Samarkand, a jewel along the Silk Road, continues to captivate global travelers with its UNESCO-listed architectural marvels. Known as one of Central Asia's oldest cities, its skyline is dominated by turquoise-domed mosques and intricately patterned mausoleums that blend Persian, Islamic, and Turkic influences.
The city's iconic mosaic tiles—featuring celestial blues, golds, and greens arranged in geometric perfection—have drawn artists and historians for centuries. Recent UNESCO data shows a 34% increase in cultural tourism to Uzbekistan since 2022, with Samarkand as the top destination.
Local artisans still practice centuries-old tile-making techniques, passing skills through generations. \"Standing beneath the Registan ensemble feels like stepping into a living geometry textbook,\" said Tokyo-based architect Akira Tanaka, reflecting a sentiment shared by many design enthusiasts.
For digital nomads, Samarkand offers coworking spaces in restored caravanserais, merging modern work trends with ancient trade route history. Sustainable travel advocates praise its pedestrian-friendly historical quarters and solar-powered heritage preservation projects.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
