Uzbekistan

Tashkent: The Capital of Uzbekistan

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, and in many ways, the capital of Central Asia, serving as one of its largest population centres. However, beneath the modern roads lie ancient trade routes, trodden by traders and travellers along the famous silk road for over 2,000 years. These ancient artefacts sit nestled inbetween the impressive architecture of the Soviet Union and the former Uzbek SSR.

Set at the feet of the Tian Shan mountains, Tashkent acts as an oasis deep in the deserts of Central Asia, and the perfect place to include in any adventure across the region!

Highlights

Amir Timur Square

One of the main squares in Tashkent, Amir Timur is graced with a magnificent statue of Tamerlane, a medieval conquerer, on horseback. Although Amir Timur is not the largest square in the city, the tree-lined pavements, and bright green grass make it perfect for an evening stroll amidst the locals of Tashkent.

Tashkent Metro

Despite what you may think, Tashkent has a metro network consisting of three lines which criss-cross beneath the streets of the city. This incredibly ornate metro system was opened in 1977 and has only grown in beauty since then. Not only is it an incredible tourist attraction in its own right, but you can use it to get between Tashkent’s other incredible above-ground sites!

State Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan

There are, of course, hundreds of museums across the Uzbek capital worth poking your head in, however our favourite must be the State Fine Arts Museum, home to thousands of artefacts from across Russia and Europe. This Soviet-era museum holds many of the treasures confiscated from the Grand Duke Romanov, who himself likely stole them from St Petersburg. In addition, artwork from across Russia and the Soviet Union are displayed throughout this museum.

Samarkand: The Pearl of the East

Samarkand, or Samarqand, is one of Central Asia’s many ancient Silk Road cities, nestled in a river valley surrounded by harsh desert, and is one of the longest continually-inhabited cities in Central Asia. A conquest of Alexander the Great, the birthplace of the Timurid Renaissance, and a centre for Islamic scholars, Samarkand is filled to the brim with stunning history, architecture, culture, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet in this part of the world.

Perhaps there is no city associated more with the ancient Silk Road than Samarkand, the muse of poets and playwrights throughout history, Samarkand has an aura like no other. Today, the city is split into the ancient and the modern, with the ancient districts still reminiscent of the days of merchants and traders, and the new part, a much more Soviet, functional affair.

Highlights

Registan

The Registan is an ensemble of majestic and stunningly beautiful madrassahs, the most incredible example of Islamic architecture. The plaza would once have been dominated with a great bazaar, allowing local people to go about their business . Meanwhile, the surrounding madrassahs allows scholars to work and create a centre for Islamic scholars across Central Asia. Today, the Registan is the number one, must-see sight in the country, an unmissable experience!

Shah-i-Zinda

A necropolis which graces the northern part of the city, Shah-i-Zinda is a fabulous example of traditional Islamic architecture in the region, comprising of numerous buildings, towers and beautiful domed rooves. The turquoise mosaic tiling contrasts against the arid sandy backdrop of Samarkands desert surroundings.

Siab Baazar

Whether you’re searching for textiles and fabrics, exquisite and intriguing foodstuffs, or just looking for an opportunity to rub shoulders with Samarkand’s locals – Siab Baazar is the place to visit. The market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, clothes, snacks, and all manner of things, but it’s also an oddly peaceful and fun place to spend some time. Wander the aisles, chat with shoppers and market vendors, and experience life as it’s truly lived in this city.

Bukhara: Heart of Persia

The city of Bukhara, along with nearby Samarkand, served as the heart of the Persian world for centuries under numerous empires, and continues today as Uzbekistan’s seventh largest city, and one of its most popular attractions for foreign travellers, owing to its rich history as a Persian capital, and an outpost on the renowned Silk Road. The modern city is home to dozens of architectural sites, uncovering the legacy of Persia, and the many mosques, minarets, and madrassahs it left behind. Many of these sites are visitable, and make for a wonderful experience for any adventurer looking for a glimpse back into this city’s majestic past.

Highlights

The Kalyan Minaret

Built in 1127, the Kalyan Minaret is all that survives of a once grandiose Djuma Mosque, designed for crowds of people to worship at once. Today, the site has been rebuilt around the footprint of this great tower, now at the centre of a courtyard surrounded by galleries and stunning architecture. It’s from here that the ancient call to prayer would have blasted across the city, and many locals would have descended on the site. It was, in fact, built twice – evidence suggests the soft ground led it to collapse after being nearly completed the first time – however, after almost a millennium, it shouldn’t fall down again!

Khoja-Gaukushon

A great ensemble at the heart of the city, home to mosque, madrassah, and minaret. The area once served as a kind of plaza for local people to meet, trade, set up market stalls, and (rather oddly) slaughter animals – hence the name ‘Gaukushon’ which means ‘Slaughter of Bulls’. Later, a large minaret, mosque, and madrassah were built on the site, adding to the great patchwork of beautiful buildings littered across the skyline of Bukhara.

Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble

Another great ensemble, the Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble was once home to another great square, similar to the aforementioned Khoja-Gaukushon – however today, the centre of the old ensemble has been turned into a reservoir, where crystalline waters reflect the beautiful Islamic architecture which makes up the area. A stunning photographic opportunity!