Afrasiyab 🇺🇿

Located in northern Samarkand near the Bibi Khanaum Mosque, Afrasiyab is a hilly grass mound representing the ancient and medieval heart of Sogdian culture. Occupied from around 500 BC until the Mongol invasion in 1220 AD, this vast 220-hectare site sits on elevated ground bounded by the Siab irrigation canal. As you explore the area, you will encounter the remains of massive clay city walls reaching 40 meters high, ancient water channels, and excavated structures spanning centuries of history.

Throughout the site, archaeologists have uncovered fascinating architectural ruins, including 9th- and 10th-century bathhouses with massage chambers, a luxury 10th-century domed house paneled in carved gypsum stucco, a Karakhanid palace complex, and a principal mosque with an excavated minaret. You will also see evidence of sophisticated crafts ranging from glazed pottery and exquisite glass phials to stamped terracotta slabs. A key reason to visit is the neighboring Afrasiab Museum, located right next to the archaeological site.

Inside, you can admire the world-famous 7th-century frescoes portraying King Varkhuman receiving foreign embassies, including Chinese envoys bearing silk and silkworm cocoons. Afrasiyab offers you an extraordinary, direct look into the ancient origins and rich artistic heritage of Samarkand.

What to see at Afrasiyab

• Famous 7th-century Afrasiab frescoes displayed in the adjacent Afrasiab Museum depicting King Varkhuman and visiting foreign embassies.
• A vast 220-hectare ancient site featuring massive 40-meter-high clay-built city walls.
• Excavated ruins of 9th- and 10th-century bathhouses complete with massage chambers and warm halls.
• Remains of a wealthy 10th-century domed dwelling adorned with intricately carved gypsum stucco.
• The principal mosque and brick-faced minaret excavated on the western side of the site.

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit the Afrasiab Museum located right next to the archaeological site to view the famous exposed 7th-century murals.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Afrasiyab is easy to reach on Samarkand’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bibi-Khanym Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Samarkand travel guide.