A Mosque in the Countryside

On September 10 we left Samarkand for an overnight in a yurt and camel camp before proceeding to Bukhara. On the way to the camp, we stopped at the Hassan and Hussein Mosque at Debaland in the countryside, arriving just as services were ending. (According to our MIR guidebook, Khasan and Khusein were the grandsons of Mohammed,  and some believe that three visits to this sacred mosque are equivalent to one pilgrimage to Mecca.) I got a photo of the imam and another elder leading the exiting crowd after services, and a couple more of the mosque interior and surroundings.

Tamerlane's Mausoleum at Night

Back in Samarkand, we made a night stop at the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, where Tamerlane and his three sons are buried (contradicting the claim of Shahrisabz). Unquestionably, one of the great monuments of the world.

Roadside Market

On our return drive from Shahrisabz to Samarkand, we stopped at a roadside market. All of the vendors seemed to be selling little round things.

Amir Temur Crypt

This crypt was meant to hold Tamerlane's body, but he was buried with his sons in the Gur-e-Amir in Samarkand instead.

Shahrisabz Museum

A variety of artifacts from the life and times of Tamerlane.

Marriage and Commerce in Shahrisabz

 Daily life goes on, even in the most venerated historical sites.

Shahrisabz - The Birthplace of Tamerlane

We made a day trip from Samarkand to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Tamerlane (Amir Temur). It's age-worn compared to the well-kept palaces of Samarkand, but still very impressive.