Samarkand
34 places
Abdi-Darun Ensemble
Samarkand, Sadriddin Ayni Street, Abdi-Darun Ensemble
The Abdi-Darun Ensemble is situated in Samarkand on Sadriddin Ayni Street. It arose around the grave of Hodja Abdi who passed away around 861 AD. The mausoleum dates back to the time of Seljuk Sultan Sanjar's reign although most structures were built in the 19th century: the western mosque and surrounding rooms were constructed then. Within the ensemble there remains a mosque with decorative inscriptions listing the names of builders. Together with the Ishan-Hodja-Ishratkhona complex it forms part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ansambl Hodja Akhrar
Samarkand, Yakherdiza Ancient Cemetery District
The ensemble of Hodja Akhrar is situated in the southern part of Samarkand near the ancient cemetery Jakherdiza. It includes memorial, cultic and educational buildings around a courtyard with a water feature. The place is associated with Hodja Akhrar Vali, a prominent representative of the Sufi tradition Nakshbandiya. There is a gravestone plaque of the sheikh made of white stone with epitaphs. After the capture of the city by Russia, manuscripts were transported to Saint Pyotrsburg. The complex reflects the spiritual heritage of Samarkand and its significance in Islamic culture.
Afrasiab Citadel
Samarkand, northern part of the city
Afrasiab — archaeological site in the northern part of Samarkand. Here, palaces, temples, residential areas and defensive structures dating back to the 7th century B.C. were discovered. Unique wall paintings from the 7th century depicting ambassadorial and ceremonial scenes of the Sogdian court are notable. Inclusion on UNESCO's list highlights its significance. After the Mongols, the city center shifted southward.
Merus Paper Factory
near Samarkand, Konigil
"Meros Paper Mill" is situated near Samarkand, in picturesque surroundings by the river Konigil. Here they revive traditional paper-making art using mulberry bark. The process is entirely manual: raw materials are first cleaned, then boiled and transformed into fibrous mass which is hand-poured onto sieve frames. Finished paper undergoes polishing to achieve smooth surface. Waterwheel powers ancient machinery creating an atmosphere of traditional production. Visitors can observe the process and learn about ancient technology of paper creation.
Hovhannis Winery in Samarkand
Samarkand, city area
Khovrenko Winery in Samarkand - one of the oldest enterprises in the region founded in late 19th century by entrepreneur Dmitry Filatov. The winery gained particular fame for its wine "Biishy" which was awarded a gold medal at the Paris exhibition. Today they continue to produce high-quality wines and spirits utilizing traditions and experience from previous years. The museum of wine history allows visitors to learn about the rich development history of local viticulture.
Gur Emir
Samarkand, Bustonsaroy St
Gur Emir - mausoleum in Samarkand listed by UNESCO; here lie the spiritual mentor of Timur Mir Sayid Baraka, his sons and grandsons including Shahrukh and Ulugh Beg; complex adorned with gilt painting and decorative panels; aboveground tombs serve as cenotaphs while actual burials are underground; building influenced architecture of subsequent Timurid and Mughal mausoleums; originally built for Timur's grandson Muhammad Sultan who passed away in 1403.
Sadriddin-Aini-Museum
Samarkand, Registan St, 7b
Sadriddin Ayni's House-Museum is situated on Registan Street in Samarkand. It was opened on May 19, 1967 following a decision by Uzbekistan's government dated June 16, 1964. There is his first working office where he worked on pieces like "Odina", "Dokhunda" and "Raby". Exhibits include Ayni's traditional sandal and ganch bust made by sculptor Khakimkhodja Husniddinkhodzhaev. Separately showcased is the Bukharan period of the writer's life and studies.
Samarkand Railway Station
Samarkand, Vokzalnaya Sq
Samarkand Railway Station is situated on the station square in Samarkand city. This place became significant after the opening of the railway in 1888, which had great international importance and was accompanied by an official ceremony. Since then, the station has become an important node on the tourist route through Uzbekistan and played a key role in the development of urban infrastructure.
