Uzbekistan - Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures

"The historic town of Samarkand is a crossroad and melting pot of the world's cultures. Founded in the 7th century B.C. as ancient Afrasiab, Samarkand had its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. The major monuments include the Registan Mosque and madrasas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble, as well as Ulugh-Beg's Observatory." 

Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1
Sher Dor Madrassah 17th century. I bought this postcard at the Uzbekistan Pavilion at 2010 Shanghai World Expo, China in October 2010.




Postcard 2
Fresco found in a pre-Islamic Sogdian Palace of ancient Afrasiab of Samarkand. Postmarked in Bukuru on Oct 13, 2009 and arrived in Penang on Nov 13, 2009. Thanks so much to Leyle who was visiting.






Postcard 3
What a beautiful mausoleum of Amir Temur of the 15th century. Uzbekistan is one of the five Central Asian Republics that formerly is part of Soviet Union. Thanks to Rumiya for this nice postcard of your country.