An ancient city tour of Samarkand: lost civilization!

We got a little late start due to some late-arriving guests, but it was more than made up for with extra time. A lot of walking, but at a relaxed pace and all downhill. We learned many interesting facts about Samarkand’s and Uzbekistan’s ancient history at the Hazrat Khizer mosque, Afrosaib Museum, the Muslim and Jewish cemeteries, St. David’s mausoleum and finally, my favorite, the Uleg-bek observatory. Could have spent all day but there is so much to else to see in Samarkand. There were restrooms along the way and places to buy water, but suggest you bring your own, too, unless you want to fill up at St. David’s spring! Thank you, Guruwalk!

This was a very informative tour and I would definitely recommend it to others!

I recommend this tour to people who like history and want to know more about the ancient city of Samarkand. The guide is very well trained and does this activity with passion. Thank you very much for a memorable day in which I learned a lot! I confidently recommend this tour and Fayoziddin as a guide!

I would like to start by thanking Fayoziddin for taking me and wife round in his car given the wet weather conditions in Samarkand. The Ancient City tour of Samarkand (previously known as Marakand) is a must for any history buff who wants to get a feel for the society, culture annd area prior to Islamic rule. The Afrosiab Museum is a must stop to see and Fayoziddin adds colour to the rich variety of artefacts that have been found in the surrounding area. According to archeological excavations undertaken by Russian, Italian and French archaeologists and scientists, Samarkand was founded much earlier than Greek-Macedonian conquest and already during the epoch of the Akhemenids State (6-4th centuries BC) it was quite developed city. Hence the “age” of Samarkand is assumed to over 2500 years, starting from the origin on the forest hill of Afrosiab, though it is far older than this even. We then moved onto the mausoleum of the Prophet Daniel and the fresh water spring. Finally, we finished our tour at the Ulugbek Observatory which was quite an interesting visit. Fayoziddin provided insights into the successful astronomical charting and the influence the research had on shaping western ideology about space and stars. A fantastic tour and one to book if you want to visit Samarkand for than just photo shots. Thank you again Fayoziddin - we really enjoyed the tour provided!