According to a cherished legend, the founding of Samarkand was graced by the presence of a majestic palyang-leopard, descending from the lofty Zerafshan mountains. This noble creature, with its regal bearing, wandered the nascent streets of the city, bestowing its silent approval upon the burgeoning structures before returning to its mountainous abode. From that moment forth, the citizens of Samarkand were endearingly referred to as leopards, a moniker that spoke to their resilience and grace. The leopard’s image became a proud emblem, emblazoned upon the city’s banners and heraldic shields, a tradition that has endured through the ages.
This tale, as recounted by the esteemed Abu-Sand Abdu-Rakhman Ibn Muhammad Idris, has woven itself into the very fabric of Samarkand’s identity. The city is dotted with monuments that pay homage to the leopard and lion, symbols of the indomitable spirit and grandeur of its people. These symbols are not confined to mere stone and mortar; they leap forth in the city’s vibrant handicrafts and even grace the national currency, a testament to their ingrained significance.
Among the myriad representations of the leopard, none are more iconic than those adorning the portal of the Sherdor Madrassah. The word «Sher» in Persian translates to «lion,» a motif believed to have been introduced by Iranian artisans. However, as the city’s narrative unfolded through the Arab and Turkic eras, the lion gradually transformed into the leopard. This evolution of symbolism reflects the adaptive strength and enduring power of Samarkand, a city that has stood as a bastion of cultural and historical might throughout the centuries.
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