From the blue-tiled splendor of Tamerlane's Samarkand to the holy city of Bukhara, which boasts a mosque for each day of the year, and beyond to the desert-girdled khanate of Khiva, Uzbekistan lays claim to a breathtaking architectural legacy. Bound by sand and snow, fed by meltwater from the Roof of the World, these fertile oases attracted the greatest travelers and conquerors in history along the fragile threads of the Silk Road. This groundbreaking guide, now extensively revised and updated, focuses on the wealth of sites and colorful legends at the heart of Central Asia, plus the best of the rest—excursions covering the major attractions of neighboring republics Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Still the only guide to cover this former Soviet republic, offering informative insights into the history, religion and culture of Uzbekistan Up-to-date practical information for the traveler, covering visas, customs and specialist travel agencies Hints for business visitors Environmental issues Special topics include the disappearance of the Aral Sea, and the life and death of Tamerlane the Great Updated information on transport, food and accommodation for each city and site Useful maps, together with detailed plans of principal sites Suggested excursions to neighboring republics, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan 92 color photographs 22 maps Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.