Siab Bazaar

Overview

Siab Bazaar is Samarkand's main traditional market, sprawling in the shadow of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The bazaar is the best place to buy Samarkand's legendary golden non (flatbread), dried fruits, nuts, spices, and locally produced sweets. The market has operated on this spot for centuries, serving as the commercial anchor of the old city.

Highlights

• Samarkand Non Bread: The city's signature round flatbread, stamped with decorative patterns and baked in clay tandoor ovens.
• Dried Fruit and Nut Stalls: Mountains of apricots, walnuts, almonds, and raisins from Uzbek farms.
• Spice Vendors: Stalls selling cumin, sumac, saffron, and ready-mixed plov spice blends.

History

A market has operated at this crossroads since the Timurid period, taking advantage of the foot traffic around Bibi-Khanym Mosque. The current covered and open-air structure dates from Soviet-era modernization but retains its traditional bazaar character.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Buy non bread in the morning when it's fresh from the tandoor — it's Samarkand's most iconic edible souvenir.
• Tip 2: Prices are fair but gentle bargaining (10–15% off) is expected for dried fruits and nuts.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.