Today we visited one of the lesser visited sites in Samarkand, the tomb of the prophet Daniel. Daniel is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Apparently though, there is more than one resting place for Daniel – one of the members of my group Continue reading “Site 204: The Mausoleum of St. Daniel”
When travelling through Central Asia, the one figure that comes up again and again is Amir Timur, known as Tamerlane (“Timur the Lame”) who was the first ruler of the Timurid Dynasty. Born in 1336 (or 1320), he led many military campaigns Continue reading “Site 203: Samarkand’s Gūr-i Amīr Mausoleum”
Shah-i-Zinda, which translates as “(the Tomb of) the Living King” is one of the most stunning memorial complexes I have ever seen. Originally built to house the tomb of one of Muhammed’s cousins, it is also one the longest continually constructed building Continue reading “Site 202: Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis”
One thing I noticed when planning my trip to the ‘Stans was that a large number of sites were in fact mausoleums or memorials. The Chor-Bakr Necropolis was definitely the first on this trip that felt monumental in nature. This complex was built over the burial Continue reading “Site 201: Bukhara’s Chor-Bakr Necropolis”
We started our first full day in Bukhara at the Samanid Mausoleum. It’s located in a park just outside the historic centre and although we were there fairly early in the day, the heat was already oppressive and I was glad when we were finally able to enter Continue reading “Site 200: Bukhara’s Samanid Mausoleum”
Khiva is one of the jewels of Uzbekistan, a small city that once was part of the Silk Road. Legend has it that it was founded when Shem, the son of Noah, discovered a well here. The older part of town (Itchan-Kala) is a lovely place to explore and get a sense of what Continue reading “Site 199: Khiva’s Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum”
Although it is not much more than dusty ruins now, the city of Merv has had its share of prosperity and destruction over the centuries. People had first settled in this area over 4000 years ago. It was once (maybe) visited by Alexander the Great (and named after him Continue reading “Site 198: Merv’s Tombs and Mausoleums”
Not far from Baku’s Martyr’s Lane is another cemetery known as the Alley of Honor. This cemetery is not for regular people, rather it is for the famous, important, and illustrious Azerbaijani people, including former Presidents, politicians, musicians, actors, singers, Continue reading “Site 197: Baku’s Alley of Honor”
One of the reasons I like visiting cemeteries and other memorials is that I learn some history that passed me by, either during my own lifetime (or often before it). I was still in high school when the Soviet Union broke up, but was really only aware of the larger Continue reading “Site 196: Baku’s Martyrs’ Alley”
Kyrgyzstan is one of the real highlights of Central Asia. I had heard from a few people who visited how beautiful the landscapes were, and they weren’t wrong. The mountains, valleys, lakes, and animals (yaks, cows, horses, sheep, and eagles) all made for some Continue reading “Site 195: Kyrgyzstan’s Burana Tower”
Almaty is hardly known as a tourist destination, and that’s how I like it. Even though it lies at the far eastern edge of Central Asia, it has a very European feel to it, as evidenced by its grand leafy boulevards, impressive buildings, and the many monuments Continue reading “Site 194: Almaty’s Memorials”
stone and dust 