The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Beijing holds a book launch event to introduce Biography of Samarkand, a work presenting history of one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Photo: Courtesy of New Star Press

The Biography of Samarkand book launch event was recently held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Beijing on Monday, with attendees including Yu Tao, deputy director-general of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, Farhod Arziev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to China.

In the newly published book's preface, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev recommended it by expressing the deep-rooted emotions of mutual respect between the Uzbek and Chinese people going back to ancient times. 

"These traditions are further strengthening the current friendly cooperation between Uzbekistan and China, which is flourishing in all aspects of life," as the President wrote in the preface.

In Yu's speech at the book launch event, he mentioned that Samarkand is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan and was a key hub along the ancient Silk Road.

"Biography of Samarkand will serve as a significant cultural exchange ambassador between the two countries. The publication of this book in China is expected to attract more people to explore and fall in love with this city," said Yu.

As one of the cradles of world civilization, Samarkand has played a crucial role in connecting the East and West, as well as the South and North over the centuries in the development of the Silk Road.

The book aims to provide all readers in China interested in the history of the region with a deeper understanding of Samarkand's significance and role in Uzbekistan, Central Asia, and the entire Eurasian history. 

The new book is part of the One Hundred Cities on the Silk Road Series published by the Foreign Languages Press, with over 60 multilingual works already published. 

These works showcase the charm and spirit of cities along the Silk Road, fostering mutual understanding between people from different cultures, and facilitating mutual learning between Silk Road countries and regions.