Samarqand is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world and is located on Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road.

Flanking the city’s central square, The Registan, are three mighty madrassas, the oldest of which was named after Ulug Beg.

Samarqand became integrated within the Persian Empire, was later conquered by Alexander The Great and, in the fourteenth century, became the centre of the World Empire of Amir Temur.

The Bibi Khanym Mosque became Temur's most prestigious project, the largest and most magnificent Friday Mosque of the entire empire. Opposite is the Bibi Chanum Mausoleum, a brick building with a blue glazed dome.

The Shah-I-Zinda Necropolis, a pilgrimage destination, existed long before Temur. According to legend it contains the tomb of Kusam Ibn Abbas, a cousin of the prophet Mohammed.

Samarqand is a tale of breathtaking beauty, "the glamorous face of the Earth". A city of legend, fascinating culture and ancient history.