Tilla-Qori Madrassah in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Postcard

Samarkand is the second largest city of Uzbekistan. The history of Samarkand is about 2,500 years old and has witnessed many upheavals during the times of Alexander the Great, the Arabic Conquest, Genghis-Khan Conquest and lastly Tamerlane's. Hence, the culture of Samarkand was developed and mixed together with the Iranian, Indian, Mongolian and a bit of the Western and Eastern cultures. 

The postcard shows the inside of the Tilla-Qori Madrasah. Madrasah is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, whether secular or religious (of any religion).

Built in1660, the madrasah also encompassed the role of a mosque. As guests approach the glazed portal it will become apparent why the madrasah was called Tilla-Qori - "covered by gold".

Stamps

(top) Uzbek National Academic Drama Theatre.

(bottom) State Academic Bolshoi Theatre named after Alisher Navoi.