Within the framework of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, an international conference "Samarkand: A 3000-Year Heritage" was held. At it, the three-thousand-year history of the city of Samarkand was scientifically assessed.
Scientists from Uzbekistan and abroad presented a report on the rich historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage of Samarkand, scientifically highlighting the city's place in human civilization. The results of archaeological and historical research were presented.
According to experts, the results of excavations at Afrasiab, Koktepa, and other archaeological sites indicate that the first settlements in the Samarkand region date back to the 2nd millennium BC.
During the discussions, based on research conducted within the framework of international cooperation, it was concluded that the history of Samarkand is no less than three thousand years old. The previously emphasized estimate of 2750 years was revised, and the age of Samarkand was officially set at 3000 years.