Registan Square is a visiting card of Samarkand. In the 15th-17th centuries it was the educational and spiritual centre of the city. A huge square in the centre of the old part of Samarkand, on which three majestic medieval universities (madrassas) stand – the Ulugbek Madrassah (on the left), the Tillya-Kari Madrassah (central) and the Sher-Dor Madrassah (on the right). Translated from Uzbek, “reg” means sand, “stan” means place. Registan in Samarkand is a unique example of the art of urban planning, as well as a remarkable example of the architectural design of the main square of the city. The madrassas were built at different times. You will imagine the times when these buildings served as religious schools and scientific centers, “read” the plots of the facades and simply enjoy the beauty of the complex.

The Bibikhanum Mosque was also called the Friday Mosque of Samarkand, where thousands of Muslim men came. In reality, the mosque was built in 1399-1404 by order of Amir Timur after his return from the Indian campaign. Construction began in May 1399. Timur himself chose the location of the future mosque. Craftsmen from India, Iran, Khorezm, and the Golden Horde were involved in the construction. By September 1404, the main part of the complex was built. In the courtyard of the mosque, 10 thousand people could pray at the same time.

Siab Bazaar is the largest and oldest bazaar in Samarkand, one of the largest and oldest bazaars in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Here you will get acquainted with the colourful trading culture of Central Asia, which will undoubtedly surprise you with its peculiarities.

Hazrat Khizr Mosque was reconstructed in the 19th century, replacing the one destroyed in the 13th century. The original mosque on this site dates back to the 8th century and this Mosque was built on the site of a Zoroastrian temple. This historical complex is a striking example of the mixture of Central Asian cultures.

The Shahi-Zinda memorial complex is one of the mysterious architectural monuments of Samarkand. It is believed that this is where the grave of Kusam ibn Abbas, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad himself, is located. Also, relatives of Amir Timur and noble people of the Timurid Empire are buried here. You will be impressed by the string of elegant, sparkling blue tombs where royalty and nobility are buried.

The cherished dream of Ulugbek, the grandson of Amir Temur, was to build an observatory. Ulugbek was not only a ruler, but also a great leader of the time. By 1428-1429, the construction of Ulugbek's observatory was completed, he personally supervised the construction. Such talented astronomers as Kazi-Zade Rumi, Giyasaddin Jamshid and Ulugbek's capable student Ali Kushchi were part of the team of astronomers. You will get a little acquainted with the Renaissance period of that time.