John Hodkinson's Samarkand, Uzbekistan
A couple of pictures from Samarkand.
Click the thumbnails for a larger image. John's comments can be obtained by scrolling over the thumbnails.
The Blue colouring on these buildings was at the time of building special because of it's cost which was very high and therefore reserved for special purpose.The influence is Persian and the building in this picture dates from before Islam to former times of the Zohorestrians , the people that first introduced the concept of an after life of Heaven & Hell etc. The blue colour for me is as special today , I find it arresting , engaging and captivating almost. When I visited these places I was fortunate to spend some time alone and soak up the presence of it all.
