SAMARKAND

SAMARKAND was a central point on the silk road between the east and the west, largely influenced by both Islam and China cultures. As it happened, the city was conquered by several different dynasties: Alexander the great, Arabs, Genghis Khan, Turkish and Russians. Despite the sad history, the outcome was invaluable architectures in which Islamic style structure is merged with cobalt patterns and I found these structures marvellous and extraordinary.

My impression of most Islamic temples were more of deserts and schorching sun, where plants and trees are dried up and animals are hidden, like desolated palaces. However, sapphire coloured dome and patterns make the place so lively and fresh. It is a true oasis for deary merchants, travelled long way from the Mediterranean to the Pacific in a hope to exchange and share beauty of each other.