| The history and ancient culture of Central Asia | | | | residence of the rulers of Bukhara. Inside its walls |
| make this region of the continent quite an exciting | | | | were many of the structures needed in order to |
| travel destination. A memorable bit of Central Asia | | | | rule the city -- palaces and temples, offices, |
| history involves the trade route called Silk Road. It | | | | barracks, stables, warehouses, workshops, a mint |
| connected Asia with Europe and the | | | | for making money, an arsenal, and a prison, too! |
| Mediterranean, as well as Africa. Silk and other | | | | It was destroyed and rebuilt many times during |
| luxuries from China and India moved along this | | | | the centuries it has been standing. Today, there is |
| network, enroute to the Mediterranean Sea. | | | | a museum on the inside. |
| Bukhara is a popular destination for Central Asia | | | | Samarkand is the second largest city in |
| travel. Located on the Silk Road, Bukhara is the | | | | Uzbekistan, and it is more than 25 centuries old. |
| fifth-largest city in Uzbekistan, and one of the | | | | There is a wide range of ancient monuments in |
| oldest cities in Central Asia. There is much to see | | | | Samarkand, and the architecture is absolutely |
| and do here, with many of the attractions | | | | gorgeous! Both the interior and the exterior of |
| constructed in the Middle Ages. Well worth seeing | | | | many buildings are beautifully decorated with |
| are the Trading Domes, built in the 16th century. | | | | glazed brick, mosaic tiles, and intricately carved |
| Trade was very popular in Bukhara during this | | | | marble. Registan Square is the center of the city, |
| time, and the dynasty of the Sheibanids built | | | | and is resplendent with this decorative Islamic art |
| these domes. Each was named for the type of | | | | form. |
| merchandise that was sold beneath its roof. | | | | You must also see the Mausoleum of Tamerlane, |
| The Kalian Minaret should also be on your list of | | | | with its intricate mosaics and its world famous |
| places to visit. This structure was built in 1127, and | | | | cantaloupe-shaped dome of blue. The conqueror |
| many think of it as the symbol of the city. The | | | | Tamerlane is at rest here beneath a huge slab of |
| first one collapsed and was rebuilt of burnt brick | | | | jade that is more than likely the largest jade |
| and plaster mixed with camel's milk. Necessary | | | | stone in the world. |
| repairs have changed the structure very little in | | | | Located in Kyrgyzstan, Issyk Kul, which means |
| the eight centuries it has been standing. It's hollow | | | | 'hot lake' is the second highest navigable lake in |
| on the inside, and has a foot bridge that allows | | | | the world, and a popular spot for those who |
| you to go up inside of the tower. | | | | enjoy Central Asia travel. Due to the winds, |
| The Ismoil Samoniy mausoleum is a historical | | | | climate, and probably some sort of thermal |
| monument that was built during the time that the | | | | activity, this lake never freezes, even in the cold |
| Samanids dynasty ruled the city, from around | | | | of winter. Surrounded by the snow capped Tien |
| 892 until 907. It was originally meant to be a | | | | Shan mountains, this beautiful, sparkling clear blue |
| grave for the patriarch of the family, but in time | | | | lake has resorts and hotels located on its North |
| became the final resting place of all the Samanids. | | | | side, and sandy beaches for all to enjoy. |
| The Ark Citadel is not just a fortress. It was the | | | | |