Tashkent

Tashkent is the main city of Uzbekistan, with a history stretching back over 2,000 years. It is one of the biggest cities in Central Asia and one of the oldest located on the Great Silk Road. Some of the first mentions of the city were found in chronicles written in II century B.C. In ancient Chinese sources Tashkent was called Shi, which means stone, and in the early Middle Ages Shash or Chach. Scientists have come to believe that Turkic tribes, who settled this territory later, borrowed the name, as “tash” in Turkic languages also translates as stone.

Nowadays Tashkent is a modern metropolis that combines both medieval buildings and modern business centres. The city has all conditions for a wonderful pastime. It combines centuries of history and modern lifestyle. Tashkent has two international airports and two railway stations. One of the main modern attractions is the metro. It was opened in 1977 and it is the first in Central Asia. Each station has its own unique design and architecture.

Tashkent was one of the major points on the Great Silk Road, so for a long time it was a place of vibrant trade. The city was highly appreciated by Amir Temur (Tamerlane), the great ruler of Central Asia, the military leader and conqueror. By the time of Temur, Tashkent was beginning to recover from the devastating period associated with the invasion of Genghis Khan. It was Amir Temur who revived the former spiritual, political and ideological greatness of the city and returned it to its influence as a regional centre of power.

In 1865 the tsarist army conquered Tashkent and it became part of the Russian Empire, more specifically the centre of Turkestan Governorate-General. The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic was formed in 1924 as a result of the administrative and territorial reform. Uzbekistan became independent in 1991.

Tashkent has 248 days of sunshine a year. Spring and Autumn often see rain, but it is still a very comfortable time to travel around the country. Winter lasts from late December to mid-February, when temperatures range from -5°C to +10°C.

Spring comes in February with air temperatures of up to +20°C and summer actually starts in May and ends in mid-October. Temperatures reach +42 °C and sometimes even higher. Uzbekistan’s climate is mostly hot and dry, so summer is easy. The main thing to remember is to wear clothes made of only natural fabrics (cotton, silk), keep to the shade during the day and try to stay in cool, air-conditioned rooms.

Fans of history and national architecture will enjoy Tashkent. There are a lot of madrassahs (religious schools) and mausoleums with a peculiar oriental beauty. It is worth knowing that most of them were once destroyed. Subsequently these sites were restored to preserve the cultural heritage. All the main attractions of Tashkent are conveniently located in the center of the city.

The central part of the city is A. Temur Square. In its centre today stands a monument to the great commander. There is also a museum of Temurids, the Palace of Forums and the Law Institute, built in the 19 c. There is also the Tashkent Chimes, which has won the title of the symbol of the city. The Khazrati Imam, the city’s religious centre, is well worth a visit for lovers of religious culture and history. Uzbekistan’s most important mosques and madrassahs, which have been well preserved thanks to systematic restoration, can be found there. The Barak-Khan Madrasah, built in the 16th century, is worth a visit. – It is worth visiting, for example, the Madrasah of Barak-Khan built in the 16th century and over 400 years old. Also noteworthy is Tilla-Sheikh. Next on the itinerary is the Mausoleum of St. Abu Bakr. History buffs will find interesting the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari (an imam is a person in charge of a mosque, and more generally, a person who connects people with God).

The Khoja Ahrar Wali Mosque is also worth mentioning. Its construction was completed in the second decade of the 9th century, which means that it is almost 1200 years old. By the way, it is situated in the highest part of the city. This structure was subjected to numerous reconstructions by means of which it was saved from destruction, having remained till our days. Also it was renamed. There are 3 city squares around the mosque: Chorsu, Hadra and Eski Zhuva.

An important historical monument is the Sheikhantaur ensemble of three mausoleums, which has been preserved to this day. History-lovers can also visit the mausoleums of Zainutdin-Bobo and Sufi-Ota, the famous Kukeldash Madrasah, and many others. By the way, keep in mind that Muslims consider Friday a holy day of prayer, and the old mosques are full of people.
There are also different museums in the city: Museum of Temurid Dynasty and Museum of History of Uzbekistan. There is also the State Art Museum.

What souvenir contains a piece of the unique Uzbekistan? The iridescent silk fabric, khan-atlas, of course. This airy fabric is a symbol of Uzbek people, a cultural treasure and an integral part of Uzbek traditions, part of UNESCO world cultural heritage. You can buy such fabric and products made of it in any fabric shop in Tashkent or even in Chorsu Bazaar.

Another popular souvenir to wear is, of course, the skullcap – the national headdress, a sacred symbol, part of Uzbek culture.
It would be unforgivable to leave Tashkent without ceramics. It is the most ancient craft and true art of Uzbekistan. You can choose from all kinds of ceramics, from bowls to exclusive clay figurines.

Carpets can also be referred to as souvenirs with oriental character. Carpet weaving in Uzbekistan is one of the most ancient arts. You do not need to buy a huge rug, you can buy a small rug as well.

• The market in Tashkent, like any other city in the world, is always crowded and it makes sense to be more careful with your belongings. It is also not a good idea to take all your money with you.
• You cannot pay with payment cards everywhere either, it’s better to have cash.
• There is no dress code on the street, but it is advisable to wear more modest outfits.
• Many people in Tashkent know English, so there are no barriers and difficulties in communicating with locals.
• If you want you can make photos of local people. Usually they do not mind, and even pose for you willingly.