At the Gate of the Sun, Baghdad, in olden time
THE MERCHANTS :
Away, for we are ready to a man!
Our camels sniff the evening and are glad.
Lead on, O Master of the Caravan:
Lead on the Merchant-Princes of Baghdad.
THE CHIEF DRAPER :
Have we not Indian carpets dark as wine,
Turbans and sashes, gowns and bows and veils,
And broideries of intricate design,
And printed hangings in enormous bales?
THE CHIEF GROCER :
We have rose-candy, we have spikenard,
Mastic and terebinth and oil and spice,
And such sweet jams meticulously jarred
As God’s own Prophet eats in Paradise.
THE MASTER OF THE CARAVAN :
But who are ye in rags and rotten shoes,
You dirty-bearded, blocking up the way?
THE PILGRIMS :
We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go
Always a little further: it may be
Beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow,
Across that angry or that glimmering sea,
White on a throne or guarded in a cave
There lives a prophet who can understand
Why men were born: but surely we are brave,
Who take the golden road to Samarkand.
THE CHIEF MERCHANT :
We gnaw the nail of hurry. Master, away!
ONE OF THE WOMEN :
O turn your eyes to where your children stand.
Is not Baghdad the beautiful? O stay!
THE MERCHANTS in chorus :
We take the Golden Road to Samarkand.
AN OLD MAN :
Have you not girls and garlands in your homes,
Eunuchs and Syrian boys at your command?
Seek not excess: God hateth him who roams!
THE MERCHANTS :
We take the golden road to Samarkand.
A PILGRIM WITH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE :
Sweet to ride forth at evening from the wells
When shadows pass gigantic on the sand,
And softly through the silence beat the bells
Along the Golden Road to Samarkand.
A MERCHANT :
We travel not for trafficking alone:
By hotter winds our fiery hearts are fanned:
For lust of knowing what should not be known
We take the golden road to Samarkand.
THE MASTER OF THE CARAVAN :
Open the gate, O watchman of the night!
THE WATCHMAN :
Ho, travellers, I open. For what land
Leave you the dim-moon city of delight?
THE MERCHANTS (with a shout)
We take the golden road to Samarkand.
(The Caravan passes through the gate)
THE WATCHMAN (consoling the women)
What would ye, ladies? It was ever thus.
Men are unwise and curiously planned.
A WOMAN :
They have their dreams, and do not think of us.
VOICES OF THE CARAVAN : (in the distance, singing)
We take the golden road to Samarkand.
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ChatGPT:
This excerpt from James Elroy Flecker’s “The Golden Journey to Samarkand” captures the essence of the pilgrims’ adventurous spirit and their quest for understanding and enlightenment. The pilgrims in this poem symbolize individuals on a journey of discovery, both literally and metaphorically.
“We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go Always a little further” – These lines convey a sense of relentless exploration and determination. The pilgrims are not content with the known and familiar; they are driven to continually seek out new horizons and experiences. The phrase “a little further” suggests an unending quest, where each destination is just a step towards another, even greater journey.
“Beyond the last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea” – The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of the challenging and diverse landscapes that the pilgrims are willing to traverse. Mountains and seas represent significant obstacles and the unknown, yet the pilgrims are undeterred. The contrast between “angry” and “glimmering” seas also reflects the varied experiences and emotions encountered along the journey.
“White on a throne or guarded in a cave There lives a prophet who can understand Why men were born” – This suggests that the ultimate goal of their journey is to find wisdom and understanding, possibly represented by a prophet. This prophet, whether in a place of prominence (on a throne) or seclusion (guarded in a cave), holds the answers to existential questions about the purpose of human existence.
“But surely we are brave, Who take the golden road to Samarkand” – The final lines emphasize the courage required for such a journey. The “golden road to Samarkand” symbolizes the beautiful and rewarding path of those who seek knowledge and understanding. Samarkand, a real city that was once a major center on the Silk Road, is used metaphorically to represent an ideal or a dream destination – a place of fulfillment and enlightenment.
