Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in the heart of Central Asia, stands as a testament to the vibrant history and cultural legacy of the region. The city serves as a bridge between diverse cultures and nations.

The ruins of Afrasiab, excavated beneath a picturesque slope, have shed light on the city's rich past.
"The Sogdian lived here. The fact that all trade caravans passed through Samarkand is proof of its important position on the ancient Silk Road," said Samariddin Mustafoqulov, director of the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand.
The site's murals offer a vivid snapshot of how Samarkand served as a bridge between diverse nations and cultures in the 7th century. The eastern wall, for instance, depicts Varkhuman, the king of Samarkand, receiving delegations from countries spanning from what are South Korea and Japan in the east to Rome in the west.
"It was the most prosperous golden age. The Sogdians were skilled traders. They brought a lot of silk from China, establishing extensive trade relations among these territories," said Mustafoqulov.
The region's long-lasting connections with China are further evidenced in the northern wall paintings, showcasing typical Tang Dynasty attire.
"It was typical dress during the Tang Dynasty. We can say, without a doubt, that it's the Chinese. It shows that diplomatic, commercial and economic connections were well established then. And it's no exaggeration to say that our ancestors laid the foundations for the programs of the Belt and Road," said Mustafoqulov.
Now Samarkand stands as a beacon, bridging the East and the West, the North and the South. Its modern and dynamic infrastructure serves as a basis for a new format of international interaction, fostering mutual respect, trust, and constructive cooperation.
In 2022, a spacious congress center with a total area of 28 square kilometers witnessed a joint declaration by leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the face of global challenges, underlining its significance.
The sprawling urban complex, designed for the SCO Summit, serves a key purpose in the long run. It not only features a conference center but also includes commercial areas, residential districts, and a recreated ancient town showcasing Uzbekistan's history, culture, and crafts. Chinese involvement in its development is noteworthy.
"This is the first time there's been cooperation of this kind for a Chinese hotel brand to export our management skills and services abroad. After the summit, our main goal is to host large-scale international conferences for all the surrounding countries from Central Asia, Europe, Russia and China. And we're well prepared for various large enterprises as well as tourist groups. Cultural exchanges take a very friendly form, and there are very broad prospects," said Yang Funing, general manager of the Minyoun Hotels.
As the brick and mortar of the SCO city complex builds new bridges between cultures and nations, it serves as a reminder that echoes of the ancient Silk Road continue to resonate through the ages. Samarkand stands as a living testament to the enduring connections between civilizations and the potential for fruitful cooperation in the modern era.