“The city of Samarkand was economically and culturally significant, but had little political importance.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that “the city of Samarkand was economically and culturally significant, but had little political importance”. Candidates may offer equal coverage of economic and cultural factors, or they may prioritize their discussion of one, but both will be a feature in relation to Samarkand’s political importance. They may refer to the role of Tamerlane, the influence of the Silk Road, trade, religious diversity, intellectual exchanges, architecture, arts and crafts and tribal rivalries. These need not all be covered or covered equally. While other, relevant, factors may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.