More information about Sumarkand :

Was probably founded in the 5th Century BC. It was destroyed in 329 BC by Alexander the Great. The city sat on the crossroads leading to China, India and Persia. A thriving city was again obliterated by Chengis Khan in 1220. Timor, in 1370 decided to make Samarkand his capital and over the next 35 years forged a new, almost a mythical city and Central Asia’s economic and cultural epicentre. His grandson Ulugbek ruled until 1449 and made it an intellectual centre as well.
Samarkand has suffered some major earthquakes in the past. Russia’s power and influence started from 1868.

Gardened Guest house we are staying in is pretty cute and right next to the Amir Temur Mausoleum. Breakfast as you can see below, had a local home made touch -