Samarkand, a city in southeastern Uzbekistan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia. With a rich history dating back to the late Paleolithic Era, it thrived as a key stop on the Silk Road connecting China, Persia, and Europe. From being the capital of the Sogdian satrapy to the conquests by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, Samarkand has seen a mix of Iranian and Turkic rulers. Today, it stands as a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern developments, with its old city boasting historical monuments and crafts, while the new city showcases administrative buildings and cultural institutions.