Samarkand

Samarkand or Samarqand is perhaps the most famous city of modern Uzbekistan. The downtown is..

Samarkand Halal Travel Guide

The name Samarkand is derived from Old Persian asmara ("stone, rock") and from Sogdian qand ("fort", "town"). Samarkand literally means "stone fort" or "rock town." Samarkand had a central position on the Silk Road between China and the West. In the 14th century, Temur (Tamerlane) made Samarkand the capital of his empire. Samarkand is a must-see for all travellers visiting Central Asia. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001 as Samarkand - Crossroad of Cultures.

History

Pre-Islamic era

The site of Samarkand was sporadically occupied in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages. A city was founded in pre-Achaemenid times, between 650 and 550BC. A wall followed the whole circuit of the plateau (5.5 km), complemented by another one which separates the town from the acropolis, situated in the northern part and itself including a fortress raised on an artificial platform. The massive wall, 7-m thick, was made of coarse mud bricks, all of which bear a mark, an indication that labour was strictly organized in groups of workers. Similar building techniques have been noticed at other Sogdian and pre-Sogdian sites during that pre-Achaemenid period.

The city was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC. It was named Maracanda by the Greeks. Two phases of Greek occupation can be distinguished and the first lasting from Alexander to the second half of the 3rd century BC and a second period of reconquest under the Greco-Bactrian king Eucratides (171-145 BC). The pottery differs markedly between these two phases.

The pre-Islamic Sogdian civilization is best documented from excavations at Panjikent, which was the former capital at that time; the town is near Samarkand but now across a border in Tajikistan. At Samarqand and the major source of evidence for this period is the aristocratic residence with the famous wall paintings which were commissioned for a reception hall ca. 660AD, probably by King Varkhuman.

Islamic period

Mosque Bibi Khanum (5) - Bibi-Khanum Mosque

In the early 8th century AD, Samarkand was conquered by the Arabs and soon became an important center of Muslim culture. Excavations beneath the mosque show a rapid succession of monumental buildings. A massive enclosure, perhaps the temenos of the pre-Islamic temple mentioned in the sources, was razed some time after the Arab conquest of 712. The site was occupied by a large palace (ca 115 x 84 m), which was according to numismatic evidence built in the 740s by the last Umayyad governor Nasar b. Sayyar. Between 765 and 780 the Friday mosque was first built on a square plan, which probably at the beginning of the Samanid period, ca. 820-30 was enlarged and the remaining parts of the palace were levelled.

It subsequently grew as a trade center on the Silk Road and the great trading route between China and the Mediterranean region.

In 1220 Samarkand was almost completely destroyed by the Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. It flourished again when Timur-i-Leng (known as Tamerlane in the West) made it the capital of his empire in 1369. As his capital Timur put Samarkand on the world map and much of the architecture visible today was built by him or his descendants. The empire declined in the 15th century, and nomadic Uzbeks (Shaybanids) took Samarkand in 1500. In 1784 the emirate of Bukhara conquered it. The city was taken by Russia in 1868 and once again began to assume importance. From 1924 to 1930, Samarkand was the former capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR).

{{Climate | units = Metric | janhigh = 6 | febhigh = 8 | marhigh = 14 | aprhigh = 21 | mayhigh = 26 | junhigh = 32 | julhigh = 34 | aughigh = 32 | sephigh = 28 | octhigh = 21 | novhigh = 15 | dechigh = 9 | janlow = -3 | feblow = -1 | marlow = 3 | aprlow = 9 | maylow = 13 | junlow = 16 | jullow = 16 | auglow = 16 | seplow = 11 | octlow = 6 | novlow = 2 | declow = -1 | janprecip = 44 | febprecip = 39 | marprecip = 71 | aprprecip = 63 | mayprecip = 33 | junprecip = 4 | julprecip = 4 | augprecip = 0 | sepprecip = 4 | octprecip = 24 | novprecip = 28 | decprecip = 41 | jansun = 4 | febsun = 5 | marsun = 6 | aprsun = 7 | maysun = 10 | junsun = 13 | julsun = 13 | augsun = 12 | sepsun = 10 | octsun = 8 | novsun = 6 | decsun = 4 | janh2o = | febh2o = | marh2o = | aprh2o = | mayh2o = | junh2o = | julh2o = | augh2o = | seph2o = | octh2o = | novh2o = | dech2o = | description = Samarkand has a typical continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Best seasons for travels to Samarland is April/May and Sep/October.

