Tashkent

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is Central Asia's largest metropolis where ancient traditions coexist with modern urban life. The city's landscape includes Islamic architecture, Soviet-era buildings, and contemporary structures. You can explore the Chorsu Bazaar, see the Tashkent TV Tower, and ride the metro system. With its tree-lined streets and numerous parks, this former Silk Road city offers a variety of experiences for visitors.

Discovering the Tashkent Metro

The Tashkent Metro, opened in 1977, is the oldest subway system in Central Asia. Each station has a unique design, reflecting different themes from Uzbek culture and history. Until 2018, photography was prohibited in the metro due to its dual purpose as a nuclear bomb shelter. Now, you can freely capture the ornate mosaics, chandeliers, and marble walls that adorn the stations. The Kosmonavtlar station is dedicated to space exploration, while the Alisher Navoi station honors the famous Uzbek poet.

Experiencing Tashkent's Bazaars

Tashkent's bazaars are busy hubs of commerce and social interaction. The Chorsu Bazaar, located in the old town, is the city's largest and most famous market. Under its distinctive blue dome, you'll find an array of goods including fresh produce, spices, traditional textiles, and handicrafts. The bazaar is particularly active in the morning when locals do their shopping. For a more modern shopping experience, visit the Samarkand Darvoza mall, which combines traditional architecture with contemporary retail spaces.

Enjoying Tashkent's Green Spaces

Despite being a large urban center, Tashkent has numerous parks and green areas. The Japanese Garden, gifted by the mayor of Tashkent's sister city Nagoya, provides a calm space with traditional Japanese landscaping. The Botanical Garden, founded in 1920, houses over 6,000 species of plants and is popular among locals. For a more active experience, visit Tashkent Land, an amusement park with various rides and attractions suitable for all ages.

Exploring Tashkent's Historical Sites

Tashkent's history is evident in its numerous historical sites. The Hazrat Imam Complex houses the Samarkand Kufic Quran, considered one of the oldest Quran manuscripts in the world. This 7th-century holy book attracts both religious pilgrims and history enthusiasts. The complex also includes several madrasas and mosques with intricate Islamic architectural details. Another significant site is the Kukeldash Madrasa, a 16th-century Islamic school that has been meticulously preserved and now serves as a reminder of Tashkent's importance as a center of Islamic learning.

Savoring Uzbek Cuisine

Tashkent offers a variety of local and regional dishes. The national dish, plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables), is a staple of local cuisine. Visit the Central Asian Plov Center, a large hall dedicated to this dish, where you can watch the cooking process and enjoy the meal communally. For a wider variety of local dishes, head to the Milliy Taomlar restaurant, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a beautifully decorated setting. Try shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and samsa (savory pastries) from street vendors for a local food experience.

Navigating Tashkent

Getting around Tashkent is relatively easy. The metro is efficient and covers many of the main areas of interest. Taxis are plentiful and affordable, but make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. If you prefer to walk, many of the city's sites in the old town are within walking distance of each other. The city is generally flat, making it suitable for cycling, and bike rentals are available in some areas.

Best Time to Visit

Tashkent experiences hot summers and cold winters. The best times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. These seasons also coincide with some of the city's cultural events, such as the Sharq Taronalari music festival in August and the Tashkent International Film Festival in September.