Until 1868, Samarkand retained its traditional oriental appearance, with a layout and architecture characteristic of Central Asia. After its annexation by Russia, active development of the new part of the city began, resulting in the construction of European-style buildings such as St. George’s Church and the Military Assembly. These structures combined elements of Russian architecture with local traditions, giving the city a unique appearance.
Nielsen also notes that the city’s residential buildings were dominated by single-story mudbrick houses with simple architectural details. However, from the early 20th century, fired brick buildings with more complex façades began to appear, indicating the development of construction technologies and changing aesthetic preferences.
Particular attention is paid to the city’s layout. The citadel remained the center of Samarkand, around which new development developed. City streets such as Kaufmanskaya and Nikolaevskaya became major thoroughfares, housing the most important public and commercial buildings.
Nilsen’s work represents valuable research that helps us understand how Samarkand’s architecture reflected the historical and cultural changes of the time. His work remains relevant for the study of the city’s architectural heritage and is an essential resource for historians and architects.