"In antiquity Samarkand was the capital of the Persian province of Sogdiana. Its language, culture, and "Zoroastrian" religion closely approximated those of the

*Includes pictures *Includes ancient and medieval descriptions of Samarkand *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading "The almond groves

Acclaimed journalist Bernard Ollivier continues his epic journey across Persia and Central Asia as he walks the length of the Great Silk Road. Walking to Samark

The Sogdian were the main traders of Central Asia from the fifth to the eighth century. Their diaspora is attested in India, China, Iran, the Turkish Steppe, bu