On 18 October, the Day of Samarkand will be celebrated. On this day in 1996, President Islam Karimov presented the Amir Temur order to the city and proposed marking this date as the Day of Samarkand every year.

The order was presented to the city at the opening of the monument to Amir Temur in connection with the 660th anniversary of this ruler.

Since then, the residents of Samarkand widely celebrate this date. The streets of the city are beautifully decorated, and various events are held in the parks and on the squares of Samarkand.

This city, which is more than 2,750 years old (anniversary celebrated in 2007), has for ages been known as the pearl of the Orient.

Having a large number of historical monuments, the city attracts tourists from all over the world.

In the ancient times, Samarkand was known as the large center of science and culture, trade and craftsmanship. The city was the capital of Amir Temur’s state.

Every two years, Samarkand hosts the international music festival Sharq Taronalari (Oriental Melodies).

The festival aims to preserve and develop the traditions of the national musical art of various peoples.