Travel to Samarkand

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Samarkand

• Samarkand International Airport IATA Code: SKD 39.69659, 66.99089 Daily Flights to Tashkent ($21) except on Mondays and Fridays. Other destinations are Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Kazan all with Uzbekistan Airways]. Domestic tickets can only be bought at the airport in US dollars.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Samarkand

The Samarkand Railway Station - Вокзал Самарканд 39.68556, 66.92889 is 5 kilometers northwest of Navoi Park. Take bus 22 or marshrutka 3,27,35 or 72 that says Вокзал from Registan stop 39.65377, 66.97982 for 1,000 som. A taxi from the downtown is about 5,000 som. Train tickets for all routes in Uzbekistan can be also bought at the brand new Ticket Office 39.6543, 66.9612 in new town. Trains get very crowded so it is advisable to book a few days ahead.

There are a few daily train services to and from Tashkent. Besides the slow local trains there is the super fast Afrosiob and the still fast Sharq train that continues to Bukhara. For Khiva take the night trains to Urgench and hop on a marshrutka or shared taxi. For departure times see the Uzbekistan#Get around|Uzbekistan#Get around section.

The most popular international route is from Saint Petersburg (93 hr) via Volgograd (57 hr) departing every Friday at 07:30 arriving five nights later at 06:26. This train bypasses Moscow, nearest stop is in the town of Ozherelye. There is also a weekly connection from Alma-Ata departing every Sunday at 15:50 arriving 07:59 two nights later.

By car

Samarkand is about 4 hours by road from Tashkent; shared taxis leave from Sobir Rahimov bus station.

The distance to Samarkand from Tashkent is 290 km, from Bokhara 270 km, from Khiva 740 km, from Andizhan 610 km, from Fergana 600 km, from Karshi 150 km, from Kokand 500 km, from Nukus 820 km, from Shahrisabz 90 km, from Termez 380 km and from Urgench 700 km.

What to see in Samarkand

Registan square 2014 - Enjoying the view of Registan, Samarkand Mausoleum of Amir Temur (1) - Gur-Emir

• Registan Ensemble Registan became the city square when the life in Afrosiab stopped. Since that time Registan was reconstructed several times. Today it is surrounded by the three medreses Ulugbek, Shirdor and Tilla Kari. At night the guards will let you in for $5 or $10. They may suggest you climb up onto the roof of one of the Madrasah, which is not advisable, dangerous, dusty and with limited interest.

• Shirdor Madrasah Medrese Shirdor repeats the facade and composition of Ulugbek medrese opposite. In Shirdor medrese the first floor is preserved, whereas it is destroyed in Ulugbek medrese. The entrance portal has images of a tiger (“shir”, hence the name Shirdor). Ornaments and decorations are very rich, but its quality is worse than of Ulugbek medrese. Shirdor medrese was erected by order of Uzbek feudal lord Yalangtush in 1619-1632. Inscriptions of medrese show the names of the masters Abdaldjabbar and Muhammad-Abbas.

• Ulugbek Madrasah The oldest medrese on Registan, is a large rectangular building with monumental portal and a yard with four-verandahs, surrounded by cells for students and with four classrooms in the junctions. In the western part is a winter mosque. The corners of the building are decorated with high minarets. The decorations consists of glazed and unglazed bricks, mosaics, majolica, carving marble. The most beautiful decorations are those of the main portal, where geometric, vegetative and epigraphic decorations were used. Inscriptions mention Ulugbek and several dates relating to the stages of construction. Construction of the medrasah finished in 823 (1420).

• Tilla Kari Madrasah In 1660 the Tilya-Kori ("Gilded") Madrasah was built. It was not only a residential college for students, but also played the role of grand mosque. It has a two-storied main facade and a vast courtyard fringed by dormitory cells, with four galleries along the axes. The mosque building is in the western section of the courtyard. The main hall of the mosque is abundantly gilded.

• Bibi-Khanym Mosque Named after the wife of Temur, erected after his raid of Delhi. One of best known architectural attractions of Central Asia. The Minaret of the Mosque was supposed to be the tallest.

• Khazrat-Khizr One of the ancient edifices of Samarkand, destroyed by Genghis Khan's army and rebuilt in the 19th century. A beautiful mosque stands on the elevation at the entrance of town, from where the eye wanders over Bibi-Khonym Mosque and the big bazaar and the mountains in the South.

