Uzbekistan: Silk Road Jewels

Uzbekistan, in Central Asia, contains legendary Silk Road cities Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, showcasing Islamic architectural masterpieces. With rich history spanning Mongol conquest, Timurid renaissance, and Soviet era, Uzbekistan preserves remarkable cultural heritage.

Samarkand's Registan Square, with its three madrasahs covered in intricate tilework, represents Islamic architecture's pinnacle. Bukhara and Khiva maintain medieval atmospheres with preserved old cities. The Timurid Empire under Tamerlane made Samarkand a cultural and intellectual center rivaling any in the world.

Uzbek culture emphasizes hospitality, with plov (pilaf) being the national dish. The country produces fine cotton, though water diversion for cotton caused Aral Sea disaster. Since independence from Soviet Union, Uzbekistan has gradually opened to tourism and reform. Traditional crafts including ceramics, silk, and carpets maintain centuries-old techniques.