Places to Visit in Samarqand Province, Uzbekistan, Asia

Places to Visit in Samarqand Province, Uzbekistan, Asia

Spanning over an area of 16,400 km², Samarqand Province is situated at the core of Uzbekistan country in Asia. Samarkand city is the capital city of Samarqand Province. Samarqand Province is in proximity with Zarafshan River and the coordinates of this province are 39⁰50’ N and 66⁰15’ E. Samarqand Province shares its boundaries with provinces such as Navoiy Province, Jizzakh Province, Qashqadaryo Province and neighboring country Tajikstan.

Overall population of Samarqand Province is approximated to be about 2,322,100 with 76% residing in rural regions. After Tashkent, Samarqand province is the 2^nd biggest contributor towards Uzbekistan’s science, culture and economy. Most of the monuments and ancient structures fall under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The main agricultural produce of Samarqand province is winemaking, cotton and cereals. Sericulture too is a part of the occupation. Natural resources for creating housing structures such as chalk, carbonate, limestone, granite and marble are available in abundance within Samarqand province. There are also industries in Samarqand Province such as food processing, metal processing and ceramic industries contributing to the growth of the economy of the province. Temperatures in summer can reach up to 34⁰C and in winter temperatures drop to -1⁰ C.

History of Samarqand Province

Samarqand province was formed in the year 1938 on January 15^th and is separated into fourteen administrative districts. Main towns includes Oqtosh, Urgut, Kattaqo’rg’on, Ishtixon, Juma and Bulung’ur. The fourteen districts of Samarqand Province are listed below along with their capital city:

Bulungur District with capital city Bulungur
Ishtikhon District with capital city Ishtikhon
Jomboy District with capital city Jomboy
Kattakurgan District with capital city Paishanba
Koshrabot District with capital city Koshrabot
Narpay District with capital city Oqtosh
Nurobod District with capital city Nurobod
Oqdarya District with capital city Laish
Pakhtachi District with capital city Ziadin
Payariq District with capital city Payariq
Pastdargom District with capital city Juma
Samarqand District with capital city Gulabad
Toyloq District with capital city Toyloq
Urgut District with capital city Urgut

Tourist Places in Samarqand Province

There are many tourist sites of interest in Samarqand Province within near to its capital city Samarkand especially at Registan square. Tourists have to pay a small fee at the entrance before visiting this square which consists of the following amazing piece of ancient work.

Bibi Khanym Mosque

The construction of Bibi Khanym Mosque began in the year 1399 and ended in 1404. The then ruler of Samarqand, Timur created this magnificent mosque after his successful conquering of India.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Built in the year 1420 by Ulugh Beg, an astronomer at Timurid Empire’s court, it has been regarded as the most amazing astronomical observations in the Islamic world.

Sher-Dor Madrasah

Sher-Dor Madrassah was constructed under the reign of the then Samarqand ruler Yalangtush Bakhodur in the 17^th century. Work in making this marvelous structure began in 1619 and final touches by fine artists finished in the year 1636. Abdujabor was the name of the architect who created Sher-Dor.

Tillya Kori Madrasah

Construction of Madrasah was commenced in the year 1646 and completed in the year 1660. This structure is a Mosque as well as a residential college for students. The main hall is deceptively pleasing.

Chorsu

Located at the rear of Sher-Dor Madrasah is a circular structure, with a dome placed on the top of it, known as Chorsu. This dome was once a trading center during ancient times.

Apart from the above tourist places mentioned there are other interesting monuments and structures worth taking a look at

Shahr-I-Zindar Monuments
Gur Emir Mausoleum
Afrasiab
Ulugbek Madrasah
Central Bazaar
Khodja Abdi Darun Shrine
Chupan Ata Shrine
Khodja Akrar Madrassah

Means of Commutation to Samarqand Province

Airway:

Samarkand International Airport operates flights to and fro places such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Tashkent.

Railway:

From Tashkent everyday in the morning train number 2 leaves for Samarqand at 7 am except on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the evening train number 4 leaves from Tashkent to Samarqand at 6.20 pm everyday of the week except on Wednesday. There is one slower train to Bukhara which leaves Tashkent at 8.45 regularly and makes stop at Samarqand.

Roadway:

Bus and taxis are available at Sobir Rahimov Bus station at Tashkent which is 290 km from Samarkand city and the journey takes nearly four hours to reach Samarqand city.

Accommodation Options at Samarqand Province

For accommodations at Samarqand Province one can have a memorable and pleasant stay at three star and four star hotels located in Samarqand. These hotels have world class amenities such as luxurious air conditioned rooms, saunas, flat TV, kids room, refigrator, etc and the cost of such hotels for a room may vary from $180 to $215 for a day. There are decent budget class hotels renting single room for $65 and double room for $85 per day at Samarqand.