Uzbekistan has a rich history dating back to the 13th century BC during the reign of the Siyavushids. Bukhara, with its origins from the word "vihara" meaning "monastery" in Sanskrit, is a city with over 140 architectural monuments. Samarkand, known for its position on the Silk Road and Islamic scholarly study, is the second-largest city in Uzbekistan. Khiva, a museum city, retains the exotic flavor of a medieval Oriental town with its iconic monuments like Kalta Minor and Islomkhuja Minaret located in Ichan-Kala.