Multiple ancient cultures converge at this city on the Silk Road in Central Asia, where historical attractions predate the beginning of the Roman Empire.

The city, now the country’s capital, was long a stopping place for camel caravans plying the Silk Road. And where is the Qizilqum? Stretching from parts of Kazakhstan to southern Uzbekistan ...

Conjuring up images of merchants on camel-led caravans, pilgrims braving bandits ... the mere mention of the Silk Road to any medieval adventurer would have them wide-eyed with wonder.