In the heart of Central Asia, where nomadic tribes once competed for pastoral lands, Uzbekistan was an important stop for and source of famous conquers. From Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan, it was considered the prize of Central Asia. It exported warriors like Tamerlane and the Mogul emperors who went to rule the known world in their day. Yet it always attracted the merchants of the Silk Road who travelled from the ends of the earth to trade merchandise sold at the markets of Samarkand and Bukhara. Uzbekistan became the center of great learning and produced renowned mathematicians, scientists and astronomers that gave the world algebra, algorithms and accurate solar calendars. Today it is the home of the friendly Uzbek people who feel proud to share their history, culture and arts.
