Samarkand [antikvár]

"A bright point of the globe", "a gem of the Moslem World", "the Eastern Rome" these are only a few of the epithets applied by ancient geographers, historians and poets to Samarkand. , ,,, Like other ancient centres of human cultureBabylon, Thebes and Rome-Samarkand was destined to survive many great events and calamities. It suffered the attacks of Alexander the Great's armies, lived under Arab rule and saw the devastating invasion of Genghis-Khan's innumerable hordes. It was here that the "Lame Man of Iron", Timur (Tamerlane), gathered the terrible forces for his devastating campaigns, aimed at making Samarkand the "capital of the world".But the history of Samarkand has even more important currents flowing through it; the best of these are associated with such outstanding scholars, writers and artists as Nizami, Lyutfi, Ulug-Beg, Rumi, Giyasiddin Jamshid, Jami, Navoi, AM Kishchi, Sakkoki, Abdurazzak Samarkandi and Sadriddin Aini. Even today, the work of its architects delights the eye with its splendour and sparkling beauty.It is no exaggeration to call Samarkand a museum city. One of its most outstanding monuments is the Registan ensemble, unique in its grandeur. It is a kind of Forum of Samarkand, a square surrounded on three sides by monumental madrasahs (Moslem schools)Ulug-Beg, Shir-Dor and Tilla-Kari.The Ulug-Beg madrasah was built in 1417-20. With the simplicity of its composition, perfect proportions, noble architecture and the delicate harmony of its colouring it can justifiably be called a classic building. Unlike other madrasahs it taught not only theology but secular subjects as well.To the east of Registan are the imposing ruins of the temple mosque Bibi-Hanym (1399-1404). It is interesting that the architectural plan of the Gothic cathedral in Milan is very similar to that of this mosque. Another jewel in the crown of Samarkand's historical architecture is the Shah-i-Zindah ("The Living King") ensemble. It consists of a large group of mosques and mausoleums (XIV-XV centuries) characterised by elegance and variety of form.The Qur-Emir mausoleum (early XV century) is the last resting place of Timur, brutal conqueror and founder of the vast empire, the man whose very name made people shudder in ancient times. Timur intended, in the lavishness of Gur-Emir's architectural forms, to convey the idea of the greatness of those buried there. However, the mausoleum's powerful emotive force consists not of its lavishness but of the expressiveness of its artistic design, monumental quality and simplicity of form coupled with splendid decoration.Among the historical monuments of Samarkand pride of place goes to the remains of the observatory built by Ulug-Beg in 142829. It was equipped with the best and most accurate instruments of the time.All of Samarkand's historical and architectural monuments are protected by the state. The government of Uzbekistan spends millions of rubles on systematic, scientific restoration projects.The Great October Socialist Revolution turned over a new page in the history of the ancient city. Samarkand has flourished over the years of Soviet power. Wide, asphalted thoroughfares with fine buildings have replaced winding, dirty streets without water or greenery. In the city there are now machine-building, chemical, light and food industries with a gross output of more than 85 times the 1913 level. All in all, there are some 450 State enterprises in Samarkand, representing 24 industries.Samarkand is one of the major cultural, scientific and educational centres oi Uzbeki^stan. Apart from the University it has medical, agricultural, co-opera-tive, architectural and teachers' training colleges, several research institutes, technical and other specialised secondary schools, and also nearly 80 general educatioq, boarding and evening schools. The total stock of books in the city's /O public,^ scientific and technical Itbi-aMes exceeds two million volumes. Samarkand s citizervs an^-vis-Uors can. go 20 cinemas, three theatres |the Uzbek tP'"?the Uzbek Drama Theatre and the Russian DramaIheatre)^;. two -Concert, halls, 17 clubs and also ithe oldest museum of history, culture snd the arts 'in Central Asia ^ Particularly great (ihatiges-have taken place in public health. Over l,000;doc- tors and 2,000 medical auxiliary workers give free medical aid to the inhabitants tnrough hospitals, polyclinics, consultant centres, and health centres attached to big enterprises and some of the educational establishments. + h f, .'j'"',Samarkandan ancient and eternally young city : situated in tne tlouri^shing Zeravshan Valley, a city of the legendary past, joyous present ana Dright tuture, a city that is now celebrating its 2.500th anniversary.