Samarkand / 8 photo spots
8 Instagram spots around Samarkand
Samarkand’s historic center offers mosaics, domes and market scenes. Ask before photographing people and keep police and security staff out of the frame. At religious sites, dress modestly and check photo rules.
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Photo spots on the map
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Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Registan Square
Three madrasahs surround the square. From the visitor area, use a wide frame to include all three façades. Entry to the ensemble is ticketed.
Search Google MapsBibi-Khanym Mosque
Frame the large portal from the visitor area and step back for its scale. A conservation project is in progress, so check access and photo conditions at the entrance.
Search Google MapsShah-i-Zinda
The tiled mausoleums line a passage through this pilgrimage site. Use the permitted path for a view along the façades, and leave space for people visiting graves or praying. Check entry and photo conditions at the entrance.
Search Google MapsGur-e Amir Mausoleum
The ribbed dome rises above the mausoleum. Frame it from the visitor area, ask about photo rules and check which parts are open before entering.
Search Google MapsSiab Bazaar
In the market, look for a close composition of Samarkand bread or colorful produce. Ask the vendor before photographing a stall or people.
Search Google MapsChorsu Art Gallery
This former trading building near Registan has a large central dome. From the pedestrian area outside, frame the dome and an entrance together. Ask about photography before entering the gallery.
Search Google MapsUlugbek Observatory
The observatory museum preserves part of a huge astronomical instrument. Ask at the entrance about tickets and photo rules, then frame the curved stonework from an open visitor area.
Search Google MapsMeros Paper Mill
In Konigil, about 13 km from Samarkand, the paper mill welcomes visitors. Check access and admission before you go. Frame its water wheel from the visitor grounds and ask staff before photographing the workshop or its workers.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- Registan Ensemble Directorate: Registan Square
- Registan Ensemble Directorate: visiting the ensemble
- Uzbekistan Travel: Samarkand
- Uzbekistan Travel: Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Uzbekistan Travel: Shakhi-Zinda memorial ensemble
- Uzbekistan Travel: Gur-Emir
- Uzbekistan Travel: travel tips for bazaars
- Uzbekistan Travel: Chorsu Art Gallery
- Uzbekistan Travel: Ulugbek Observatory
- Uzbekistan Travel: Konigil village and Meros paper mill
- Uzbekistan Tourism Committee: visiting sites in Samarkand
- Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation: Bibi-Khanym restoration research
- Uzbekistan Travel: Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand itinerary
- Uzbekistan Travel: photography and filming
- UK FCDO: Uzbekistan safety and security
- Government of Uzbekistan, Bibi-Khanym conservation project