To the south of Samarkand, about 80 kilometers from Samarkand, the most beautiful city of Shakhrisabz is located – one of the most colorful cities in Uzbekistan. No matter what time you arrive in this city, it's like you find yourself in a huge green garden. The lush greenery of the trees gives cool shade to residents in the sultry summer, and in the evenings the city flashes with colorful lights, acquiring a magical and festive look. When you are in this amazing city, it is hard to believe that the age of this town is more than 2,700 years old, and once played an important role in the History of Central Asia. During the existence of the state, Shakhrisabz was called – Kesh, and was the capital of the state. For many years, this city was the center of culture, trade and various crafts, and therefore its fame grew and expanded, and soon became known far beyond the borders of the state. After the capture of the state by Alexander the Great, the city was flooded with Hellenistic culture. For a whole millennium, Shakhrisabz was influenced by a variety of dynasties, and in the 8th century it became a real center of the anti-Arab militia. Today, everyone knows this city mostly thanks to Amir Temur. The great Tamerlane was born in a small village – Khoja Ilgar, which was located near Shakhrisabz. As soon as he became the ruler, the city of Shakhrisabz became his residence, and it was here that Amir Temur ordered the construction of the Ak-Sarai palace. By the way, around the same time the city got its modern name – Shakhrisabz, which means "Green City" in Persian.