Delegation to the King of Samarkand

This mural shows the Sogdians at the crossroads of Asia with peoples from all around bringing tribute to the King of the city-state of Samarkand. The detail shown here is of Chinese delegates bringing gifts of silk to the King of Samarkand. They are accompanied by Turkish delegates to the right, recognizable by their long plaits. This scene shows the dialogue between cultures at the highest level of diplomacy. Offerings of highly prized commodities such as silk show the importance of trade in relations between peoples of the Silk Road.

Detail from the Ambassadors' Painting, Afrasiab, Courtesy of MAFOUZ