Ishratkhona
Samarkand, southeastern part of the city
Ishratkhona - a monument of Timurid architecture built in the 15th century during Abu-Seyid's reign. It is a rare example of ruined memorial architecture of Samarkand associated with burials of members of the Timurid dynasty. The building suffered significantly after the earthquake of 1903 when its dome and drum collapsed. In the 20th century, restoration work was carried out. Photos from the beginning of the 20th century show Ishratkhona with an intact dome.
Abu Mansur Maturidiy Mausoleum
Samarkand, old town, Chokardiza district
The Mausoleum of Abu Mansur Maturidiy is located in Samarkand's old town near Chokardiza cemetery. It is the burial site of renowned scholar Abu Mansur al-Maturidiy, founder of the Maturidiyya school of Sunni theology. The mausoleum was restored in 2000 to mark the 1130th anniversary of the scientist after being destroyed during the Soviet period. The building features blue tiles and epigraphic decorations.
Ak-Saray Mausoleum
Samarkand, historic centre
Ak-Saray Mausoleum situated in Samarkand's historical center is a testament to Timurid architecture from the mid-15th century. The structure features a square central hall connected to corner rooms. "Ak-Saray" translates as "White Palace". Inside, remnants of colorful mosaics, carvings and blue and gold paintings remain. Conservation efforts took place between 1976 and 1996. Adjacent is Gur-Emir Mausoleum; an internal passage leads to an underground crypt containing burials.
Bibi-Hanum Mausoleum
Samarkand, Guzarskaya St, 22
Bibi-Hanum Mausoleum - a monument from the beginning of the 15th century located in Samarkand on Islam Karimov Street. This high centrally-domed structure originally part of Saray-Mulk Khanym madrasa. Inside the mausoleum lies the burial crypt of the mother of Timur's senior wife. In celebration of the city's 2750th anniversary, the area between the mausoleum and adjacent mosque was landscaped.
Islom Karimov Mausoleum
Samarkand, near Hazrat-Hyzhr
The Mausoleum of Islam Karimov is located in Samarkand near Hazrat-Hizr Mosque. Opened to visitors in 2018 and dedicated to Uzbekistan's first president. The architecture of the mausoleum reflects Uzbek memorial culture, combining stone, majolica and calligraphic ornamentation. The entrance plaque features a commemorative inscription in Uzbek and English languages.
Rukh Abbad Mausoleum
Samarkand, city centre
Rukhabaad Mausoleum situated in Samarkand's center was built in the 14th century. It bears the name of Sufi sheikh Burhaneddin Sagardji and is called "Abode of Spirit". The architecture is simple: a cubic base smoothly transitions to an octagon under a dome. Outer walls almost lack decorative ceramics; facade is symmetrical with no main entrance. This is an early example of strict Central Asian mausoleum.
Khodja Doniyor Mausoleum
Samarkand, Afrosiab
The Mausoleum of Khodja Doniyor in Samarkand is revered by representatives of various religions and serves as an important pilgrimage site. Located near the Syab River, close to ancient Afrasiab ruins. Inside the mausoleum lie the remains of prophet Daniyar brought here by Amir Timur. The complex has been reconstructed since the early 20th century. Legends connect the arrival of relics with Timur himself. Nearby is a sacred spring.
Tilly-Kari Medrese
Samarkand, Registan
Tilly-Kari Medresa is situated on the northern side of Registan Square in Samarkand. The building combines the functions of an educational institution and the city's main mosque, constructed between 1646 and 1660 under the instruction of Yalangtush Bahadur. The inner courtyard is surrounded by hujras for students, while the facade features a portal, corner towers, and arched niches. Inside, the mosque stands out with its rich interior adorned with gilt paintings in the kundal technique, creating the illusion of height in the dome.
