Afrasiab town
Initially, the city called "Samarkand" did not exist on the map of Uzbekistan... In 7–8 centuries, another city was formed in its place. It was named after the famous king, Afrasiab.
Separated by deep ravines and rivers, surrounded by high towers and fortified walls, the city seemed impregnable.
Separated by deep ravines and rivers, surrounded by high towers and fortified walls, the city seemed impregnable.
Due to archaeological excavations and scholars that explored the history of Uzbekistan, they were able to prove that the earliest masonry fort was made between 6 and 7 centuries BC. At the foot of a high wall and the citadel are situated homes and a small shopping area.
Approximately, in the 6th century BC, the Sogdiana joined the great Persian Achaemenid Empire. Unfortunately, the army of Alexander the Great destroyed Sogdiana. Only during the Seleucids' period was the city able to be reborn again.
Until the 2nd century BC, Sogdiana was considered part of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom, and then it became part of the principality of Kangyuy. In the 1st century BC, Samarkand became one of the principalities of Sogd. Through this city lies the Great Silk Road.
In the center of the city, archaeologists have found wall paintings that have become a tourist attraction on cultural tours to Uzbekistan. An anonymous but very talented artist did the painting. They were made at a professional level with special glue and painted on clay plaster.
Not only was the painting preserved, but even the colors that depicted people and animals. Men carry gifts to the temple, which have scenes of hunting, water kingdoms, and people in festive costumes.
Now, these paintings are part of the exhibition of the Museum "Afrasiab" and include cultural values of Uzbekistan. In the 10th century, Samarkand became a cultural center of the East and the capital of the dynasty of the Samanids. In the western part of the city, archaeologists have found traces of the Samanid Palace.
In the 13th century, Samarkand became the capital of the Karakhanids. Here in the 13th century was built the Mausoleum, where the burial of Kusama ibn Abbas took place.
Then General Genghis Khan conquered Samarkand. The city suffered from constant wars and strife, and in the 14th century, it was abandoned. Today, Afrasiab is just a large number of barren hills and caves. Here's, perhaps, all that remained of the great city.
Our travel agency, "Orient Mice," will be happy to provide you with transport, hotel, and professional guides who will show you not only the city, but also tell you amazing stories about the architectural monuments of Samarkand.
Approximately, in the 6th century BC, the Sogdiana joined the great Persian Achaemenid Empire. Unfortunately, the army of Alexander the Great destroyed Sogdiana. Only during the Seleucids' period was the city able to be reborn again.
Until the 2nd century BC, Sogdiana was considered part of the Greco-Bactrian kingdom, and then it became part of the principality of Kangyuy. In the 1st century BC, Samarkand became one of the principalities of Sogd. Through this city lies the Great Silk Road.
In the center of the city, archaeologists have found wall paintings that have become a tourist attraction on cultural tours to Uzbekistan. An anonymous but very talented artist did the painting. They were made at a professional level with special glue and painted on clay plaster.
Not only was the painting preserved, but even the colors that depicted people and animals. Men carry gifts to the temple, which have scenes of hunting, water kingdoms, and people in festive costumes.
Now, these paintings are part of the exhibition of the Museum "Afrasiab" and include cultural values of Uzbekistan. In the 10th century, Samarkand became a cultural center of the East and the capital of the dynasty of the Samanids. In the western part of the city, archaeologists have found traces of the Samanid Palace.
In the 13th century, Samarkand became the capital of the Karakhanids. Here in the 13th century was built the Mausoleum, where the burial of Kusama ibn Abbas took place.
Then General Genghis Khan conquered Samarkand. The city suffered from constant wars and strife, and in the 14th century, it was abandoned. Today, Afrasiab is just a large number of barren hills and caves. Here's, perhaps, all that remained of the great city.
Our travel agency, "Orient Mice," will be happy to provide you with transport, hotel, and professional guides who will show you not only the city, but also tell you amazing stories about the architectural monuments of Samarkand.
