Located at the centre of the main Asian trade routes, during its long history about 2,700 years old, it was part of the Persian Empire, then was under Arab influence, then the Timurid, Uzbek and, in more modern times, was first under the Russian Empire and then part of the Soviet Union until 1991. In the morning we visited the Registan complex, really impressive masterpiece of Islamic architecture dating from the fifteenth century. Also, the spectacular "avenue of mausoleums" adorned with some of the finest works of the Muslim world. In the afternoon we allowed ourselves a break in the shade of the patio of our friendly B & B, the day after we will continue towards Dushanbe, Tajikistan. For the next nine days we will go up to the Chinese border, where we are expected July 27. In the meantime we will cross the beautiful region of the Pamir where, with its 4600 meters of altitude, will definitely be cooler.