Architecture in Uzbekistan originates from ancient time. It was created and grown up on the basis of ancient civilisation.
In the 1st millenia B.C. Soghdiana witnessed the appearance of cities. This is supported by archaelogical excavations. So, Maracanda - Samarcand in the 4th century BC, was a significant city, surrounded by powerful fortification construction.
The architecture of the antique time, early feudalism of the Zarafshan valley, is characterized by separate rural farmsteads and powerful fortifications with different architectural objects inside. Archaeological excavations on the territory of Afrasiab, Varahsha and Pandjikent old cities allowed to single out high level and peculiarties of ancient Soghd.
Arabian invaison of Central Asia (VII-VIII ) stipulated the appearance of new styles on the basis of local traditions. The influence of Islamic culture was reflected in the spreading of such buildings as mosques,madrasahs, minarets etc.
Mausoleum of Samanids (907) in Bukhara - a small stall with a dome, by its artistic perfectness testifies the high level of medieval architecture. Majestic Minaret of Arslan Khan(1127) in the ensamble Poy-i Kalon till present time regins in the panorama of ancient Bukhara, surprising harmonicity of the forms.
The development of architecture and art in Central Asia was interrupted by the destroying Mongolian invasion (1219-1221), which was devastating to many prosperous cities, including Samarcand, Bukhara and Gurgandj.
In the second half of the XIV centure a new economic growth was observed in the country, a gradual renewal of the cities, connected with the activity of Amir Temur.
According to Amir Temur, Samarcand, which became the capital of this vast country, would become the most beautiful city in the world. The suburban settlements were given the names of famous cities: Misr(Cairo), Dimishk(Damascus), Baghdad, Sultaniya and Shiraz.
Samarcand become the center for the best architects and builders created a new direction in the architecture of the world, which gave perfect samples of art.