ABSTRACT

The immediate surroundings of an ancient town are always attractive, especially if that town has been more important formerly than at present. In Samarcand, as in most of the old cities of Russian Turkestan, part of the belt of gardens which encircles the city has been taken for the site of a new Russian settlement, where an entirely different life is led, quite apart from that of the native quarters. Otherwise the country near Samarcand has preserved its original features and the natural charm of the Zerafshan Valley has not been spoilt by European-looking buildings. On the hill, called Chapan-Ata, battle was fought which gave Samarcand to Russia in 1867; it is crowned by a monument commemorating the event. To the north of Samarcand the plain rolls on for about thirty miles towards the Noor-Ata hills. It would require years of active labour to solve the riddle, and up to now no Samarcandi has ever guessed that a riddle exists.