Blog #1 - ‘Roots in Samarkand - Ancient Heritage’
In the photo: my mom, me, and my aunt (1973, University Boulevard, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, USSR)
It is difficult to say when this or that seed sinks into the soul of a child, giving a sprout from which a whole shoot rises. Probably no one knows this. But it is quite obvious what surrounds a small person from their first steps on earth, what imperceptibly and daily enters them and leaves milestones in their heart that will later determine their entire path.
The city of Samarkand, my homeland, one of the oldest cities in the world, is located in a large oasis of the Zeravshan River in the northeastern region of Uzbekistan.
One of the most significant historical facts about Samarkand is that it was an important stopping point on the ancient Great Silk Road, going from China to Europe.
It is not known exactly how old the city of Samarkand is. It is known that the first mention of the city was in the 5th century BC, in the holy book "Avesta," and it is mentioned again in 329 BC, in the writings of Roman and Greek biographers of Alexander the Great. My city reached its greatest prosperity during the reign of Amir Timur, a far-sighted ruler, a talented organizer, an outstanding commander, and the founder of the Timurid Empire. Amir Timur zealously took care of the prosperity of his capital, which he wanted to see as the capital of the world. He developed crafts and trade at the expense of forcibly bringing in masters from the conquered countries. At that time, majestic palaces, mosques, madrasahs - (Muslim schools), and tombs were erected in the city. Samarkand was located on flatland surrounded by mountains. Vineyards and orchards were grown on the outskirts of the city.
Amir Timur especially sought out the masters of various crafts and brought them into the city. From Damascus, he brought as many craftsmen, artisans, and skilled workers as he could find, including all kinds of weavers, and weapon makers, such as bow makers and gunsmiths. Also, he brought glass makers and potters. From Turkey, he brought stonemasons and goldsmiths. All of these craftsmen were considered the best in the world.
Yes, my city has roots going far back in history. When I walked around the world-famous Registan Square with high azure-blue domes decorated with blue mosaics, I imagined myself as Princess Bibi Khanum in a beautiful red dress made of expensive silk fabric with gold embroidery, wide and long, dragging along the ground, and with large lace earrings. I would hear music and would dance to Uzbek music Lazgi, or Shashmak. I would spend my time walking around the majestic buildings, their facades like images in a kaleidoscope. The walls and domes of the ancient buildings are decorated with glazed ceramic mosaics and majolica. In the sun, the mosaics glisten and resemble the texture of precious minerals and the color of an exotic bird.