• Ulugbek's Observatory - Ulug`bek rasadxonasi | Discovered by Russian archaeologists. Ulugbek, Timur's grandson, was an accomplished astronomer, scientist and architect. The monument is situated in the north-east outskirts of city at the foot Chupan-ata mountain, which in medieval times was called Kukhak. That was three floor round building, decorated by glazed tiles, majolica, mosaic, but it was destroyed. The only thing that was preserved is a part of huge sextant and the lowest part of which was in a deep trench (11 km). Both arcs of this instrument are made of marble with indication of degrees. During the excavation works, remains of other astronomic instruments were found. Even being preserved partially and the observatory of Ulugbek is unique not only for Central Asia, but also for the whole world. The remains of observatory were conserved at the beginning of 1960s. Here was also organized museum, where collecting the unique astronomic information and instruments related to Timurids epoch.

Tombs

• Gur Emir Mausoleum - Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Amir Temur Mausoleum | Tomb of the conqueror Tamerlane, built and beautifully reconstructed from 1404-1405 and 15-17th centuries. Includes the largest piece of jade (greenstone) in the world.

• Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble An ancient necropolis (9-14th, 19th centuries) situated on southeastern mound of Afrosiab. Consists of 44 tombs in more than 20 mausoleums. Shah E Zinda was the first cousin of the Prophet Muhammad and resembled the Prophet the most. (Hadrat Hissam Ibne Abbass or Kissam Ibne Abbass)

• Afrosiab The ruined site of ancient and medieval Samarqand in the northern part of the modern town. A museum is in the center of the remains, housing a wall mural showing proof of diplomatic relations with the Chinese. The famous Persian Pehlvan Rustam and Sohrab belonged to the Afrosiyob.

• Tomb of Prophet Daniel The reputed tomb of the Hebrew Prophet Daniel, in the cemetery section of Afrosiab next to a pleasant stream. For a small fee you may enter the tomb, which contains a burial chamber around 18 meters long. Muslim men will offer prayers while you listen respectfully. After the conquest of Syria the grave was transported to Samarkand under the orders of Amir Temur.

• Al-Bukhari Mausoleum - Al-Buxori Mausoleum | Al Buxori was a collector of the sayings of prophet Muhamed, and compiled them into a book known as Hadith Bukhari Sharif or Bukhari Sahih. He was buried in the place where his mausoleum is located now. The present building was constructed on top of the original grave of Imam Al-Bukhari in 1997 (1225 years after the imam's death) by the Uzbek government with support from other Muslim governments - the bricks were delivered from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, green marble from Pakistan, financing from Iran, and builders and artists from Uzbekistan and Iran. Visited daily by about 1,000 visitors from all over the world. The complex consists of Al Bukhari's mosque and grave and a museum exhibiting Qurans from some Muslim countries.

• Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi Mausoleum The Mausoleum of great Sunni Faqi is in Mirza Zaheer. Ud Din Babur, in his book Babur Noma, praised the knowledge and Command on Fiqah of Abu Mansoor Al Matrudi.

Décor de la mosquée Khodja Akhrar (Samarcande, Ouzbékistan) (5646844107) - Tile mosaic in the mosque of Khoja Ahrar

• Rukhabad Mausoleum - Rukhobod Mausoleum | This is a central square mausoleum without portal with four identical facades. The arch entrance is decorated by blue glazed tiles and eventually the cupola was also covered by glazed tiles. According to manuscripts Rukhabat mausoleum ("place of spirit presence") was the burial place of the Samarkand sufi Burkhan ad-Din Sagardji, who died in 1380s. The mausoleum was built at a time, when central compositions were not popular and decorations of burial architecture was very rich. On the occasion of anniversary of Amir Timur in 1996 all buildings, which were not related to the monument, were destroyed and the ruins of constructions of Rukhabat complex – the mosque, khidjras, medrese and minaret came to light.

• Abdi Darun Ensemble The mausoleum was erected over the grave of famous lawyer. It has been reconstructed for several times. A 'ziaratkhana' was built in front of mausoleum during the reign of Ulugbek. The portal and cupola drum are decorated with geometric ornaments and inscriptions from glazed bricks. In the cemetery are 'dahmas' (large grave constructions), dating to the 15 cent., covered with glazed tiles. The mosque was constructed at the beginning of 20 cent. It consists of a winter room and a summer column aivan, decorated by pottery carving and colored paintings. A small medrese was added at the end of 19th century.

