Samarcand, Uzbekistan. 21st September 2024.
We embarked on an magical run on a warm September night that took us to Registan Square in Samarcand, one of the most beautiful squares in the world… illuminated like in a dream out of “a thousand and one nights”…
TLDR; “too long, didn’t read”
- I just want to run! Take me to RUN.
- I have 1 minute. Take me to USEFUL INFORMATION.
- Running is my excuse for travelling. Take me to TRIP.
>> For the usual “Carboloading” and “One book” sections, please refer to the Taskhkent blog post!
🌍 The trip 📷: What to see in Samarcand in one or two days
Samarkand, one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture, and historical significance. Located along the Silk Road, it has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries. Below are some of its most important landmarks and why they are significant to visit:
Registan Square
This square, Registan Square, is the heart of Samarkand and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
It consists of three stunning madrasahs (Islamic schools): Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
The intricate tile work, geometric patterns, and majestic domes showcase the craftsmanship of the Timurid era.
In this central square where public gatherings, royal proclamations, and festivals took place.
It reflects the architectural achievements of the Timurid dynasty and is one of the most beautiful squares in the Islamic world.
Shah-i-Zinda (The Living King) Necropolis
Shah-i-Zinda is a stunning complex of mausoleums and tombs adorned with blue-tiled mosaics and intricate designs. It’s a place of pilgrimage, featuring the tomb of Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, and many tombs of royalty and nobility from the Timurid period.
This necropolis is a spiritual and architectural treasure, reflecting centuries of Islamic funerary art. Its intricate tile work and atmosphere make it a significant site for understanding the cultural and religious history of the region.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
This is the tomb of Timur (Tamerlane), the founder of the Timurid Empire, and his descendants, including Ulugh Beg.
The mausoleum’s grand design, with its azure dome and majestic portal, reflects the splendor of Timurid architecture.
Timur was one of the most important historical figures of Central Asia, and his mausoleum is a masterpiece of Persian and Central Asian architecture. Visiting Gur-e-Amir gives insight into the legacy of a ruler who shaped the course of history in the region.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Once one of the largest mosques in the world, Bibi-Khanym Mosque was built by Timur in honor of his wife, Bibi-Khanym. Though it has undergone restoration due to its age and earthquakes, the mosque remains an impressive example of Timurid architecture.
The mosque symbolizes the grandeur of Samarkand under Timur’s rule. Its scale and ornamentation reflect Timur’s ambition to make Samarkand the cultural and religious center of the Islamic world.
🏃♀️ The run 🏃♂️
Getting there
We decided to go to Registan Square at night, because our guide recommended it.
And, my gosh! we were not disappointed.
The run was a 5.5kms very enjoyable run: september, 8pm. Perfect temperature.
The roads around Registan Square, at least the ones we took (see map) were wide, flat and empty. However, they were not very illuminated: so we had to watch out for abandoned electric tricycles and the likes.
This lack of light tampered our run and did not allow us to run in the middle of the parks, which was a pity.
Another thing to take into account is the crazy traffic!
However, we forgot all of these minor impediments when we got to Registan square!
The madrashas illuminated!
The three madrasahs, Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori were beautifully lit with warm, golden lights that accentuated their intricate tilework and architectural details.
The illumination highlighted the geometric patterns, arches, and minarets in a way that wasn’t as noticeable during the day.
The play of light and shadow added depth to the buildings, making them appear even more majestic and ethereal.
We couldn’t stop taking pictures and videos. The contrast between the dark sky and the glowing madrasahs made for breathtaking compositions.
The illuminated facades and reflections on the ground created an almost dreamlike setting, perfect for capturing memorable images.
And then… a music and lights show
And at 8pm, a show with music and lights started!
Ok, it was a little “Disney style”, but we, as tourists, enjoyed it.
It was an explosion of colour everywhere, with music reffering to “Samarcand”
Although we preffered the illumination before the show, which was more grand and elegant, we got to see a show while many locals and tourists were taping it with their phones tiredlessly.
Map
Useful information
🏆 5-6 route in Samarcand, Uzbekistan.
👟 Urban: bring shoes for asphalt.
✅ Very good route with wide streets and beatiful parks, and illuminated enough at night. Not too many people walking.
✅ You can see one of the most (if not THE most) beautiful squares in the world. Running at night is a bonus! You will not forget it. Ever.
