After breakfast at Hotel Maroqand, we took taxis to begin our sightseeing.
Day 15 (01 Jun 2026) Exploring Samarkand
Our 15th day was devoted entirely to exploring the magnificent city of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and perhaps the greatest jewel of the ancient Silk Road. Throughout the day, we visited magnificent mausoleums, bustling bazaars, historic mosques, and traditional craft villages, before ending the evening with a spectacular light show at the world-famous Registan Square.
Our first destination was the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. This complex is made up of a series of beautifully decorated mausoleums and royal tombs dating from the 11th to the 15th centuries. It is believed to be the burial place of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, who came to Samarkand in the 7th century to spread Islam when the region was still largely influenced by Zoroastrianism. According to tradition, he was martyred in AD 677 and buried here, making Shah-i-Zinda one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. Walking through its narrow avenue of dazzling blue-tiled mausoleums was like stepping into an open-air museum of Timurid architecture.
By midday, we arrived at Axmaa Bobo Restaurant, located beside Konigil Tourist Village, where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before continuing our exploration.
In the afternoon, we visited Konigil Tourist Village and the famous Meros Paper Mill, where we learned about the traditional art of producing Samarkand silk paper. This remarkable handmade paper is produced from mulberry bark, using techniques that have been preserved for centuries. During the height of the Silk Road, Samarkand paper was renowned throughout Asia and Europe for its exceptional durability, moisture resistance, and ability to survive for more than 400 years. Watching the craftsmen demonstrate every stage of the paper-making process gave us a deeper appreciation of one of Samarkand's oldest surviving traditions.
Our next stop was the bustling Siyob Bazaar, the largest market in Samarkand. Covering more than seven hectares, the bazaar has served local residents and Silk Road traders for nearly two thousand years. The colourful market was filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, dried nuts, traditional bread, sweets, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
From the bazaar, we walked to the magnificent Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of the Timurid Renaissance. Built by the conqueror Amir Timur after his campaign in India, it was once among the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. Even today, its enormous blue domes, soaring entrance portal, and intricate mosaic decorations continue to impress visitors from around the globe.
As darkness fell, we made our way to the legendary Registan Square, undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Uzbekistan. At around 9:00 p.m., the historic madrasahs were transformed by a spectacular 3D projection-mapping and laser-light show. Brilliant colours, music, and animated visual effects illuminated the centuries-old buildings, creating a magical atmosphere that beautifully blended history with modern technology. Watching the ancient monuments come alive beneath the night sky was one of the unforgettable highlights of our journey.
After the show, we enjoyed a leisurely walk back to Hotel Maroqand through the beautifully lit streets of Samarkand, arriving at nearly 11:00 p.m.
It had been a long but immensely rewarding day. According to our fitness tracker, we had walked 19,718 steps, covering approximately 13.8 km - a small effort in exchange for experiencing one of the world's greatest historic cities.
15th night accommodation: Hotel Marokand, 141.Chorraha Street, Samarkand, +998 99 703 82 02
Beautiful flowers line the footpath outside the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis.
Archaeological investigations near the main entrance gate of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, revealed the structural remains of a 15th-century medieval bathhouse (hammam).
Archaeological investigations near the main entrance gate of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
The Shah-i-Zinda ensemble includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings from the 11th, 15th, and 19th centuries. The name Shah-i-Zinda ('the Living King') refers to the mythology that Qutham ibn Abbas, Muhammad's cousin, is buried here. He came to Samarkand during the Arab conquest in the seventh century to preach Islam. According to mythology, he was decapitated while praying, picked up his severed head, and wandered to the Garden of Paradise, where he still lives today.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis main gate & entrance: Built by Ulugbek’s son, Abdulazizhan, in 1434–1435 AD
The most well-proportioned building in the bottom group is a double-cupola mausoleum from the early 15th century, which is located near the multi-step staircase. The mausoleum is dedicated to Kazi Zade Rumi, a scientist and astronomer. Ulugh Beg built a double-cupola mausoleum over his tomb between 1434 and 1435, at a height equivalent to the cupolas of royal family mausoleums.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis in Samarkand, featuring its distinctive turquoise domes and intricate brickwork. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a 13th-century complex of mausoleums and mosques that reflects the city's rich Islamic heritage.
