Earth Observation taken during the Expedition 37 mission

ISS037-E-000719 (13 Sept. 2013) --- Samarkand, Uzbekistan is featured in this image photographed by one of the Expedition 37 crew members aboard the International Space Station. The historical Silk Road provided trade routes between Asia and Europe as far back as 208 BC according to historical accounts. And, parts of the Silk Road are still used for the transport of goods today. The city of Samarkand is one of the oldest and historically most important cities along the road, occupying a central position between China and the western nationas of Europe, Today, Samarkand is the second largest city in the Republic of Uzbekistan (formed in 1991). The urban area (center) is located within a large oasis situated in the Zerafshan River Valley of southeastern Uzbekistan.