Ethnographic Park ‘Eternal City’ Samarkand: Showcasing Over 100 Cultural Exhibits and Traditional Crafts

The Eternal City Ethnographic Park in Samarkand offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty and rich heritage of Uzbekistan. Encompassing an area of 17 hectares, this unique park recreates the grandeur of Uzbekistan’s architectural landmarks and cultural traditions in one compact space, making it a must-visit for anyone unable to explore the country in its entirety.

With its intricate blue domes, white ganch carvings, azure mosaics, and decorative stone and marble elements, the park captures the essence of Uzbekistan’s artistic and architectural heritage. Opened in the summer of 2022, after three years of meticulous construction, this masterpiece is the brainchild of Bobur Ismoilov, a celebrated artist and People’s Artist of Uzbekistan.

A Gateway to Uzbekistan’s Cultural Legacy

The park features 44 traditional-style buildings reimagined with modern creativity. Narrow Eastern streets wind through the area, contrasting with the expansive promenade along a 2015-meter-long rowing canal, the longest in Central Asia and the CIS. This stunning waterway is reminiscent of Moscow’s Krylatskoye Canal.

The park is a celebration of Uzbekistan’s millennia-old cultural identity. The central boulevard is dedicated to Samarkand, the capital of Amir Timur’s empire, with recognizable elements like the Registan and Shakhi Zinda complexes. To the west, the treasures of the Fergana Valley blend harmoniously with Bukhara’s and Khiva’s cultural symbols.

The Silk Road Samarkand Complex showcases a harmonious blend of historical motifs with unique compositions, designed not as replicas of famous landmarks but as a tribute to Uzbekistan’s architectural and artistic legacy. Every meter of the park was built and decorated by hand, using materials crafted with traditional methods.

A Journey Through Uzbekistan’s Handicrafts

Uzbekistan’s rich tradition of handicrafts is deeply intertwined with its cultural fabric, and the park offers an immersive journey into this world. Visitors can:

• Learn traditional crafts:
  • Observe master artisans from renowned families like the Narzullaevs and Nazirovs demonstrate pottery, while craftsmen from Khanka display their unique ceramic techniques.
  • Watch the creation of silk paper at the Meros workshop in Konigil village, using a traditional water mill (“chigir”).
  • Admire the work of carpet weavers, embroiderers, and artists painting intricate canvases.

The workshops themselves are architectural gems, reflecting the distinct styles of Uzbekistan’s various regions. Each piece—whether pottery, textiles, or jewelry—is a living embodiment of the nation’s artistic traditions.

Shopping for Souvenirs and Gifts

The park doubles as an artisanal marketplace, allowing visitors to purchase authentic Uzbek handicrafts. Unlike museum displays, the items here can be touched and even crafted by visitors under the guidance of master artisans. Popular items include:

• Rishtan ceramics, with its signature blue glaze.
• Handmade pottery from Gijduvan.
• Vivid ikat-patterned silk and cotton fabrics from Margilan.
• Handwoven carpets.
• Intricately carved metalwork including knives and trays.
• Embroidered textiles, such as tablecloths and clothing.
• Jewelry and utensils crafted from precious metals.

Every purchase comes with the necessary certification for export, ensuring a smooth journey home with your unique memento.

The Lavish Eastern Bazaar

The Eternal City’s bazaar is a vibrant recreation of Uzbekistan’s traditional markets, inspired by the famous domed bazaars of Bukhara. The interiors feature breathtaking ceilings and intricate wall mosaics. The stalls overflow with Uzbekistan’s gastronomic treasures: fresh fruits and vegetables, fragrant spices, dried fruits, and Samarkand’s signature bread, baked fresh in traditional tandoor ovens.

The bazaar captures the soul of Uzbekistan’s culinary heritage, offering visitors the chance to sample and purchase these delicacies while soaking in the market’s dynamic energy.

Why Visit the Eternal City?

1. A Comprehensive Experience: Explore Uzbekistan’s cultural and architectural treasures in a single location, beautifully reimagined for modern audiences.
2. Artisanal Immersion: Engage with traditional crafts through hands-on workshops, gaining insight into the skills passed down through generations.
3. Shopping and Souvenirs: Take home unique, handcrafted items that reflect the region’s artistic heritage.
4. Visual Splendor: Every corner of the park is a picturesque setting, perfect for capturing the beauty of the East.
5. Culinary Delights: Indulge in the flavors of Uzbekistan at the bazaar, where the aroma of fresh bread and spices fills the air.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience, the Eternal City Ethnographic Park offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of Uzbekistan’s past and present.

Taste Uzbek Cuisine

The Silk Road Samarkand International Tourist Center is incomplete without its diverse gastronomic zones. Here, visitors can explore an array of culinary options that cater to every preference:

1. For street food lovers:
   Along the scenic waterfront, a gastronomic alley offers traditional Uzbek dishes like plov, shashlik, and somsa, alongside international staples like hot dogs and burgers, which are especially popular with children and teenagers. Refreshing drinks and traditional Uzbek tea are served on the open terrace of the Manzara teahouse, a hotspot where finding a free table can be a challenge.
2. For fans of stylish dining:
   The ethnographic park boasts thematic art cafés and restaurants that are architectural marvels in themselves. The Afrosiyob Restaurant, for instance, is a rare reconstruction of architecture reminiscent of the Zoroastrian era, while Buyuk Samarkand evokes the grandeur of medieval madrasahs.

Stroll and Marvel

Samarkand’s main historical landmarks, concentrated in its ancient city center, are renowned for their imposing architecture. At Silk Road Samarkand, a spacious promenade stretches along the rowing canal, offering an ideal setting for leisurely walks during sunrise or sunset.

Visitors can bask in the beauty of human craftsmanship and nature alike, enjoy panoramic views of the floating clouds, or relax on intricately carved wooden platforms while savoring the warm embrace of the sun and a gentle breeze.

Celebrate Festivities

The Eternal City park becomes a hub of activity during special occasions like Navruz, the Eastern New Year. Hundreds of locals and tourists flock here to participate in the celebrations and explore the newly unveiled crafts complex.

One of the highlights of Navruz is the preparation of sumalak, a traditional dish made from sprouted wheat grains. In keeping with ancient customs, the park prepares sumalak in a massive cauldron, cooking it over 24 hours. Women take turns stirring the mixture, sending good wishes into the brew, believed to infuse it with healing properties.

Festive days are marked by traditional performances:

• Musicians play karnay and surnay wind instruments to welcome guests.
• On a grand stage overlooking the canal, concerts feature local pop stars and folkloric ensembles.
• High above the crowds, tightrope walkers perform breathtaking stunts.
• Within the park, street performers in traditional attire engage visitors with lively dances, while animated shows featuring beloved characters keep children entertained.

Plan Your Visit

Located in Konigil, east of the city center in the Samarkand district, the Eternal City park is not part of the classic sightseeing itinerary but is highly recommended for those seeking a unique experience.

Tips for Visitors:

• Transportation: If traveling independently, arrange a round-trip with your driver, as leaving the area on weekdays can be challenging due to limited taxi availability.
• Timing: Visit in the early morning or late evening to avoid the intense midday sun. Though the park has hundreds of newly planted trees, they have yet to provide sufficient shade to cool the stone pathways and promenades.

Services and Amenities

The Silk Road Samarkand tourist center continues to expand, offering an ever-growing array of attractions and services to delight visitors. With its inspiration drawn from the timeless heritage of the past, this destination promises endless surprises and unforgettable experiences.