Ayvan (Balcony) Built By Architect Muhammad Siddik In Honor Of His Mother In 1910.
The ensemble is made up of three sets of structures: bottom, middle, and upper, which are joined by four-arched domed tunnels known locally as chartak. The earliest structures date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Their bases and headstones have largely remained intact. The majority go back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Reconstructions from the 16th to 19th centuries had no significance and did not alter the overall composition and appearance.
Enter Shah-i-Zinda through a massive ornate gate built by Ulugh Beg, then hike up to see all of the graves.
The interior of the Guri Amir Mausoleum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, features its white arches, intricate tilework, and a central dome. The mausoleum is a prominent example of 19th-century Islamic architecture and a key site in the city's historic necropolis.
The interior of the Guri Amir Mausoleum in Samarkand features its white arches and intricate tilework.
The tomb of Guri Amir at Shah-i-Zinda.
Tomb Of Kazi Zade Rumi At Shah-i-Zinda
The upper group of buildings consists of three mausoleums facing one another. The earliest one is the Khodja-Akhmad Mausoleum (1340s), which completes the northern passage. The Mausoleum of 1361, to the right, blocks the same route from the east.
The upper group of buildings consists of three mausoleums facing one another.
Tuglu Tekin Mausoleum, built in 1376 in honor of Amir Husayn's mother. The text explains that the mausoleum was constructed by one of Amir Husayn's commanders, Amir Temur, and notes that the portal is decorated with carved glazed terracotta.
Tuglu Tekin Mausoleum, built in 1376 in honor of Amir Husayn's mother. Plain white coffins placed on a tiled floor, with other similar coffins visible in the background.
Amirzoda Mausoleum.
The Turkan Ago Mausoleum, or Shadi Mulk Aga, is a memorial monument in Samarkand (1372). It is part of the Shah-i-Zinda ensemble. Turkan Ogo, Amir Temur's sister, had a tomb built for her deceased daughter Shodimulk Ogo (1370-71). In 1383, Turkan Ogo was buried with her daughter. The mausoleum consists of a single chamber with a domed roof and unadorned external walls. The front and interior sides are decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles, silk drapes, and excellent materials in turquoise. The inside has inscriptions and embellishments, and the dome is covered with beautiful materials. The tomb is divided into eight sections, each ornamented with stars and complex designs.
The middle group consists of the mausoleums from the last quarter of the 14th century to the first half of the 15th century and is concerned with the names of Timur's relatives, military and clergy aristocracy. On the western side, the Turkan Ago Mausoleum, the niece of Timur, stands out.[8][9][10][11] This portal-domed one-premise crypt was built in 1372. Opposite is the mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aga, Timur's sister. Next to Shirin Bika Aga's mausoleum is the so-called Octahedron, an unusual crypt of the first half of the 15th century
From the list:
Grave 1 → ULJOY SHODIMULK OQO (died 1372)
Grave 2 → QUTLUG' TURKON OQO (1331–1388)
Grave 3 → AMIR TEMUR'S WIFE DILSHOD OQO (died 1383)
Grave 4 → DILSHOD OQO'S GRANDSON (died 1398)
From the list:
Grave 1 → ULJOY SHODIMULK OQO (died 1372)
Grave 2 → QUTLUG' TURKON OQO (1331–1388)
Grave 3 → AMIR TEMUR'S WIFE DILSHOD OQO (died 1383)
Grave 4 → DILSHOD OQO'S GRANDSON (died 1398)
The Turkan Ago mausoleum consists of a single chamber with a domed roof and unadorned external walls. The inside has inscriptions and embellishments, and the dome is covered with beautiful materials. The tomb is divided into eight sections, each ornamented with stars and complex designs.
The Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aka is a 14th-century architectural masterpiece located in the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Built in 1385–1386 CE, it serves as the final resting place of Shirin Bika Aka, the sister of the ruler Amir Timur (Tamerlane).
The Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aka is a 14th-century architectural masterpiece.
The ornate blue-tiled entrance of the Shah-i-Zinda memorial complex in Samarkand, adorned with intricate geometric and floral patterns.
We are posing together with our local girlfriends at the Shah-i-Zinda memorial complex in Samarkand.
Posing together with our French tourists, Mr Eric and his wife, at the Shah-i-Zinda memorial complex.
Posing together with our French tourists, Mr Eric and his wife, at the Shah-i-Zinda memorial complex.
Shaxsi ma'lum emas nozik did bilan ishlangan, koshinlari qisman saqlanib qolgan mausoleum. The text provides historical details in Uzbek and English, noting its construction in the second half of the 14th century and its partially preserved decorative tiles.
Shaxsi ma'lum emas nozik did bilan ishlangan, koshinlari qisman saqlanib qolgan mausoleum. 
On the left is Ali Nasafi Tomb.
Ali Nasafi Tomb.
Ali Nasafi Tomb.
Ali Nasafi Tomb – Interiors.
Amir Burunduk Mausoleum.
Amir Burunduk Mausoleum.
Amir Burunduk Mausoleum.
The Tuman Oko Complex (15th century, XV.c) is a historic 1405 architectural site located inside the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand. Built by Tuman Agha, the wife of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the complex features a mausoleum, a mosque, and service rooms decorated with fine blue tilework. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Khodja Ahmad Mausoleum.
Kutlug Oko Mausoleum (Wife Of Timur).
Kutlug Oko Mausoleum (Wife Of Timur).
Kutlug Oko Mausoleum (Wife Of Timur)
Ching and Uzbekistan friend Mushtariy муштарий гаффарова.
The upper half is dominated by the Qusam Ibn Abbas Mausoleum, which must be approached via interconnected entrances. This part has three mausoleums facing each other, all with green, blue, and azure tile front facades, making it the most colorful section.
The upper half is dominated by the Qusam Ibn Abbas Mausoleum.
The upper half is dominated by the Qusam Ibn Abbas Mausoleum.
Ali Nasafi Tomb.
Ali Nasafi Tomb – Interiors.
Tomb Of Kazi Zade Rumi At Shah-i-Zinda
Tomb Of Kazi Zade Rumi At Shah-i-Zinda.
In the afternoon, we visited Konigil Tourist Village and the famous Meros Paper Mill, where we learned about the traditional art of producing Samarkand silk paper. This remarkable handmade paper is produced from mulberry bark, using techniques that have been preserved for centuries. During the height of the Silk Road, Samarkand paper was renowned throughout Asia and Europe for its exceptional durability, moisture resistance, and ability to survive for more than 400 years. Watching the craftsmen demonstrate every stage of the paper-making process gave us a deeper appreciation of one of Samarkand's oldest surviving traditions.
In the afternoon, we visited Konigil Tourist Village and the famous Meros Paper Mill, where we learned about the traditional art of producing Samarkand silk paper.
Clusters of unripe green grapes hanging from the vines in a sunlit vineyard.
Clusters of unripe green grapes hanging from the vines in a sunlit vineyard.
A cherry tree laden with ripe red cherries hanging from its branches among green leaves.
A cherry tree laden with ripe red cherries hanging from its branches among green leaves.
By midday, we arrived at Axmaa Bobo Restaurant, located beside Konigil Tourist Village, where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch before continuing our exploration.
We had 2kg of fish for lunch.
The shop owner was cutting our 2kg fish on a wooden counter in a sunlit kitchen.
The shop owner was cutting our 2kg fish on a wooden counter in a sunlit kitchen.
We had 2kg of fish for lunch.
We had 2kg of fish for lunch.
We had 2kg of fish for lunch.
Enjoying freshly poured beer at a taproom.
Enjoying freshly poured beer at a taproom.
Enjoying a meal together at a restaurant, with several plates of food and drinks spread across the table.
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