Overall, the excerpt portrays the pilgrims as seekers of truth and wisdom, embarking on a challenging yet rewarding journey. Their quest represents the human desire to understand our existence and to pursue a life of meaning and adventure. The journey, with all its hardships and uncertainties, is seen as a noble and courageous endeavor, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of life and the world.
Question: From “ golden road to Samarkand “ describe the historical, ecological and geographical importances of Samarkand on Silk Road .
ChatGPT:
Samarkand, historically known as Maracanda, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and has played a significant role in the region’s history, ecology, and geography, particularly in relation to the Silk Road.
Historical Importance:
- Center of Trade and Culture: As a major stop on the Silk Road, Samarkand was a melting pot of cultures, languages, and religions. It facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between East and West.
- Timurid Dynasty: Samarkand flourished under the rule of Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th century, becoming the capital of his empire. The city saw significant architectural and cultural development during this period, with the construction of notable landmarks like the Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum.
- Conquest and Influence: Throughout its history, Samarkand has been conquered by various empires, including Alexander the Great, the Persian Empire, and the Mongol Empire, each leaving their mark on the city’s culture and architecture.
Ecological Importance:
- Oasis City: Samarkand’s location in the Zeravshan River valley made it an oasis in the otherwise arid region of Central Asia. This ecological setting was crucial for agriculture, supporting the city’s population and trade.
- Biodiversity: The surrounding region’s diverse flora and fauna contributed to the city’s self-sufficiency and trade, offering various agricultural and natural products for exchange along the Silk Road.
Geographical Importance:
- Strategic Location: Situated in modern-day Uzbekistan, Samarkand’s location was strategically significant, linking trade routes between China, India, Persia, and the Mediterranean.
- Crossroads of Civilizations: The city’s geographical position made it a crossroads for cultural exchange, where traders and travelers from different parts of the world met and interacted, contributing to the rich and diverse heritage of the city.
- Gateway to the East: For many Western travelers and traders, Samarkand was seen as the gateway to the exotic and wealthy lands of the East, symbolizing the allure and mystery of the Orient.
Overall, Samarkand’s historical, ecological, and geographical attributes made it one of the most important and vibrant cities on the Silk Road, contributing significantly to the cultural and economic exchanges that characterized this ancient trade network.
Question: Is Samarkand still retaining its influences nowadays?
ChatGPT:
Samarkand, although no longer a major center of global trade as it was during the Silk Road era, still retains significant cultural, historical, and touristic influence today.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Many of Samarkand’s historical sites, including the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These sites attract tourists from around the world, drawn by the city’s rich architectural heritage and history.
- Cultural Influence: Samarkand continues to be a cultural hub in Uzbekistan, showcasing the country’s rich history, diverse cultures, and traditions. The city’s preservation of historical buildings and traditional crafts, such as silk weaving and embroidery, helps keep its historical legacy alive.
- Academic and Economic Center: Samarkand remains an important academic and economic center in Uzbekistan. It is home to several universities and research institutions, and its economy benefits from tourism, agriculture, and industry.
- Preservation and Restoration: Ongoing efforts to preserve and restore Samarkand’s historical sites help maintain its status as a significant cultural and historical destination. These efforts also contribute to the city’s appeal as a destination for cultural and historical tourism.
- Symbolic Significance: Samarkand continues to hold symbolic significance as a representation of the historical Silk Road and Central Asian culture. Its storied past and iconic architecture make it a symbol of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Overall, while Samarkand’s role in the world has transformed over the centuries, it remains an important and influential city, particularly in terms of cultural heritage, tourism, and as a symbol of Central Asian history and architecture.
Among all historical monuments in Samarkand, Registan Square is one of the most magnificent. Three madrasahs, from 15th-17th centuries, whether shining under the sun or evening lights, are absolutely breathtaking.
