LED BY DR. FERYAL SALEM
MARCH 19-27, 2022
Be inspired by the theologians, astronomers, architects, philosophers, hadith scholars, and Sufi guides who came from Samarkand and Bukhara. Explore how the diversity of peoples along the cities on the Silk Road shaped the versatility of Islamic thought and practice. Learn about the Timurid dynasty and its connections throughout Central Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
We would love to have you with us on this once in a life time experience and help you to register. Please send an email to
fsalem@silkroadmusings.com
Day 1 March 19
Tashkent
Meet in Tashkent at hotel lobby at 6 pm.
Overview of the trip and introductions
Group dinner and get back early for an early morning departure to Samarkand by speed train.
Day 2 March 20
Tashkent to Samarkand
Timurid History and Heritage Sites
Early breakfast
Transfer to Railway Station for train Afrosiyob till Samarkand
Arrival
Hotel check-in and rest
Lunch (not included)
Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Mausoleum Guri Emir — Tamerlane’s Tomb (14-15th cc.)
Dinner -Uzbek Noodles (included)
Day 3 March 21
Samarkand
History of Islamic Learning: hadith, theology, astronomy, and philosophy
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast we start city tour from exploring sacred sights of town by visiting Shah-i-Zinda (“Alive King”) necropolis, where Qusam b. Abbas was buried.
Imam Maturidi Mausoleum, Imam al-Bukhari complex, Ulughbeg Observatory, Excavations and museum of the ancient city of Afrosiyab.
Samarkand Plov making masterclass in the traditional house and dinner
Day 4 March 22
Samarkand to Bukhara
(290 km, 4hrs) Travel through an Ancient Route
Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast we head toward holiest town of Central Asia, Bukhara. Driving through former Silk Road gives a chance to enjoy the the scenic view, that will slowly change from mountain to desert.
With great opportunity to explore the country side we stop for the break in one of the village, where Abu Ali Ibn Sina was born, one of the most famous writers and significant thinkers of Islamic Golden Age, to get acquainted with farming and breeding environment of local culture.
Check in upon arrival
Lunch at local uzbek house
City tour: Citadel Ark (4th c. BC), Mosque Bolo-Khauz (beg. of 20th c.), Mausoleum of Samanids (9—10th c.), Chashma Ayub (14th c.), Poi-Kalon Complex, which consist of Minaret Kalon (12th c.), Kalon mosque (12th c.), Miri Arab madrassah (16th c.), Bukhara Synagogue.
Dinner and a talk about Silk Road spices in the local cafe
Day 5 March 23
Bukhara
The Bukhara Grand City Tour
Breakfast at hotel
Today we spend our day in fascinating Old Bukhara which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Explore Zargaron (jewelry makers) Trade Dome (16th c.), Ulughbek and Abdul-Azizkhan Madrassahs (15th c.), Hat makers Trade Dome (16th c.), Magoki Attari mosque (12th c.), Sarrofon (money exchangers) Trade Dome (16th c.), Lyabi Khovuz ensemble (16-17th c.), which consist of a pool, Honako of Nodir Divan Begi, Kukeldash madrassah, Nodir Divan Begi madrassah.
Dinner at local restaurant
Day 6 March 24
Bukhara
The Seven Saints of Bukhara
Breakfast at hotel
Today we explore the mausoleums of the Khwajagan or the 7 spiritual guides who established the Naqshbandi path to spiritual enlightenment. The 7 awliya/saints of Bukhara are: Khodja Abdul Khaliq Gujduvani, Khodja Arif alRevgari – in Shafirkan district of Bukhara province, Khodja Mahmud Anjir Fagnavi – Vobkent district, Khodja Ali Rometani – Romitan district, Khodja Baba Samasi – Romitan district.
Lunch – Sufi plov of Bukhara
Khodja Said Mir Kulal – Kagan district, Khodja Bahauddin Nakshband – Kagan district.
Dinner and calligraphy/miniature masterclass at the miniature school in Bukhara.
Day 7 March 25
Bukhara to Tashkent
(560 km, 3hrs 42min) Back on the Silk Road
Breakfast at hotel
Tour outside of Bukhara: Amir’s Summer Residence – Sitorai MokhiKhosa (19th c.), Chor Minor (19th c.), Fayzula Khodjayev’s house museum
Lunch at local restaurant
Kagan Railway Station (13km). Speed train “Afrosiyob” to Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at local restaurant
Day 8 March 26
Tashkent
Modern City with an Ancient History
Breakfast at hotel
COVID tests for flights
Hazret-Imam Complex (Mausoleum of Imam Kaffal al-Shashi, Barak-khan Madrasa, Tilya Shaykh Madrasa, Muwi-Mubarak Madrasa, Juma Mosque, Imam Ismail al-Bukhari Islamic Institute where one can see the original Quran of Uthmān b. ʿAffān
Tashkent wedding plov for lunch.
Amir Timur Museum
Dinner (not included)
Final Day
Tashkent
Breakfast at hotel (if there is time before flights)
Fly home (individual arrangements from the hotel)
INCLUSIONS:
English speaking local guides
Entrance fees at museums and sites
Exclusive shows and cultural events
Uzbekistan visa support (if needed)
Museum tickets, excursions, and master classes
8 Breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Train tickets between cities
Air-conditioned transportation for city tours and excursions
Hotel (9 Nights) accommodation based on either single or double reservations
NOT INCLUDED:
Uzbekistan visa fees
COVID Testing Fees for Departure to US
Items of personal nature including extra luggage charges, room service, medical expenses etc.
Camera and video fee at museums where applicable
Beverage and meals not included in the itinerary
Trip cancellation,medical and accident insurance
Travel Insurance (Required for this trip)
Tips
Visas to Turkey and Covid Tests