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Uzbekistan Entry #6 – The Silk Trade Route

The Silk Trade Route was the world’s main artery for the transport of goods from the 2^nd Century BC until the 15^th Century AD.  The overland road generally ran from Xian in China to Palmyra in modern day Syria.  Chinese traders would travel as far as Samarkand and Bukhara and the Turks and Persians would bring the wares to Europe. A caravan took one year to complete the journey.  Something for one dollar in China would sell for 100 dollars in Europe. Find more at http://www.delightinhim.com/uzbekistan-entry-6-the-silk-trade-route-.html

Uzbekistan Entry #5 – The Islamic Sunni-Shia Divide

Throughout Muslim-majority countries, I have seen many points of similarities.  It is generally agreed that there are seven holy cities in Islam: Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Damascus, Baghdad, Bukhara and Herat.  There are mosques, minarets, madrasahs and mausoleums just as prevalent as churches, cathedrals, castles and coffins are in Europe.  Madrasahs are almost always two stories with a lecture hall on the left, the mosque on the right, and the school in the center. Follow the link for more http://www.delightinhim.com/uzbekistan-entry-5-the-islamic-sunnishia-.html

Uzbekistan Entry #4 – Kalyn Mosque, Bukhara

An oasis on the Silk Road, Bukhara grew wealthy on trade and nearby gold and silver mines.  The city was long a center of trade, culture and religion.  By the Middle Ages, Bukhara was the pre-eminent Islamic center of education.  Avicenna (980-1037 AD), the foremost physician and philosopher of his time, taught here.  By the 1100s, Bukhara was ringed by almost 200 miles of clay walls with 11 gates. One of the most unique features of this desert capital is an interconnected canal system with 114 water reservoirs.  Lyabi-Hauz is the largest pool, built in 1620, with dimensions of 45 by 40 yards and 16 feet deep.  It is where my group relaxed under the shade of the trees while we dined upon lamb kebabs, of which I highly recommend ordering lamb in this country.  Across from the pool is a massive rectangular dervish hotel, the Khanaka and Madrasah of Nadir Divan-Beghi, a gift to the city for Sufis to stay and meditate. Find more at http://www.delightinhim.com/uzbekistan-entry-4-kalyn-mosque-bukhara-.html