Pazar in Samarkand

Outdoor markets are always great fun and who could resist a Uzbek market?  After Turkish markets the choice of fresh produce was limited but it more than made up for that in terms of colour and general fascination. What great photo opportunities!

Bibi-Khanym Mosque: partially rebuilt in the 1970s after an earthquake in 1897

This market is right next door to the enormous Bibi-Khanym (Hanım) Mosque in Samarkand, a complex that must have been the 'jewel' of Timur's empire in the early 14th Century.  Bibi Hanım was Chinese, his favourite wife. She blotted her copybook however although it was hardly her fault when the architect fell madly in love with her. The story goes that he demanded a kiss from her which she reluctantly allowed, but it left a mark which Timur immediately noticed. As a result, he executed the architect and issued the order that from then on, all women should wear the veil so as not to tempt other men.

smartly dressed for market day



grated salads to go!



cheery sellers of traditional men's hats

the traditional bread or nan



interesting place, interesting people



beautiful hand-knitted shawls - I bought the pink one for $5



selling cheese



this little boy was terrified of me!