Samarkand is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia that is now part of the modern-day Uzbekistan. In the 4th century BC, the place was known as Maracanda. It was also the former capital of Sogdiana.
The history of Samarkand suggests that the city was conquered many times. In 329 BC, Alexander the Great took control over the city. Later it passed under the control of the Iranian, Persian and Turkish peoples, until it was conquered by the Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan in 1220. Since the beginning Samarkand had been a very important place because of its location on the Silk Road trade route that connected China with the West.
What makes Samarkand an international destination is its cultural heritage. It is as well a prominent Islamic centre for scholarly studies. There are many attractive mosques, madrassas and mausoleum in and around the city that were built by Tamerlane.
Besides, the traditions of ancient crafts like embroidery, silk weaving, engraving, carving and painting on wood are also successfully preserved in Samarkand.
