centuries oddly stretched on both sides and their blue domes look like an elegant necklace from the top. Shakhi Zinda is the burial place of royal persons and nobles. But the main mausoleum from which the necropolis starts seems to be the imaginary grave of Prophet Muhammad's cousin, Kusam ibn Abbas. The complex was called "Shakhi Zinda" that means in Persian "The Living King". He was one of those who preached Islam in that region. Later the Complex became an important pilgrimage centre that was revered by the people as sacred.

  2 hours • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tags

Rating