You will feel the magic of 1001 nights in many corners of the Uzbek capital Tashkent. Discover the charming combination of tradition and modernity in the city and learn more about the exciting history of Tashkent. The various facets of Tashkent include mosques, ornate madrasas, bazaars and extraordinary buildings that promise an unforgettable sightseeing experience. Embark on a journey through the different eras and get to know the most important buildings in Tashkent. A tour of the capital offers you an authentic insight into the traditions of the country and is an extraordinary highlight on any trip through Uzbekistan.
Tip 1: Amir Timur Square
Amir Temur Square is one of the most popular places not only for residents, but also for visitors to the capital in the center of Tashkent. The square was founded in 1882. Originally it was called Konstantinovsky Square, but on August 31, 1994 it was renamed in honor of the great Amir Temur, who created the 200-year Temurid Empire.
The monument of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) is a bronze figure sitting on a horse. There is a famous motto of the commander engraved in four languages: “Justice is violence”. The square is surrounded by buildings such as the hotel “Uzbekistan”, the State Museum of Temurid History, as well as the famous carillon.
Amir Temur Square is the radial circular park crossed by eight alleys, the center of which is the Amir Temur Monument. In 2009 the square was reconstructed, new trees were planted instead of old ones and a new administrative building was built. The complex reconstruction made the square clearer and brighter. Now from the State Law Institute in Tashkent you can admire not only the monument to the great commander, but also the Forum Palace and the hotel “Uzbekistan”.
Tip 2: Tashkent TV Tower
The television tower in the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tashkent is the tallest television tower in all of Central Asia and 375 meters high. It is also one of the tallest television towers in the world. It was opened on January 15, 1985 after six years of construction.
During the construction not only modern but also traditional Uzbek stylistic elements were taken into account. What is modern about it is that the shape of the tower reminds of a rocket ready for flight. In the exterior you can also see the colors of the flag of Uzbekistan (blue – white – green). Right next to the TV Tower runs the metro, the Tashkent subway. At the foot of the TV Tower, the railroad comes out of the “ground”, so to speak, and becomes an above-ground “elevated” railroad.
The TV Tower is visited by about 70,000 thousand people every year, including numerous tourists. The visit is subject to a fee.
At the entrance, as well as in the access hall, there are models, of other TV towers from all over the world. And inside on the second floor there are more models of different TV towers from all over the world.
The Tashkent TV Tower combines modern, but also classic Uzbek elements such as oriental metal ornaments. In the two revolving restaurants, guests can enjoy culinary delights at airy heights.
The décor of the “Blue Restaurant” is classically Uzbek, while the “Red Restaurant” has a more Western-modern style. From the observation deck you have a magnificent view of the city.
Tip 3: Hazrati Imam Complex
The religious center of Tashkent is the Hazrati Imam Complex, which consists of several buildings. The imposing complex consists of several schools, mosques, mausoleums and the university building.
The buildings have been built over the years around the mausoleum of Kaffall Shashi. Shashi was the first imam of Tashkent. A more modern building houses the Islamic University, the complex also includes the Khasts Imam and Hazrati Imam mosques, as well as the Muyi Muborak School and the Berek Chan School.
The Muyi Muborak Madrasa houses the world famous Quran of Caliph Osman. This original dates back to the 7th century, there are only six copies in the world.
Tip 4: Chorsu Bazaar
You can immerse yourself in the scents, smells and colors of the Orient by visiting the Chorsu Bazaar. Housed in the center of a Turkish domed building, this bazaar is one of the oldest in Central Asia.
The location on the Silk Road has certainly contributed to the fact that this bazaar has become increasingly important over time and many different goods are offered there to this day.
The offer of fresh fruits like melons, peaches or apples, of nuts and different spices fascinates and invites to buy.
Friends of handicrafts can discover numerous treasures here, the goods on sale are lovingly handmade and are therefore also ideal as souvenirs.
By the way, you must try the watermelons in Uzbekistan, they are so incredibly delicious and are served after every meal.
Tip 5: Tashkent Metro
In most cities, the metro is the most comfortable and fastest way to get around. In Tashkent, however, the metro stations are already real highlights and impress with their very special architecture.
If you want to get around in Tashkent, you should definitely take the metro so that you can get to know some particularly beautiful stations. Each station is individually designed. With materials like marble and granite, ornate ceramics and glass elements, often the only visual reminders of a metro station are the tracks and the arriving trains.
Just as in Moscow, each station is dedicated to a theme and designed accordingly.
The most beautiful stations are the Alisher Navoi station, named after a famous poet, or the Uzbekiston station, which was modeled after cotton, one of Uzbekistan’s most important industries.
