The controversy behind this Silk Road city’s ancient wonders

before his death in 1405. Beneath its domes, elaborate calligraphy decorates the huge gateway, and azure and gold tiles spread across towering walls.But all is not necessarily as it seems. One of these famous blue domes was once cracked like an egg, another had totally collapsed; they are now substantially rebuilt. Some calligraphy is a late 20th-century addition, while newly tiled sections use modern designs that poorly replicate medieval patterns.

Through the years, this mosque, and many other historic buildings in Samarkand, have been the source of much debate among visitors, locals, scholars, governments, and international bodies. Some say repairs are necessary to protect these sites and secure vital income from tourism. Others object to what they see as careless restorations that damage original structures and are accompanied by the demolition of neighborhoods considered unworthy of conservation.

Some argue that Uzbekistan’s history might have been lost forever without such restorations. These monuments had been damaged by earthquakes and raided for construction materials; perhaps they would have collapsed entirely had they not been repaired. Plenty of visitors are delighted by the results, marveling at the size and beauty of the splendidly tiled porticos, iridescent domes, and repaved courtyards.

But others are far from thrilled, as they wander through a restored prayer hall in the gold-encrusted “Gilded Madrassa,” or gaze upon the intricate mosaics of Samarkand’s ancient, but heavily repaired, necropolis. For them, these restored mosques, madrassas, and mausoleums have become sanitized and fake, like theme park exhibits rather than historical sites.

Maintenance is still required for preservation even restoration at some point if the chances of vanishing is likely

🔸🔸🔶

VuePersane

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Opinion | 'The White Negro': Norman Mailer's Essay 65 Years LaterWhat’s really behind the current controversy over this 1957 piece of writing and is the infamous article still worth reading? Great essay. I've never seen so many pieces of social change placed in such an orderly synthesis. Thanks for sharing.
Source: commondreams - 🏆 530. / 51 Read more »

Mass. cities and towns sue McKinsey despite settlementA key issue for the 124 Massachusetts cities and counties behind the Jan. 9 lawsuit is whether the attorneys general-led settlement accounts for all the damages caused at the local level Good.
Source: WBUR - 🏆 274. / 63 Read more »

Draymond Green's Honorary Start Causes Betting ControversyDraymond Green's honorary start Sunday resulted in a prop bet controversy. Kkylewood has the details ⬇️ Kkylewood Refund the losers and pay out the winners. That’s on the bookies.
Source: SInow - 🏆 273. / 63 Read more »

Dallas Winter Weather Prep Hit by Supply Chain Issues, DelaysDallas city leaders are holding a meeting Monday to gauge the city's preparedness for winter weather. Fix your headline. “Dallas Begins to Prepare…”
Source: NBCDFW - 🏆 288. / 63 Read more »

Remains of a man and dog trying to escape ancient tsunami found on Aegean coastThe Thera eruption caused massive tsunamis about 3,600 years ago.
Source: LiveScience - 🏆 538. / 51 Read more »

Ancient Athlete, 25, Becomes Oldest U.S. Women’s Figure Skater in the Olympics Since 1928Mariah Bell is headed to the Olympics, crypt keeper that she is.
Source: Jezebel - 🏆 153. / 63 Read more »