Samarkand, an ancient city in the southern Uzbekistan, which was a key trading post along the Great Silk Road, is over 2,500 years old. It was also the political centre of the Temurids dynasty, who built the remarkable monuments - mosques, madrassahs (Islamic schools - most actually were universities) and mausolea. Some of them are architectural masterpieces, which rival those in Greece, Rome, Egypt, India and China. It was referred as 'Shining Spot of the World', 'Precious Pearl', and 'Face of the Earth'.
They have been badly neglected for over at least 150 years. The coming of the Soviet revolution only worsened their chances of revival. It has only been since the last decade of the 20th century that astonishing monuments are being rebuilt. The results of the efforts are remarkable, but plenty remains to be done. In the meantime, the city has grown and the ancient charm of Samarkand struggles to make an impact more significant than the traffic... Samarkand, however is lovely. It is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
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