Ulugh Beg Madrasah
Samarkand, Registan
Ulugh Beg Madrasah is situated on Registan Square in Samarkand and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building constructed between 1417 and 1420 under Mirzo Ulugh Beg's decree has a rectangular shape with an inner courtyard and hujras for students. The main facade faces Registan Square. Originally there were four minarets here but only one remains today which was restored after tilting. Besides religious sciences mathematics and astronomy were also studied here.
Sher-Dor Madrasa
Samarkand, Registan
Sher-Dor Medressa is situated on the eastern side of Registan Square in Samarkand. Built between 1619 and 1636, it mimics the neighboring Ulugh Beg Medressa. The building surrounds a courtyard with two-tiered hujras for students. Decoration features mosaic, majolica and glazed ceramics. The name "Sher-Dor" means "having lions". The portal is adorned with twin minarets, its facade decorated with rare Islamic architecture figures.
Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex
Samarkand Region, Khishlak Hartang
The memorial complex of Imam al-Bukhari is situated in Samarkand, in the village of Khartang. After reconstruction, its territory covers 45 hectares. Its composition includes a new museum housed in nine pavilions with decorations made from mosaic, majolica, ganch and carved marble. To mark his 1225th anniversary, here there is a memorial and a new mosque for 10,000 people. The complex also features a library and a museum with valuable manuscripts and lithographs.
Bibi-Hanym Mosque
Samarkand, Islama Karimova St, 40
Bibi-Hanum Mosque in Samarkand was built upon Amir Timur's decree after his expedition to India. Construction took place from 1399 to 1404. In the center of the courtyard there is a massive stone base for the Koran. The building is decorated with mosaic faience cladding, glazed bricks and calligraphic inscriptions. After earthquakes numerous restorations and reconstructions were carried out. The mosque is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Samarqand - Crossroads of Cultures".
Namazgah Mosque
Samarkand, southwestern part of the historical city
Namazgoh Mosque is situated in the southwestern part of Samarkand and included in UNESCO's list as part of the cultural heritage "Samarqand - Crossroads of Cultures". It is a large open festive mosque intended for holding collective prayers, especially during major religious holidays. Inside the portal there is a main prayer hall with a mihrab. The total area of the protected territory amounts to about 6.7 hectares; the western part of the building features an imposing monumental portal.
Afrosiab Museum
Samarkand, Afrosiab archaeological site
Afrosiab Museum is located in Samarkand near the ancient Afrosiab settlement. It was opened in 1970 and is part of the Samarkand State Museum-Preserve. Exhibits include archaeological finds covering the city's history from ancient times to the Mongol era. Among the exhibits are ceramics, metalwork, glass and coins. Special value is placed on palace paintings discovered in 1965 depicting receptions of foreign envoys. The building's architect was Bagdasar Arzumanyan.
Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum
Samarkand, Ulugh Beg Observatory
Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum in Samarkand is dedicated to the prominent scientist of the 15th century Mirzo Ulugh Beg and his contributions to astronomy. Established in 1964, the site was landscaped to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the scholar in 1994. It features an exhibition explaining the workings of the ancient meridian and the history of the Samarkand astronomical school. The memorial museum is situated near the archaeological remains of the ancient observatory. Address: Mirzo Ulugbeg Street, 148.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Samarkand, Ko'hak Hill
Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Important astronomical observations were conducted here resulting in the star catalog "Zij-i-Jadid-i-Kurashigi". The building had a circular shape and was used by scientists Kazi-Zade ar-Rumi, al-Kashi and Ali Qushchi. The main instrument of the observatory - a giant meridian instrument with a radius of about 40 meters, partially preserved as a trench in the rock. Remains of the ancient device were discovered by archaeologist V.L. Vyatkin in 1908.
Amir Temur Monument in Samarkand
Samarkand, Amira Temura Sq
The Amir Timur Monument is situated in the center of Samarkand on his namesake square. It symbolizes the era of Timurid capital and is an important part of the city's historical route. The monument created after Uzbekistan's independence was achieved immortalizes the ruler under whose reign Samarkand flourished. On the pedestal of the monument is inscribed Sahibqiran, one of Timur's titles.
