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| Minarets and domes, Samarkand 2012. Image: Wendy Relf |
Made in 1930 and classified as an 'educational and cultural documentary' it revealed for the first time, to most Soviet citizens, the monuments and life of their Eastern comrades.
For travellers who know Samarkand and those who are planning to visit, this 9-minute clip is a must-see. No matter if you don't read Cyrillic - the images are extraordinary.
See how ruined the monuments were? Now you can understand and respect the restoration works undertaken from the 1930s. It was a massive collaboration of Soviet architects, historians and local masters, which continues today with Uzbek experts. Familiar landmarks, such the the Registan (used as a market square), Bibi Khanum, Shah-i-Zindar and Ulughbek's sextant feature in the film
Remember that it was only in 1924, six years earlier, that the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was created. In this short documentary, a precious record of transition, you will notice some women still covered in paranja and others in Western-style frocks. There are younger men who have swapped a traditional skull cap for a Russian cap. The market scenes are filled with melons, the chaikhanas (tea houses) are busy, and donkeys are everywhere.
Blow the video up to full screen size and settle back. For some it will evoke recent moments of walking through the same streets and squares, for others you will be wandering around the very same places this year. (If you are unable to see the video on your device, click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtM7tVc0DWg).
Related posts:
A Glimpse of Khivan Woodcarving 1937
Max Penson: Uzbek Photography between Revolution and Tradition
Source: Thanks to Samarkand guide and food writer, Suzanna Fatyan, for alerting me to this clip.
