Samarkand

With 551,700 inhabitants and an area of 120 sq km, Samarkand is a city in southeastern Uzbekistan and among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. With a history dating back over two millennia, Samarkand earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001.

Samarkand's claim to fame is its Registan Square, a historical significance as a prominent stop along the Silk Road. Its grandiose madrasas adorned with intricate mosaics and minarets, is the city's crown jewel showcasing the city's Islamic heritage.

The Afrosiab Museum provides a deep insight into the city's history, from its ancient foundations to its role in the Silk Road trade. Samarkand's bazaars, such as Siab Bazaar, are perfect places to explore local life, indulge in Uzbek cuisine, and shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.

The Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built by the renowned Timur, reflects the city's architectural prowess. The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is a stunning series of mausoleums with striking blue-tiled facades. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur and several of his family members, is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. 

Additionally, the Ulugh Beg Observatory, founded by the astronomer-prince Ulugh Beg in the 15th century, houses some of the most advanced astronomical instruments of its time.