Shakhrisabz: The Jewel of Timurid Heritage

• HelloСалом
  [Salom]
• GoodbyeХайир
  [Hayir]
• YesҲа
  [Ha]
• NoЙўқ
  [Yo'q]
• Please/You're welcomeМарҳамат
  [Marhamat]
• Thank youРаҳмат
  [Rahmat]
• Excuse me/SorryКечиринг
  [Kechiring]
• How are you?Қалсизми?
  [Qalsizmi?]
• Fine. And you?Жуда ёхуд. Сизча?
  [Judayohud. Sizcha?]
• Do you speak English?Инглиз тилини билишингиз мумкинми?
  [Ingiliz tilini bilishingiz mumkinmi?]
• I don't understandМени тушунмадим
  [Meni tushunmadim]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseМенюни кўрмоқчиман, марҳамат
  [Menyuni ko'rmoqchiman, marhamat]
• I don't eat meatМен гўсфурмайман
  [Men go'sfurmayman]
• Cheers!Сайёқот
  [Sayoqot]
• I would like to pay, pleaseТўлаб бермоқчиман, марҳамат
  [Tolab bermoqchiman, marhamat]

• Help!Ёрдам!
  [Yordam!]
• Go away!Ёлланг!
  [Yollang!]
• Call the Police!Полицияни чақиринг!
  [Poliyani chaqiring!]
• Call a doctor!Докторни чақиринг!
  [Doktorni chaqiring!]
• I'm lostМенлар маҳсулот
  [Menlar mahsulot]
• I'm illМен касалман
  [Men kasalman]

• I'd like to buy...Сотиб олишни истайман...
  [Sotib olishni istayman...]
• I'm just lookingМен фақат кўзимни ўчираман
  [Men faqat ko'zimni o'chiraman]
• How much is it?Ҳаммаси чиқарми?
  [Hammasi chiqarmi?]
• That's too expensiveУшбу очиқ
  [Ushbu ochiq]
• Can you lower the price?Нархни тўлдирмоқ мумкинми?
  [Narxni to'ldirmoq mumkinmi?]

• What time is it?Соат қачон?
  [Soat qachon?]
• It's one o'clockСоат бир
  [Soat bir]
• Half past (10)Ёрт чорак (10)
  [Yort chorak (10)]
• MorningТун
  [Tun]
• AfternoonКеч
  [Kech]
• EveningКеш
  [Kesh]
• YesterdayКеча
  [Kecha]
• TodayБугун
  [Bugun]
• TomorrowЭртага
  [Ertaga]
• 11
  [1]
• 22
  [2]
• 33
  [3]
• 44
  [4]
• 55
  [5]
• 66
  [6]
• 77
  [7]
• 88
  [8]
• 99
  [9]
• 1010
  [10]

• Where's a/the...?...қа қайда?
  [...qa qayda?]
• What's the address?Манзили қандай?
  [Manzili qanday?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Менга кўрсатарми?
  [Menga ko'rsatarmi?]
• When's the next (bus)?Кейинги (автобус) қачон?
  [Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?]
• A ticket (to ....)Билет (га ...)
  [Bilet (ga ...)]

Shakhrisabz, meaning 'Green City' in Persian, was originally known as Kesh. This ancient city dates back over 2,700 years and has been a significant cultural and economic center in Central Asia. Its strategic location on the Silk Road made it a key hub for trade and cultural exchange.

Shakhrisabz is perhaps most famously known as the birthplace of Amir Timur, also known as Tamerlane, in 1336. Timur would go on to become one of the most powerful and influential conquerors in history, establishing the Timurid Empire which stretched from the Mediterranean to India. His legacy is deeply ingrained in the city's history.

One of the most iconic landmarks in Shakhrisabz is the Ak-Saray Palace, constructed under the orders of Timur in 1380. The name 'Ak-Saray' translates to 'White Palace'. Although only the ruins of the entrance gate remain today, the palace was once a symbol of Timur's power and architectural ingenuity. The grandiose entrance gate stood 50 meters high and was adorned with intricate mosaics and inscriptions.

The Dorut Tilavat Complex is another major historical site in Shakhrisabz. It consists of a mosque and two mausoleums, including the Gumbazi-Seyidan Mausoleum, which holds the remains of Timur’s descendants. The complex was built in the latter half of the 14th century and serves as a testament to the rich Islamic architectural heritage of the region.

The Dor Us-Siyadat Complex was intended to be the final resting place of Timur. Although Timur was ultimately buried in Samarkand, his eldest son Jahangir and other family members are interred here. The complex, which includes a large mausoleum and a mosque, was built in the early 15th century and remains a significant site of historical and religious importance.

Shakhrisabz's location on the Silk Road not only made it a center for commerce but also a melting pot of cultures. Traders from China, Persia, India, and Europe passed through the city, bringing with them diverse goods, ideas, and traditions. This blend of influences is evident in the city's architecture, cuisine, and cultural practices.

In 2000, Shakhrisabz was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical significance and the preservation of its ancient monuments. The recognition has helped to promote the conservation of the city's unique heritage and attract visitors from around the world.

Shakhrisabz is located in the Qashqadaryo Region of Uzbekistan. The nearest major city is Samarkand, which has an international airport (Samarkand International Airport). From Samarkand, you can take a taxi or a shared minibus (marshrutka) to Shakhrisabz, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can travel by train from Tashkent to Karshi, and then take a taxi or bus to Shakhrisabz.

In Shakhrisabz, many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) that operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. Renting a car can be a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Shakhrisabz, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Samarkand or Tashkent before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Shakhrisabz is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical emergencies, 101 for fire emergencies, and 102 for police assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Shakhrisabz. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town 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 and cover your head when entering mosques. 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. A slight bow of the head is also 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 Shakhrisabz like a local, visit the local markets 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 town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Ak-Saray Palace and the Dorut Tilovat complex, which are key historical landmarks. For a unique experience, try attending a local festival or cultural event to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the region.