Surprising as it may seem, the history of Samarkand is comparable to the history of Ancient Rome. After all, the city arose in the VIII century BC. It was once mentioned in the holy book of the Avesta as the capital of Sogidan. But during the time of Alexander the Great, the name of the city sounded like Marakand. At that time, it was already a developed city, the fortifications of which could withstand a serious enemy. And only the talent of the great commander made it possible to conquer Samarkand.
A new era for Samarkand is marked by dependence on the Western Turkic and Turkic kaganates. In 712, this city was captured by the Arabs under the leadership of Kuteiba ibn Muslim. The Middle Ages of Samarkand are characterized as a Muslim period. Madrasahs, palaces and mosques were erected here. Many of these ancient buildings have survived to this day, creating a unique look of the city.
The main development of Samarkand falls on the period of Timur, otherwise called Tamerlane. Then it was its capital, which did not hesitate to affect the appearance of the city, which even today seems to be something fabulous.
Science Center
Islam in those years was not associated with ignorance, but, on the contrary, with education and science. Therefore, many madrasahs were built in Samarkand. An observatory was also founded here. And only the loss of the capital's significance in the middle of the 16th century stops such a powerful development. The capital moved to Bukhara. However, a round of capricious history for some time later returned the role of the capital to Samarkand. But that was already in the Russian period.
Russian and Soviet periods
For Samarkand, 1868 turned out to be fatal - it was annexed to Russia. This prepared for him the fate of the district center. It turned out to be useful, however, the building of the railway here - after 20 years.
The October Revolution made it possible to create the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, which was later disbanded into several republics. So, in 1925, Samarkand again becomes the capital, only this time in Uzbekistan. It retains its status for only 5 years, after which it becomes a regional center, giving way to Tashkent.
Today Uzbekistan has become an independent state, but Samarkand retains its status of a regional center, as well as a tourist one. Who once visited this city can say with confidence that he was in an oriental tale. It is impossible to briefly tell the whole history of Samarkand. It's better to see everything with your own eyes.
