This jewel of the Silk Road is still as impressive as it ever was

Sydney Morning Herald

by Jenny Hewett

February 20, 2026

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This jewel of the Silk Road is still as impressive as it ever was

Samarkand, a gem of the Silk Road and a 3000-year-old city in modern-day Uzbekistan, stands as a testament to its rich history and cultural heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage site was once a hub for conquerors like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, but it is most renowned for its Islamic architecture from the era of Temur (Tamerlane). The city's skyline is dominated by iconic structures such as Registan Square, featuring Persian-style domed madrassas adorned with vibrant blue and turquoise mosaics. Other notable landmarks include the Amir Temur Mausoleum, with its golden interiors and intricate designs, and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a stunning series of tombs celebrated for their turquoise tilework. The city also boasts the Observatory of Ulugbek

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/20/2026