The Great Silk Road is a vivid symbol linking East and West in the distant centuries and a modern tourist gem. This caravan road once bore the title of a transcontinental highway with a length of 10 thousand kilometers.
The Great Silk Road began operating in the 2nd century BC, leaving a rich cultural and historical legacy. This caravan road operated until the 15th century A.D., being an oasis of culture and science, diplomatic and trade ties between Eastern and Western countries.
This road was called the Silk Road because in those times it was used to transport silk, which was more valuable than gold, as well as other rare and exclusive goods. The method of silk production spread from China to other eastern countries.
In addition to silk, the famous caravan route carried precious stones, ceramic and glassware, embossing, handmade carpets, oriental spices and much more. Badakhshan lazurites, Sogdian carnelians and Khotan jades were in great demand in the West.
The name of this trade route “Great Silk Road” was given in 1877, thanks to the research of Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, who devoted many years to studying its route and its peculiarities, cultural and historical heritage. The road started in Luoyang, China, then traveled among many Asian cities and ended in Rome, Italy.
The northern direction was along the Tarim River, through the Tien Shan, turning to the Fergana Valley and on to the lower Volga, reaching the Greek colonies. All along its route there were wonderful oases and magnificent cities where travelers could rest or engage in trade. New settlements constantly appeared along the way, quickly growing into cities with developed trade and craftsmanship. This is how the large cities of Kokand at the entrance to the Fergana Valley, the ancient beauty of Bukhara, one of the oldest cities of Central Asia Andijan, green and mysterious Shakhrisabz, Khiva, famous for its fortresses and towers, and the crossroads of cultures Samarkand appeared.
The southern direction went towards India, spreading across the territories of Iran and Afghanistan. The central direction paved its way through Persia to the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the Great Silk Road went not only caravans with goods, but also research expeditions, travelers, scientists and conquerors. For example, Marco Polo, a famous traveler from Italy, having passed along it, wrote “The Book of the Diversity of the World”. The great warrior Genghis Khan also paved the way for his conquests along this route. Brave people were not frightened by neither mountains nor deserts on this route.
Thanks to the Great Silk Road, the modern world has a rich cultural and historical heritage embodied in the architecture of cities and people's lives. Traditions, arts, crafts, festivals, science and religion were created in this way. If you are interested in seeing these legendary monuments with your own eyes, getting to know the history and culture, we are ready to make a personalized tour for you.
