Arrival of Centrum Air's inaugural flight at Sochi Airport from Samarkand was celebrated.
A Centum Air Airbus A320 touched down in Sochi today, marking the beginning of a new air route between Sochi and Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This twice-weekly service offers travellers an opportunity to explore one of Central Asia's most captivating cultural destinations.
Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a traditional water arch and welcomed with souvenirs and gifts. The flight, which takes approximately three hours, operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased on the airline's official website.
Soaring skyward, the Airbus A320 has a capacity of up to 186 passengers and offers a comfortable journey. Upon landing in Samarkand, visitors will find themselves in a city that has long been renowned as a cultural capital and a destination for Eastern fairy-tale immersion.
Samarkand boasts a stunning collection of historic Islamic architecture, vibrant mosaics, and a rich Silk Road heritage. Key attractions include the iconic Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda Complex, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Gūr-e Amīr Mausoleum, the Ulugbek Observatory and Memorial, and the Silk Road Heritage.
Registan Square, the city's heart, features three grand madrasas with magnificent blue domes, towering minarets, and intricate tile mosaics. The Shah-i-Zinda Complex, a mausoleum and cemetery, is adorned with radiant blue tile decorations, while the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, showcases vast ruins that evoke a humbling sense of scale and grandeur.
The Gūr-e Amīr Mausoleum, the tomb of Timur himself, is notable for its impressive portal and vast colored dome decorated with elaborate majolica and mosaic work. The Ulugbek Observatory and Memorial honours Samarkand's scientific history, while the Silk Road Heritage connects visitors with the city's mercantile past.
Sochi Airport's spokesperson described Samarkand as the cultural capital of Uzbekistan, emphasizing its magical ambiance and historical significance. The city's preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage site underlines its global cultural importance.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Samarkand offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Eastern fairy tales. Here, one can sample Uzbek cuisine, stroll through the bustling bazaars, and marvel at the city's vibrant culture.
For those seeking an enchanting journey of discovery, the new Centum Air flight from Sochi to Samarkand offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of Central Asia's most captivating destinations. To learn more about this new service or to book your ticket, visit Centum Air's official website.
[1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (n.d.). Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1075
[2] The New York Times. (2019, September 23). 36 Hours in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/23/travel/36-hours-in-samarkand-uzbekistan.html
[3] Lonely Planet. (n.d.). Samarkand. Retrieved from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/uzbekistan/samarkand
[4] BBC Travel. (2020, August 28). Samarkand: Uzbekistan's city of legends. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200828-samarkand-uzbekistans-city-of-legends
This new Centum Air Airbus A320 flight from Sochi to Samarkand allows travelers to delve into the lifestyle of a city steeped in history, with its stunning collection of architecture, vibrant mosaics, and Silk Road heritage. Upon landing in Samarkand, one can explore key attractions like Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda Complex, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, offering an Eastern fairy-tale immersion for those interested in culture and travel.
