Samarkand is an amazing, multifarious, unique city. For years of its history it repeatedly changed names, here numerous dynasties of rulers shifted by generations, it was built, destroyed, burnt, rebuilt, etc. So, this city survived whatever this varicolored and famous capital of Orient had fated to, the city admired by Tamelane, where Ulugbek, his descendant, wrote his works on astronomy. This city, with tremendously beautiful, mysterious and unique combination of tranquility with oriental temperament, can impress its visitors for years with only most pleasant and unforgettable memories, full of colors, and feeling of admiration to ancient Central Asian architects who created such a magnificent center of the world, with incomparable beauty and grace.

For a long time Samarkand had been the capital of huge Tamerlane’s empire. This city is one the most ancient cities of the world, like other world pearls such as Rome, Athens, Babylon. Since old times it has attracted attention of famous politicians, serious businessmen and courageous travelers. The city’s golden age came during Tamerlane’s ruling. Born in Shakhrisabz, he turned Samarkand into the heart of its boundless empire. The capital took very advantageous geographic position as an important trade center at the Great Silk Road intersection.

In Samarkand you will find numerous samples of medieval architecture eye-catching with perfect shapes and rich palette of brightest colors. The most remarkable site of whole Central Asian architecture is Samarkand’s ensemble of Shakhi-Zenda mausoleums, located at the descent of Afrosiab ancient settlement. It was founded in 12th century, main constructions built in 14-15 centuries by Tamerlane. The ensemble prevailingly consists of burial vaults of women from Tamerlane’s family. All buildings are of gorgeous architectural decor: carved mosaic, carved slip terracotta, raised and ornamental majolica.
Registan, famous Samarkand square is a combination of magnificent majolica and sky-blue mosaic.

Now Samarkand - second biggest city (following Tashkent) and administrative center of Samarkand region. The city’s altitude is 702 m. Its territory occupies about 100 sq.m. and divided into 3 areas: Temiryul, Bogishamal and Siab.

According to official data, in 2007 population of Samarkand reached 366 thousand people, mainly Uzbek, Tajik, Russian, Jew, and Iranian. Local people speak Uzbek, Russian and Tajik languages. As a result of some of historical events, present local ethnic majority is formed by Tajik people. Thus, Tajik language is of influential significance. Although it has never been acknowledged as official language, it works as main communicative mean. Other representatives of population in Samarkand, including Uzbek and Russian - speak Tajik as second language.
At the same time, Tajik community is small-sized and concentrated mostly in city suburbs. That would be interesting to know that, as to statistic data of 2000, percentage of Tajik-and Russian-speaking people considerably exceeded Uzbek-speaking community.
In 2001 Samarkand was included to the List of World’s Heritage Memorials by UNESCO.

Estimated age of Samarkand.
As above-mentioned, Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities in the world. In fact, it could be of the same age with Rome and Athens, nobody can get the exact answer to this question -how old Samarkand is. There are lots of theories about real age of the city, but all of them are only theories, since so many years passed, no one can verify any of them de facto. Thus, we have to do nothing else but consider some of them and choose the one we like most.

So, first date we come across is 2750 year. The researchers started considering this date after receiving in 2004 the results of radionuclide analysis of lower layer of Afrosiab settlement (here was the location of ancient Samarkand). Meanwhile, the scientists assume this data still disputable, «age» matter of the city will be updated, during exploration of lower layers.
By the way, some Arabic historians also assume that city is 2750 years old. The argument they adduce is birth date of Mokhammad, the Prophet (approximately 5-6 century B.D.) - i.e. 1000 - 1200 years before his was born.

The next version is 3700 лет. It was suggested by well-known Arabic historian Abu Khafs Omar ibn Mukhammed an-Nesefi as Samarkandi. In his historical works he asserted that, by the time of Arabic conquest in 7th century, Samarkand had already been 2500 years old. That means that it was founded in 2000 year B.D.

And the last popular theory says that, in fact, Samarkand is 4500 years old. Some Arabic historians suggested the city to be founded 3000 years before the Prophet’s birth, i.e. 3000 year B.D.

Origin of name.
Discovering the truth about ancient city could be not so easy. Most likely, it relates to its age. As it’s barely impossible to find a document containing all the information required by contemporary people. Thus, we have to guess, make uncountable logical chains and decode ancient texts. And sometimes we wish to avoid all difficulties to make everything as clear as sunny day. Unfortunately, that is impossible; otherwise our life could turn to be rather boring and monotonous while people always need to learn something new. That is the law of life.
There are a few suggestions regarding the origin of the city name. Some of them are based on legends, others - on scientific researches conducted by scientists-historians.

Hereby, according to one of folk legends, the name of Samarkand was originated from Samar - a certain man who digged out a spring in the place of the future city. Later on, people settled nearby the spring and founded the city. To commemorate Samar and his deed, people gave his name to the city -“Samarkand” means “digged by Samar”.

The second legend assumes the city to be named after Samar and Kamar - two scientists who were in charge of city construction. Part “kand” presumably originated from “kent” that means “settlement” or “town”. By the way, there is a legend saying Samar and Kamar were buried nearby “Chorsu” construction located close to Registan square.
Another legend, also mentioning names of Samar and Kamar says the city was built by order of tsar Samar and tsarina Kamar.

Of course, there is always some romantic-dramatic tale about young man Samar and young girl Kand whose lovestory inspired people to settle on the territory of modern city.
There is also another romantic legend about Alexander the Great who ordered to build and name the city in honor of his beloved beauty Samar.

Scientists offer other versions, grounded to some extent. Word “Samarkand” is considered to origin from “Simiz Kent” (“Wealthy town”) that, in its turn, refers to chinese “Si-mi-se-kan” (i.e. «Rich town”). This information about the city has been provided by many historical sources comprised by many travelers on different continents.
«Маrakanda» - Greek version of the city name probably originated from ancient Persian “Maurakand” that means «City on the river with grass-covered banks”. This name sounds true as it is a proved fact, that Samarkand has always been located in the valley of Zaravshan, river with tugai-covered banks. Doubtfully, “Marakanda” could be translated from ancient Persian as “Blessed town”.

Symbol of city
For centuries, strong leopard has been acting as constant symbol of the city. The legend says that at the moment of laying foundation stone for Samarkand, big leopard (palyang) came down the mountain, turned round the city walls, approved the construction and went back. Since that time, for Samarkand people Leopard means much more than just strong animal but also symbol of the city. You can find image of the king of nature on the flag and emblem of the city. Besides, this animal acts as a symbol of authority, power and, certainly, the sun. That is why, the Leopard with glaring sun on the back, decorating Sher-Dor madrasa, embodies the ruler and equates his strength and might to the power of earth and sky. Only the Leopard, whose strength has to be admitted even by man, can carry vivifying star.

All city visitors are met by the Leopard with a slightly raised foot. That means that the city warmly welcomes everybody with best wishes.

By the way, you can find image of the Leopard not only on the wall of Sher Dor madrasa but also on the 200-sum national banknote of Uzbekistan.

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