Monday, November 18, 2013

Samarkand - Samarqand - سمرقند


Samarkand / Samarqand / Самарқанд /  
 سمرقند
 (Uzbek: Samarqand Самарқанд; Persian: سمرقند‎; Russian: Самарканд from Sogdian: "Stone Fort" or "Rock Town"; Mongolian: Самарканд from "Nut Rock" or "Hard Rock") is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of Samarqand Province. The city is most noted for its central position on the Silk Road between China and the West, and for being an Islamic center for scholarly study.  During the 14th century it became the capital of the empire of Timur (Tamerlane) and is the site of his mausoleum (the Gur-e Amir). The Bibi-Khanym Mosque (a modern replica) remains one of the city's most notable landmarks. The Registan was the ancient center of the city. The city has carefully preserved the traditions of ancient crafts: embroidery, gold embroidery, silk weaving, engraving on copper, ceramics, carving and painting on wood.

In 2001 UNESCO added Samarkand to its list of World Heritage Sites





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These postcards were purchased at a charity shop in San Francisco.  There is something to be said that citizens of San Francisco travel to these distant places.  San Francisco is a melting pot where Tatars have their place.   The ruins at Bulgar are minimal in comparison to the glory of Samarkand.  It makes us a tad envious.  Samarkand is in Uzbekistan and the Uzbek are Turkic people, cousins of Tatars.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Devletsah Peremech - Perfection!

Facebook is better everyday now that our people have begun to post images of their passion for Peremech and the majesty that is Peremech Culture!  One problem is all the drooling all over the computer.

These prize winning Peremech are from the kitchen of Remziye Devletsah in California.  Look how BIG they are!  and Yes, Remziye Apa these are just beautiful! 

Aş Bulsın!

Kayçan Gına Kilerseñ Sin

This is a pretty Tatar tune.  I added the guitar chords.
I think the first time we heard this was the Finnish band "Başkarma" but there was a lovely interpretation the other day on "Jirliyk Äle" that made us rush to our archives and dig out this sheet music and pick up the guitar.