The first volume of the series Archaeological Map of the Middle Zeravshan Valley: The Southern Sector, produced within the framework of the Uzbek-Italian Archaeological Project “Samarkand and Its Territory” (UIAP), presents a systematic documentation of archaeological sites and historical monuments located within the administrative district of Samarkand City. This area represents one of the most intensively urbanized territories of Central Asia, where rapid urban expansion has significantly impacted the preservation and visibility of archaeological evidence.
The cultural landscape of Samarkand is dominated by monumental medieval architecture, which has long shaped scholarly narratives and heritage management practices, often overshadowing earlier archaeological strata. Within this fragile urban context, many archaeological sites have been partially damaged, obscured, or entirely compromised by modern construction and infrastructure development. This volume is primarily based on systematic field surveys conducted by the UIAP, aimed at identifying, georeferencing, and characterizing surviving archaeological and architectural remains. These original datasets are integrated with information derived from literature and previously unpublished archival sources, allowing for a comprehensive reassessment of known sites and the documentation of new evidence. By combining fieldwork, archival research, and historiographical analysis, the volume provides an updated and methodologically transparent archaeological framework for Samarkand City. It constitutes a foundational tool for future research, urban planning, and heritage conservation strategies in a setting where archaeological preservation must contend with the pressures of a living, expanding metropolis.