The town of Shakhrisabz is only about 80 km from Samarkand, but to get there you must travel over a 1,650 meter (5,413 feet) mountain pass on the road that prohibits buses. So the MIR tour company rented us three new black mini vans for the day. We looked like important politicians as we traveled; all we were missing was a police escort!
Because the road restricts the use of buses we used three of these mini vans for transportation today.
Elevation of Samarkand.
You see these “mini” vans everywhere.
Watermelons are in season!
They sometimes overload their vehicles.
On the way over the pass.
A rest stop and market near the top of the pass.
Why people stop here- photo op!
Elevation near the pass.
A friendly local.
The local market loaded with dried fruits, nuts and dozens of cheeses.
These cheeses are of different types. One of our group tried one and said it was not good!
Mixtures of herbs to create a popular tea blend.
They asked for a picture of us. The Asian lady was part of our group.
View from the pass summit.
Bit of trivia: Many (most?) women we see have one or more gold teeth. We were told this was a sign of wealth and an investment. Google seems to confirm that!
Shakhrisabz was originally called “Kesh” and it is the birthplace of Timur. It is over 2,700 years old! Timur wanted it to be his capital and built the Al-Sarah Palace (the White Palace) starting in 1380 until 1404, right before he died. Supposedly 50,000 slaves were used to build this enormous structure.
This was the entrance portal. It was originally 70 meters tall with an arch that spanned 22 meters. The present towers are only 38 meters tall. It must have been quite a sight.
Gold and blue ceramic tiles were used extensively.
It got a bit “toasty” while we were here!
We wandered around the complex to see the other buildings of the Dorut Tilavat complex, before having a late lunch at a local restaurant. By 2:30PM we headed back to Samarkand over the same mountain pass. Back in Samarkand we made a short stop at the 2nd largest Russian Orthodox church in the country.
Dorus Siyodat Mausoleum, built in 1380 and where Timur’s son, Jehangir , is buried. Timur was supposed to be buried there but never was.
There are always vendors in the area of the attractions, plying their wares.
These colorful bags are sold everywhere.
Gumbazi Sayyidon mausoleum and the Blue Dome Mosque.
Inside the Gumbazi Sayidon Mausoleum. Built by Ulugbek in 1437, and thought to be for his family. However, they really do not know who is buried there!
Another view of the inside.
Inside the burial chamber of Shamsiddin Kulol, the teacher of Timur.
Fresh dried raisins.
An onion, spinach, potato pancake.
The meat was tender and the potatoes were marvelous!
The Church of St. Alexius Metropolitan of Moscow, built in 1911.
The inside of the church was modest.
But the day was not through as we visited a business where we saw how they make “silk” paper from the bark of the mulberry trees that grow here. It should be noted that at 6PM it was still 90 degrees.
Preparing the bark from a mulberry tree.
Making a slurry of the bark.
Forming the paper from a slurry of the pulp.
You need to smooth it out with a smooth object like a shell.
And the end product is “silk” paper, which is not accurate, but understandable.
A wall display of ceramic dishes on a building in the complex.
And because of our late lunch our dinner, again at a private home, was going to be later than normal, followed by a visit to Registan Square to see the light show that we missed last night.
Our hostess/cook. Greeting us when we arrived at her home.
The table was set.
Our hungry group.
A local wine. It was not memorable.
The evening 20 minute light show at Registan Square.
It was spectacular!
This composite was put together by Suki, a fellow traveler.
Steps for the day: 15,506!! I will sleep well tonight.
