We walked a long way back to the “largest” Friday mosque, called Bibi-Khanym, built in 1398 by Timur. Timur called himself Khan even though he was not related to Genghis Khan. His senior wife (he had four) was related to Genghis and she ruled Samarkand when Timur was away.
A bat was on the stone of the facade.
Represents the open Koran
After touring Bibi-Khanym, we entered the market and were accosted by gypsies begging for money to help the poor child in their arms. I did not like them touching me. We had five minutes to walk through the long aisles of dried fruits and nuts and then some fresh vegetables. Time enough for pictures, however.
We finally got back on the bus to ride to lunch at the Oasis Garden where Hillary Clinton ate when she was First Lady. Across the street we got to look inside the only Christian Church we have seen in almost three weeks. Alexey Cathedral was very plain for a Russian Orthodox Church.
Alexey Cathedral
Iconostasis
Alexey Cathedral
Bell tower
Alexey Cathedral
Russian Orthodox Cross
The last event of a very long day was a tour of the Necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, 14th c. tombs which include those of associates of Timur - sisters, two of his wives, wet nurse, army officers. These were also all made of mud brick and decorated with tiles and carved plaster.
More photos of this wonderful complex on the next page.
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