Located in the heart of Central Asia, the Republic of Uzbekistan is famous for its numerous architectural monuments, incredible natural landscapes, magnificent palaces, and ruins of fortresses of past civilizations, outstanding cultural events, gastronomic delights and famous craft workshops. From the first visit, the country evokes extraordinary feelings that prompt to come here repeatedly.
Each corner of Uzbekistan attracts with its features. In Tashkent, you can take a walk in the beautiful metro or see the most ancient manuscript – the Koran of Usman. In the historical cities included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List – Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva – you can visit the most ancient architectural monuments that have preserved echoes of past eras. In the southernmost part of the country – Surkhandarya, you can travel through mountain gorges or see the ruins of the ancient cities near Termez.
Depending on the time of year, you can go skiing in the foothills of the Tien Shan or climb the highest point of Big Chimgan.
It is no secret that Uzbekistan is attractive for its rich cultural and historical heritage, unique architecture and art. The ancient historical monuments of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, Khiva, Urgench, Termez, Karakalpakstan are the main foundation of historical and educational tourism in Uzbekistan.
Cognitive Tourism
Did you know that in Uzbekistan there are more than 7000 objects of cultural heritage, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List? The historical centers of Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Khiva are – amongst other things – evidence of the huge potential of Uzbekistan in the global tourism market.
A trip to the ancient cities of Uzbekistan, attracting with its unique architecture, monuments of cultural heritage, old shops and artisan’s workshops, will undoubtedly be a bright and unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Registan Square
Registan Square in Samarkand is one of the outstanding examples of urban development art in Central Asia.
The name of the square, “Registan”, means “sandy place”. A true version explaining the name of this square in Samarkand, the center of a fertile oasis, says that in the Middle Ages in all cities of Mavarannahr, the central squares were called Registan – administrative, trade and artisan centres of eastern cities.
During the reign of Timur (Tamerlane, 1370-1405), Registan was the main trading area. During the reign of his grandson Ulugbek, it acquired an official character.
Sherdor Madrasah
One of the religious buildings of the XVII century in Samarkand – the Sherdor madrasah – is part of the Registan architectural ensemble. For several centuries, the madrasah was a well-known Muslim educational institution, where outstanding philosophers and theologians studied.
The madrasah was built by order of Ashtarkhanid Yalantgush Bahadur on the site of the dismantled khanaka of Ulughbek in 1619-1636. The Samarkand architect Abdulzhabbor was involved in the construction, and the decoration was made by the master Muhammad Abbas.
The design was made in the traditional Central Asian style, and the main facade impresses with a grand entrance portal topped with a pointed arch.
At first, the building was planned to be named after governor Yalangtush Bahadur. However, the people called the building „Sherdor“, which translates as „the abode of lions“.
The madrasah got its modern name due to the unique decor on the tympanum of the front portal, which depicts a scene of a fantastic beast hunting in the guise of a snow leopard on a white gazelle in the rays of the rising sun.
Ichan-Kala
In Khiva city you will see a real Eastern fairy tale – the open-air fortress –city of Ichan-Kala, which is a treasure of Uzbekistan and contains numerous madrasahs, mosques, minarets, cells, craft workshops and Inns.
In addition, strange as it may seem, people live and work in this unique historical city, who at any time of the year will meet every guest with a smile, show and tell about all the wonders of this place.
The walls of the city were built in the V-VI centuries. Most of the buildings of Ichan-Kala have preserved their original appearance – stone-paved streets, minarets, mosques, madrasahs and cells, even the buildings built today are decorated to match the local architecture. 30 years ago, Ichan-Kala was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Ak-Saray Palace
In the historical city of Shakhrisabz, there is a grandiose monument from the medieval era – the ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace, which was once part of the majestic residence of Amir Timur.
The construction of the Palace started in 1380 and lasted for 24 years, almost until the death of the ruler. The Palace had several courtyards with living quarters, richly decorated with gold azure and coloured tiles, and the floor was paved with white tiles. On the roof of the Palace, they once built a wonderful pool from which cool streams of water flowed.
Kukeldash madrasah
The Chorsu district of modern Tashkent is a crossroads of the main streets. Kukeldash Madrasah rises above the elevated edge of the old city wall; to the right of the ancient buildings remains, a new Khoja Akhror Vali mosque was built.
The old madrasah and the mosque of Khoja Akhror were located here until 1954. The majestic volumes of these religious buildings dominated the silhouette of an inexpressive urban area. The actual city Shakhristan, with its bazaars, shops, houses of merchants and workshops of artisans, was located here.
Khoja Akhror mosque was once one of the earliest Islamic buildings in the city. The first building of Tashkent, “Juma” mosque, the main Friday mosque, was built in 1451 at the expense of Sheikh Ubaidulla Khoja Akhror (1404-1490).
Gastro-symbols of Chorsu Bazaar
Beauty on the shelves, abundance of goods, wide rows, friendly sellers – this bazaar is a main sight of Tashkent. Just a couple of minutes from the bazaar, you can walk to the ancient Kukeldash madrasah and the Friday mosque of Khoja Akhrar Vali.
Chorsu Bazaar in the heart of the Old Town or “Eski Shahar” is one of the main attractions of Tashkent – and it is known since the Middle Ages. Once in this bazaar, you find yourself in an oriental fairy tale. Here you can find the whole history of Uzbekistan: ceramic products, skullcaps, national robes, oriental sweets, spices, fruits, vegetables, clay products, handmade souvenirs, books, gifts, shawls made of national fabrics and much more.
The emergence of the largest bazaar in Uzbekistan is attributed, approximately, to the X century. It was formed at the intersection of four shopping streets, which at one time were an important center on the route of the Great Silk Road. Trade was conducted all year round and a variety of cultures intertwined here. On the trade roads, one could meet overseas merchants, caravan overpasses, shopkeepers, artisans, rich peasants and ordinary workers. For 1000 years of its existence, Chorsu Bazaar, this mini-shopping city, has not changed in its color.
Gastro tourism Gastronomy is one more reason to fall in love with Uzbekistan. Having arrived to the country, you can refuse any excursion, but you will never refuse food, especially here, where even at the airport the air is saturated with the smell of delicious dishes. Uzbek cuisine is, perhaps, one of the most diverse and colorful in the world. If you want to enjoy the most delicious pilaf in the world, succulent lamb on charcoal, the tandoor-kebab, the spicy lagman or the crispy samsa – visit Uzbekistan! You can find out more about the tourist places and attractions of Uzbekistan on the website uzbekistan.travel
Photos & Text: Embassy of Uzbekistan