Registan
Samarkand, Registan
Registan Square in Samarkand is an historical and cultural center of the city. It formed over several centuries - from the 15th to the 17th century. There are three famous madrasahs here: Ulugh Beg's (western side), Sher-Dor (eastern) and Tilla-Kari (northern). Today Registan serves as a venue for state celebrations and cultural events. Its name comes from Persian meaning "sandy place". During Ulugh Beg's era, Registan was also an important scientific and educational hub.
Samarkand Theater named after Hamid Alimjan
Samarkand, city centre
Samarkand Theater Named After Khadim Alimjan Is Located In Samarkand's Center And Is A Significant City Stage. Founded On Uzbek Musical-Dramatic Tradition, It Combines National Dramaturgy With World Classics And Music Performances. The Theatre Is Named After Famous Uzbek Poet And Playwright Khadim Alimjan And Sits In Samarkand's Historical Heart.
Siab Bazaar
Samarkand, near Bibiyokhum
Siab Bazaar is the largest and oldest market of Samarkand situated near Bibiyokhanym Mosque. Its area exceeds seven hectares connecting Siab district and Siab River. Here city trade, gastronomy and daily life converge. A distinctive feature of the bazaar are Samarkand flatbreads which are popular among locals and tourists.
St. Alexis Metropolitan Cathedral
Samarkand, city area
Cathedral of Archbishop Alexius in Samarkand was consecrated on October 15, 1916 and dedicated to Archbishop Alexius of Moscow in honor of the birth of Tsarevich Alexis. The project was designed by architect Fedor Verzhbitsky and utilized during construction of garrison chapels in other cities of the Turkestan region. Initially, the church served as the main military cathedral of the city where major religious holidays and important events involving the garrison took place. After the revolution, the building was taken over by the military and used as a club until completion of construction.
Conigil Tourist Village
near Samarkand, Konigil
Tourist village Konigil is situated near Samarkand about 13 km away from the city. It features a unique workshop for making traditional Samarqand paper from mulberry bark. Visitors can observe hand processing of raw materials and learn about other local crafts. The village is surrounded by Siab River and green plantations where there are craft workshops and areas to explore regional culture.
Islam Karimov Street
Samarkand, historic centre
Islom-Karimov Street in Samarkand is a pedestrian route preserving the traditional appearance of the ancient city with low-rise buildings. It connects the main monuments of the historical center listed by UNESCO, including Registan Square and Bibiyahunam Ensemble. Walking along this street allows you to see key attractions of Samarkand and enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient city.
Hazrat Khizr
Samarkand, Afrosiab
The Khazrat-Khyzyr Mosque is situated near the southern boundaries of the ancient city of Afrasiab. The complex includes a mosque, an iwan, vestibule and minaret; most structures date back to the mid-19th century. After reconstructions and additions from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, it also became the burial place for Uzbekistan's first president Islam Karimov in 2016. The iwan faces picturesque views of old Samarkand, decorated with carved wooden columns and painted ceiling.
Chorsu (Samarkand)
Samarkand, near Registan
Chorsu — historical trading dome in Samarkand situated near Sherdor madrasa and Registan square. After restoration in 2005 it became a museum and art gallery. The building stands out with its central dome and smaller domes above entrances. Today it operates as National Art Gallery continuing the tradition of trade at an important medieval city hub.
Shahi Zindah
Samarkand, Shakhi-Zinda St
Shahi-Zinda — part of UNESCO site "Samarkand - Crossroads of Cultures". Complex consists of three groups of structures connected by stairs. Decorative ceramics of Timurids and masters' inscriptions have been preserved here. Name translates as "Living King". Central building is associated with Kusam ibn Abbas, cousin of prophet Muhammad. Architecture ensemble demonstrates various techniques of ceramic decoration. Structures are situated along the street leading up the Afrasiab hill.
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