STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROAD NETWORK IN SAMARKAND CITY: FROM ANCIENT SILK ROAD TO MODERN MASTER PLANS
Keywords:
Keywords: Samarkand, road network, urban development, Great Silk Road, infrastructure modernization, Master Plan, public transport.Abstract
Abstract This article explores the historical evolution and contemporary
modernization of the road and transport infrastructure in Samarkand, one of the
world's oldest inhabited cities. By analyzing its development across distinct historical
stages—ranging from its role as a central hub on the Great Silk Road to the
implementation of the 2026 modernization programs—the study highlights how the
city’s unique geography and cultural heritage have shaped its urban mobility. Special
attention is given to current challenges, including the rapid increase in the automobile
fleet, environmental concerns regarding the Zerafshan River, and the integration of
modern public transport such as the tram system. The research concludes by examining
the "Master Plan" developed to redistribute traffic flows through ring roads and relief-
based engineering solutions, ensuring the preservation of Samarkand’s UNESCO
World Heritage status while meeting 21st-century infrastructure demands.
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