Silk Road - 1 June 2009 - Registron of Samarkand

The next stop was Registron (or Main) Square. In the days of the Silk Road, this is where the newly arrived merchant would go to get the latest news and to sell whatever goods he brought with his caravan. The main square has three madrassahs. The first was built by Uleg Bey. At the time he also built a caravanseri, which is a hotel for travelers, and a house for dervishes. These two structures no longer exist and were replaced by two additional Madrassahs. This area was in ruins, but restoration has been in progress since Uzbekistan became independent (about 1991). Registron (main) Square
Note Mellon Dome
One of three Madrassahs
One of three Madrassahs
One of three Madrassahs
One of three Madrassahs
Note Beautiful Tile Work
Uleg Bey's Madrassah
Description
Inside one of the Madrassahs
Bronze of Uleg Bey and other Scholars
Description
Note Tile Work
Tile Work
Inside Madrassah
Ceiling
Description
In one Store (Peter)
In Store (Suzie)
In Store (Peter and Suzie)

We had a leisurely lunch and I checked the internet. Nothing from either Marla or Hermie; I guess no news is good news. I spent the afternoon in my room resting and reading. We went out to dinner at a very nice local restaurant. They gave us a private room because in general the music was too loud.