• Ishrat-khana Mausoleum Ruined and atmospheric with no people at all.

• Ak-Saray Mausoleum

• Khodja Ahrar Ensemble | The grave of the famous religious and state benefactor of 15th century. Nakshbandi Ubeidallah Ahrar is decorated by white marble tiles covered by inscriptions. The Medrese of Nadira divan-begi is a one floor building with a traditional four-aivans yard composition. The main entrance is decorated by portal, two khudjras are situated on the both sides of it as well as in the north and south parts of building. The western part of building is a mosque with a huge portal, main hall (mikhrab) and four rooms. The mosque was probably built in the 15th century, but the medrese was erected in 1040-1045 (1630-1636) according to the order of well-known official Nadira divan-begi by architect Dust-Mukhammad. The decoration are very typical for 17th century: majolica, mosaic of high quality. The decorations of entrance portal are illustrating tigers and does. The summer mosque was built in 17th century in the south from medrese. The decorations of mikhrab niche of this mosque are very similar to medrese. The column aivan (verandah) between medrese and summer mosque was constructed or reconstructed in later period. At the beginning of the 20th century ceiling of aivan was covered by vivid paintings. A small minaret, which is situated opposite to aivan, was erected in 1909 by Sadulla architect.

Best things to do in Samarkand

• Siyob Bazaar Siyob Bazaar Samarkand

• Visit a spa/banya for a Samarkand deep tissue massage.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Samarkand

• Samarkand Zeera (black cumin) is famous all over the world for its aroma.
• Samarkand Pistachio, smaller in size but very popular.
• Samarkand Shafran Or Zafran is famous but inferior in quality as compared with Iranian saffron.

Halal Restaurants in Samarkand

The most famous product of Samarkand is their bread, "Samarkand Non". A visitor will rarely find anybody leaving Samarkand without buying Non as a gift. There are so many interesting stories about "Samarkand Non".

• Local restaurant Great real local restaurant in a side street only a few meters from the Registan. They offer good shashlik and other Uzbek food. Beer and vodka are available too.

• Cafe Nur | Ordinary clean local cafe selling pizza (3,500 som), including Vegetarian options. Good for Muslim travellers because of the location and because the owner speaks excellent English.

• Regal Palace Restaurant | Indian food prepared by Indian chef, including Vegetarian options. The only restaurant offering Indian food.

• Istiqlol | Serving shurpa, lagman, mastava, homemade noodles, guj, plov, manti, shashlik, pelmeni, dul or barra.

• Karim Bek | serving variety of food. The restaurant hall turns into a disco at 20:00 with number of difference dance shows at 21:00.

• Cafe Magistr | Excellent Pizzas, Vegetarian options, reasonable prices and friendly staff (the manager speaks excellent English) makes this place one of the best eateries in town. Ask for both the English and Russian menu as the English is old and is wrongly priced. Aug 2012]

• Aziz Supermarket | The only super market in town Aug 2012 { GPS North 39.39.15.2 , E 066.57.27.5}

• Sikhookyung Korean Restaurant | A good Korean restaurant with friendly service Aug 2012]

• Super Osh Cafe Samarkand style "Osh" or "Plov" with sweet carrots. Somsa also available, prepared in external ovens. Go early, can get full. Super Osh was once an Italian restaurant hence the anachronistic decor.

Samarkand is a conservative city as compared with Tashkent. There are few night clubs and bars. In Afrosiab Hotel there is a night club and café. In President Hotel guests can obtain organic juice in nice environments. Incante Show Club is at a walking distance from Afrosiab Hotel and in the evening visitors can watch pole dance.

• Teahouse-cafe Oriental sweets | The building was constructed at the end of 19th century as a caravansarai.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Samarkand

Samarkand - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Samarkand, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Samarkand. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Samarkand and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Samarkand. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Samarkand. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSamarkand: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Samarkand.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Samarkand: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Samarkand, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Samarkand.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Samarkand, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Samarkand, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Samarkand and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Samarkand, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Samarkand, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Samarkand without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Samarkand is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Samarkand.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Samarkand is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Samarkand, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Samarkand Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Regal Palace

• Hotel Malika

• Registan Plaza Four-star hotel opened 2004, centrally located, restaurant, swimming pool

• Orient Star Hotel Opened 2001, in the heart of the old town, restaurant, swimming pool.

Travel Next

• Shakhrisabz, 100 km from Samarkand
• Penjikent (Tajikistan), 60 km from Samarkand

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