Samarkand

Michael Portillo’s railway adventure in Uzbekistan continues in Samarkand, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.

Michael discovers the national passion for bread, which leads him to a family bakery where he learns how to bake special, bagel-like loaves. The great conqueror, Tamerlane, made Samarkand his capital in the 14th century, and at his tomb Michael learns of the brutality and military prowess of the man who is today Uzbekistan’s national hero.

The region’s global prominence grew out of the silk trade, with silk carpets being the ultimate luxury. Michael learns how secret codes are woven into traditional patterns and appreciates the skill that makes these carpets sell for tens of thousands of pounds.