Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Samarkand have some of the most impressive architecture you could see, and with any visit to Central Asia, you should try to include Uzbekistan.
Where Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have the grand mountains, Uzbekistan has the grand historic buildings.
The cities are situated along the Great Silk Road trade route between China and the West, which gave them significant importance.
Uzbekistan really is one of the best countries in Asia to see architecture (but not the capital Tashkent).
Silk Road Cities of Uzbekistan
Samarkand Uzbekistan
In Samarkand, the Registan was the old centre of the city and a place for Islamic study. The Registan has a total of three madrasahs, which are Islamic schools.
The Madrasa of Ulugh Beghhb pictured at the start of the post and below is part of the Registan.
Elsewhere in the city is the beautiful necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda (the living king), consisting of many mausoleums from the past 10 centuries.
The next three pictures are from there.
It’s a place you can wander at ease and meet with some locals while taking in the architecture.
It has a very special atmosphere to the place.
It is in act my favourite part of the city.
There are other things to see in Samarkand but these two areas are the best, in my opinion.
I also had some of the best food in Uzbekistan in Samarkand when being shown around there by a friend.
Bukhara Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s other important Silk Road city is just as magnificent as Samarkand.
In the next photos, you can see the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa and the Kalyan Minaret, both situated in the ancient heart of the city.
Criminals were thrown from the top of the minaret to their deaths.
The Madrasa is very tranquil to walk around.
Criminals were thrown from this minaret.
In the photo below is a parade of local people dressed in traditional clothing, playing music.
In this overview, you can see the Kalyan Minaret and the Po-i-Kalan Mosque.
The Mosque can hold 12,000 people. A part of the Madrasa can be seen on the right.
The Ark of Bukhara is a huge fortress that stretches back over 15 centuries and was the centre of the royals who ruled the area.
You can see in this photo the size of the walls.
It’s not just the buildings in Uzbekistan that are impressive, look at the size and detail of that bread on the back of the bicycle.
You could also pay a visit to a historical bathhouse and leave feeling very clean.
As with Samarkand, there are other things to see in Bukhara, but these are what appealed the most.
Visit Uzbekistan’s Cities
Uzbekistan is one of the harder places to get a visa for in Central Asia. This is a great travel guide for Uzbekistan that will give you a rundown on everything you need to know before going.
I applied in Bishkek the capital of neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and received one in about two weeks and then travelled overland into the country.
You could apply in your home country if there is an embassy there or do it once your in the region. You can’t get one on arrival.
If you have any interest in grand historic architecture then Uzbekistan should be high on your list of countries to visit.
And that is the main reason why you should visit.
If you want mountains then head into Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan and travel on the Pamir Highway.
Although Uzbekistan didn’t feel as adventurous as its neighbours, it was still worthwhile for these two cities alone.
The new capital Tashkent is not the most exciting city compared with Samarkand and Bukhara and if you’re on a shorter trip you could skip it or spend just a little time there.
There are other places to see in Uzbekistan but these are the two most important ones you could visit.
Pick up the Uzbekistan (Bradt Travel Guides)
I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.
If you liked this article about Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara a share would be cool!
Absolutely stunning – it all looks like a film set! This part of the world seems so unique and it appeals to me like no other, but I am waiting for the right time to go and the right travel buddy to go with…that is, until I get too impatient and just go on my own! 🙂
I know quite a few solo female travellers who went by themselves. Go for it! 🙂
The architecture reminds me of Iran – I travelled to Iran 2 months ago – loved it! Thanks to your article on Iran – I made that decision early this year to travel there 🙂
Cool! I love it when my writing actually impacts someone’s decision on a place. Iran is so beautiful and as you can see Uzbekistan is as well.
Recently returned from a wonderful trip to Uzbekistan (and kyrgyzstan afterwards). Such a lovely country. Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand..the silk road seems so real in these cities! couldn’t get enough of it!
Yep! One of the most fascinating places in the world.
Yeah awesome cities!
The architecture in Uzbekistan looks incredible and so photogenic! It’s been on my list for a while! Thanks for sharing and it was great to see your pictures.
Happy to share 🙂