outstanding library known as Siwān al-hikma ("Storehouse of Wisdom") was put together in Bukhara, known for its various types of books. Arts Due to extensive excavations at Nishapur, Iran, in the mid-twentieth century, Samanid pottery is well-represented in Islamic art collections around the world. These ceramics are largely made from earthenware and feature either calligraphic inscriptions of Arabic proverbs, or colorful figural decorations. The Arabic proverbs often speak to the values of "Adab" culture—hospitality, generosity, and modesty. Legacy In commending the Samanids, the epic Persian poet Ferdowsi says of them: کجا آن بزرگان ساسانیان ز بهرامیان تا به سامانیان "Where have all the great Sasanians gone? From the Bahrāmids to the Samanids what has come upon?" A Bukharian historian writing in 943 stated that Ismail Samani: was indeed worthy and right for padishahship. He was an intelligent, just, compassionate person, one possessing reason and prescience...he conducted affairs with justice and good ethics. Whoever tyrannized people he would punish...In affairs of state he was always impartial. The celebrated scholar Nizam al-Mulk, in his famous work Siyasatnama, stated that Ismail Samani: was extremely just, and his good qualities were many. He had pure faith in God (to Him be power and glory) and he was generous to the poor – to name only one of his notable virtues. The Somoni currency of Tajikistan is named after the Samanids. A notable airline based in Dushanbe is also named Somon Air. Also, the highest mountain in Tajikistan and in the former Soviet Union is named after Ismail Samani. The mountain was formerly known as "Stalin Peak" and "Communism Peak" but in 1998 the name was officially changed to Ismoil Somoni Peak. Samanid rulers See also Iranian Intermezzo List of Iranian dynasties and countries List of kings of Iran List of Sunni Muslim dynasties Notes References Sources Daniel, Elton. (2001) The History of Iran'' (The Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations) Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. , Further reading Former countries in Western Asia Sunni dynasties Tabaristan 9th century in Iran 10th century in Iran Empires and kingdoms of Iran Medieval Khorasan 819 establishments 999 disestablishments States and territories established in the 810s States and territories disestablished in the 990s