Samarkand: The Jewel of the Silk Road

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайр
  [Khayr]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoЙўқ
  [Yo'q]
• Please/You're welcomeМарҳамат
  [Marhamat]
• Thank youРаҳмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryКечиринг/Кечирасиз
  [Kechiring/Kechirasiz]
• How are you?Қалсизми?
  [Qalsizmi?]
• Fine. And you?Жуда яхши. Сизча?
  [Juda yaxshi. Sizcha?]
• Do you speak English?Инглизча ёзасизми?
  [Ingilizcha yozasizmi?]
• I don't understandМени тушунмадим
  [Meni tushunmadim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюни кўрмоқчиман, илтимос
  [Menyuni ko'rmoqchiman, iltimos]
• I don't eat meatМен гўсht ёмайман
  [Men go'sht yomayman]
• Cheers!Тинчликлар!
  [Tinchliklar!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТўловни хоҳлайман, илтимос
  [Tolovni hohlaiman, iltimos]

• Help!Ёрдам!
  [Yordam!]
• Go away!Ёп кетинг!
  [Yop keting!]
• Call the Police!Полицияни чақиринг!
  [Poliyani chaqiring!]
• Call a doctor!Докторни чақиринг!
  [Doktorni chaqiring!]
• I'm lostМен йўл йўлдаман
  [Men yo'l yo'ldaman]
• I'm illМен касалман
  [Men kasalman]

• I'd like to buy...Сотиб олишни истайман...
  [Sotib olishni istayman...]
• I'm just lookingФақат кўриб чиқармоқдаман
  [Faqat ko'rib chiqarmoqdaman]
• How much is it?Берган нархи қандай?
  [Bergan narxi qanday?]
• That's too expensiveУшбу очиқ чеклама
  [Ushbu ochiq cheklama]
• Can you lower the price?Нархни тўлашга болаолмисизми?
  [Narxni to'lashga boloalmisizmi?]

• What time is it?Соат қачон?
  [Soat qachon?]
• It's one o'clockБир соат бўлди
  [Bir soat boldi]
• Half past (10)Он бир ёрдамда
  [On bir yardamda]
• MorningБомдод
  [Bomdod]
• AfternoonТустинки
  [Tustinki]
• EveningКеч
  [Kech]
• YesterdayКеча
  [Kecha]
• TodayБугун
  [Bugun]
• TomorrowЭртага
  [Ertaga]
• 1Бир
  [Bir]
• 2Икки
  [Ikki]
• 3Уч
  [Uch]
• 4Тўрт
  [To'rt]
• 5Беш
  [Besh]
• 6Олти
  [Olti]
• 7Етти
  [Etting]
• 8Саккиз
  [Sakkiz]
• 9Тўqqиз
  [To'qqiz]
• 10Он
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?Қайда...
  [Qayda...]
• What's the address?Манзил қаерда?
  [Manzil qayerda?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Менга кўрсатасизми (харитада)?
  [Menga korsatisizmi (haritada)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кейинги (автобус) қачон?
  [Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (.... га)
  [Bilet (.... ga)]

Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, was founded around the 7th century BC. Initially known as Afrasiab, it became a significant cultural and trading center due to its strategic location on the Silk Road. Early inhabitants were part of the Sogdian civilization, known for their advanced skills in trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship.

In 329 BC, Alexander the Great conquered Samarkand, then known as Maracanda. The city was a key prize in his campaign to control Central Asia. Alexander's occupation brought a fusion of Greek and local Sogdian culture, leaving a lasting impact on Samarkand's art, architecture, and urban planning.

By the 8th century AD, Samarkand had become a prominent city under the Umayyad and later the Abbasid Caliphates. The introduction of Islam transformed the city into a significant center for Islamic learning and culture. Scholars from Samarkand contributed to various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and medicine.

In the 14th century, Timur (Tamerlane) made Samarkand the capital of his empire. The city experienced a renaissance, becoming a hub of art, science, and architecture. Timur and his successors commissioned magnificent buildings, including the Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, adorned with intricate tilework and grand designs.

During the Timurid era, Samarkand thrived as a key node on the Silk Road, facilitating trade between China, the Middle East, and Europe. The city became a melting pot of cultures, languages, and goods, enhancing its reputation as a cosmopolitan center of commerce and culture.

In the 19th century, Samarkand fell under the control of the Russian Empire. This period saw significant changes in the city's infrastructure and governance. Russian influence introduced new architectural styles, modern education systems, and expanded trade networks, while traditional Uzbek culture continued to thrive.

After the Russian Revolution, Samarkand became part of the Soviet Union in 1924. The Soviet period brought industrialization, modernization, and social changes. Many historical sites were restored or repurposed, and the city saw improvements in public infrastructure. However, Soviet policies also led to cultural suppression and changes in traditional lifestyles.

Following Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, Samarkand has undergone a cultural and economic revival. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote its rich historical heritage. The city has become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to its ancient monuments, vibrant bazaars, and cultural festivals.

Samarkand is accessible via Samarkand International Airport, which has flights connecting to major cities in Uzbekistan and some international destinations. Alternatively, you can fly into Tashkent International Airport and take a high-speed train (Afrosiyob) or a regular train (Sharq) to Samarkand. The train journey from Tashkent to Samarkand takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Buses and taxis are also available for travel between cities.

Samarkand has various modes of transportation, including buses, marshrutkas (shared minibuses), and taxis. Buses and marshrutkas are the most economical options for getting around the city. Taxis are relatively affordable, but it is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. For a more immersive experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, it is recommended to carry cash, especially when visiting local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are widely available in Samarkand, but it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for small transactions.

Samarkand is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The Registan area and other major tourist attractions are usually safe, but be cautious of pickpockets. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 101 for fire, 102 for police, and 103 for medical assistance. Samarkand has several hospitals and medical facilities that can provide emergency care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use both hands or place your hand over your heart as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Samarkand like a local, visit the Siyob Bazaar where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Uzbek goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the old city and explore its narrow alleyways and traditional houses.