Fri, Oct 4, 2013

10/4/2013

6 Comments

Lyabi haus -- oasis of Samarkand

Detail from a breathtaking suzani embroidery

Buttresses supporting the walls surrounding Samarkand's Ark

The largest active mosque in Samarkand -- capacity for 5000

Mosque interior

The grand blue tiled entries begin to run together -- not sure which this was!

Later afternoon outside the first trading dome of Samarkand

Evening descends

6 Comments

dad

10/4/2013 04:07:42 pm

A poem about Samarkand by an
Englishman of teh 19th century

THE GOLDEN ROAD TO SAMARKAND

HASSAN:
Sweet to ride forth at evening from the wells,
When shadows pass gigantic on the sand,
And softly through the silence beat the bells
Along the Golden Road to Samarkand.
ISHAK:
We travel not for trafficking alone;
By hotter winds our fiery hearts are fanned:
For lust of knowing what should not be known
We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.
MASTER OF THE CARAVAN:
Open the gate, O watchman of the night!
THE WATCHMAN:
Ho, travellers, I open. For what land
Leave you the dim-moon city of delight?
MERCHANTS (with a shout):
We take the Golden Road to Samarkand!
(The Caravan passes through the gate)
THE WATCHMAN (consoling the women):
What would ye, ladies? It was ever thus.
Men are unwise and curiously planned.
A WOMAN:
They have their dreams, and do not think of us.
VOICES OF THE CARAVAN (in the distance singing):
We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.

Deborah link

10/5/2013 07:02:14 am

oooolala---those beautiful undulating shapes. I love those domes and buttresses, the Suzani embroidery, and the magical evening light on city street. You've had an amazing trip--- I'm sure you'll be sad to say goodbye to your wonderful fellow travelers. Thank you for the splendid photos

Deborah link

10/6/2013 02:35:19 am

Hope you got a REALLY BIG suitcase in Krgystan for all your purchases (I'm assuming you went crazy). Pretty soon time to start popping the Jet Lag and gearing up for the trek home---around the world!! Safe trip, little goober.

Deborah Schwab

10/5/2013 11:34:45 am

I've really enjoyed living vicariously through your wonderful blog! Say hi to Belleruth from me. Give me a call once your rested and back in the US

Susan

10/6/2013 03:31:28 am

Done -- I must got there. This is the most magical place I have ever seend. Love Samarkand. And love your entire trip -- and textiles are the best doorway into the silkroad. Thank you for keeping up this blog. Love. Su

Robin

10/7/2013 01:22:08 am

Wonderful pictures! You really captured the "feel" of your journey for us.

Fri, Oct 4, 2013

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