Benjamin Sharkey, researcher at Oxford University of England, who currently continues his work at Samarkand State University, shared his thoughts and opinions

    “From a young age, I had a strong interest in history. Especially my dream was to study the history and culture of Central Asia and defend a dissertation about it. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Samarkand, where such great people as Amir Temur and Mirzo Ulugbek grew up, is located in the very heart of not only Uzbekistan, but also Central Asia. I witnessed how Samarkand was and remains the center of culture and science. In your city, young people learn history very well. It is good that schoolchildren know about their ancestors.

    We know from history that Samarkand reached its peak during the reign of Amir Temur. When I was a 3rd year undergraduate student, I was engaged in Amir Temur's research. After that, my interest in this country increased even more.

    Currently, I am conducting a scientific research at your university on the topic “Central Asia in the 9th-14th centuries”. At the same time, the history of SamSU did not leave me indifferent. Samarkand State University can be safely called the successor of the Mirzo Ulugbek madrasah. Outstanding scientists of their time, especially specialists in the field of exact sciences, grew up in this educational institution.

    I also visited the Urgut region. I did not think that there is such a paradise in Uzbekistan. Fresh air and impurity there give a person rest. Inspiration is calling.

    As a foreign observer, I can say that Uzbekistan is currently opening itself to science. I think this is much more important. When science is introduced into all spheres in your country, development will accelerate as never before.

    The people here are so hospitable and sincere that after defending my dissertation I decided to come back to Samarkand and teach students.

Otabek Abdullayev,

Samarkand State University

Information officer.

Photos taken by Shavkat Akramov.