Stretching from China and the Far East to Europe and the Middle East, the Silk Road was once the world’s most important trade route.
The Mir-i-Arab Madrassa in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, showcases the Islamic architecture so prevalent along the Silk Road. Marco Verch. CC BY 2.0
It opened in 130 B.C. and remained in use for the next 1,500 years, leading to the rise of countless cities along its path. Though their significance has faded, the grandeur of Central Asia’s Silk Road cities continues to amaze all who visit.
1. Samarkand
A view of the Registan and its three madrassas in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. K3nna. CC BY 2.0
Undoubtedly the highlight of Uzbekistan, Samarkand was once one of the world’s premier cities. After his visit in 1333, the explorer Ibn Battuta called Samarkand “one of the greatest and finest of cities, and most perfect of them in beauty.” The city’s elegance is still revealed in the Registan, a courtyard surrounded by three marvelously beautiful madrassas, or Islamic schools. The distinctive tile work that covers the area’s buildings remains of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Samarkand is also home to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world. Much of the mosque was destroyed by an earthquake in 1897, but glimpses of its original splendor still transport visitors back to its glory days in the 15th century.
2. Merv
The Great Kyz Kala, known as the “Maiden’s Castle,” is one of many crumbling fortresses in Merv. Gai Jorayev. CC BY-SA 4.0
Located in the far-off reaches of Turkmenistan, Merv’s broad religious and commercial influence once made it the third-largest city in the world. The Mongols ransacked Merv in 1221, and the city never recovered. Its extensive ruins remain, though, and amaze all who reach them. Fortresses, medieval walls, mausoleums and mosques have been uncovered, some dating back to 2500 B.C. Many of Merv’s ruins have not yet been preserved, so a visit here is a unique opportunity to see ancient history as it originally stood. One word of caution: gaining a tourist visa for Turkmenistan is notoriously difficult, so plan far ahead if arranging a trip.
3. Bukhara
The Kalyan Minaret stands above Bukhara’s Po-i-Kalyan complex in the center of town. Travelmag.com. CC BY 2.0
Holding much of Samarkand’s grandeur with far fewer crowds, Bukhara is one of Uzbekistan’s most compelling cities. Its prosperity as a Silk Road trading site led to the establishment of Bukhara as one of the intellectual and artistic hubs of Islamic civilization. The city’s prominent stature led to incredible sites such as the Po-i-Kalyan complex, Bukhara’s stunning town center. Po-i-Kalyan is home to an intricately designed mosque with 288 domes and 208 pillars, a still-in-use madrassa, and a minaret (Islamic tower) so impressive that Genghis Khan left it standing during his invasion of the city. Other must-visit spots include the Ark of Bukhara, an ancient fortress which offers stunning views of the city, and a bazaar where trading occurs much as it has for centuries.
4. Tash Rabat
Though it looks small from the outside, Tash Rabat is filled with a maze of rooms once used by Silk Road traders. Allan Grey. CC BY-SA 2.0
Situated almost 10,500 feet above sea level in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan Mountains, Tash Rabat offered respite to weary Silk Road travelers along a challenging part of their journey. This still out-of-the way spot operated as a caravanserai, or roadside inn, throughout the 15th century. Though many caravanserais can be found along the Silk Road’s path, Tash Rabat stands out due to its stunning mountainous location and its labyrinthine layout. Archaeologists believe that Tash Rabat was originally a 10th-century Christian monastery, explaining its dark and imposing maze of rooms. Visitors often find the site to be mysterious and endlessly fascinating, and often combine it with horseback riding tours and yurt stays in the dramatic Kyrgyz countryside.
5. Khiva
Kalta Minor Minaret’s blue tiles strongly contrast with the sandstone buildings around it. Dan Lundberg. CC BY-SA 2.0
The final of Uzbekistan’s trio of Silk Road cities is Khiva, home to a narrow maze of historic treasures stretching back to the fifth century. One such spot is the Tash-Khauli Palace, an exquisitely designed structure with over 150 mesmerizing rooms and courtyards. Continued exploration leads travelers to Juma Mosque, held up by 200 uniquely designed wooden pillars. Khiva claims two minarets, the climbable Islam Khodja Minaret and the Kalta Minor Minaret, which is bathed in beautiful blue tiling. The best view in town, though, comes at the Kuhna Ark Watchtower, where the city’s sandstone walls brilliantly reflect light rays at sunset.
Stephen Kenney
Stephen is a Journalism and Political Science double major at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He enjoys sharing his passion for geography with others by writing compelling stories from across the globe. In his free time, Stephen enjoys reading, long-distance running and rooting for the Tar Heels.