Samarqand
(Uzbekistan)
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Ulughbek's Observatory
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| The good Ulughbek, grandson of Timur, who also opened the Madrassa (Center of Learning) at the Registan in 1420 was a constant disappointment to all around him, and totally removed from the act of ruling. Since golf had not been invented, his distraction was astronomy. His murder was ultimately arranged (his son was to have been heavily involved in this) and he was decapitated in 1449. The marble remains of his astrolabe were unearthed by the Russian V. Vyatkin in 1908. |
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This
new structure protects one of the most remarkable remnants in Samakand,
Ulughbek's observatory. |
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| This is looking into a deep pit (those are regular sized steps at the right edge, leading down). What you are looking at are the below-ground remains of a complete 90 degree arch, raising from bottom to top over 90 feet. Since they were exactly aligned, north to south, Khan Ulughbek was able to observe and map stars. He did so for over 200 stars. Astronomy, and not the widely expected and much encouraged lust for conquering and destruction, was his passion , much to the disappointment of his nobels. |
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A
very old wooden mosque near the bazaar |
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| Dried fish, some sturgeon, others a variety of different types. Drying and/smoking them is one way to keep them edible longer in the heat |
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| What was going on here puzzled me. I have no idea what he's selling, but at one point the lady pressed his hand to her forehead. He might be a shaman selling some type of cures or charms. |
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Just
outside of the bazaar this Uzbek was selling pigs feet |
