Travel notes
about Uzbekistan

The Tashkent Metro began to be built in the 1970s and was the very first transportation system of its kind in Central Asia. Today, the subway is not only a convenient and fast means of transportation, but also one of the main attractions of the city. The decoration of the stations often features national motifs. In Soviet times, the Tashkent metro was considered one of the most picturesque in the whole Union.

The square is located in the very center of the city near where the palace of the Kokand khans was until the middle of the 19th century. After the establishment of the Russian protectorate, the residence of the governor-general was built here. During the Soviet era, the square was renamed after Lenin. In 1991, a monument to the leader of the proletariat was dismantled and replaced by the Monument of Independence.

The square was laid out in 1882 by order of the Governor-General of Turkestan M. G. Chernyaev. In its center there is a monument to Amir Temur (Tamerlane), an outstanding statesman of the XIV century, who created a huge empire. Until 2009 there was a small park around the monument, but after reconstruction it has become a square with fountains and green lawns. There are several interesting sights concentrated in this place.

The complex of religious buildings erected in honor of one of the first Islamic preachers in Uzbekistan – Hazrati Imam. It consists of a cathedral mosque, two madrassahs, a mausoleum and another mosque Namazgoh. The buildings were erected at different times from 16th to 21st centuries. The oldest is the Barakkhan madrasah built in 1532, the newest is a Muslim temple built in 2007 on the initiative of President Karimov.

Architectural ensemble, which is one of the most important monuments of Uzbekistan. Sheikhantaur is a memorial complex dedicated to Sheikh Khovendi Takhur. It consists of the 14th century tomb of At-Takhur, another 15th century tomb with the remains of Kildirgach-Biya and other architectural monuments. There used to be several mosques here, but they were destroyed in the twentieth century.

A religious educational institution of the 16th century, which for many years served as the cultural and educational center of the city. In the XVIII century it housed a caravanserai, in the XIX century – the Khan’s fortress. There is a legend that at that time infidel wives were thrown in sacks from the walls of Kukeldash, and other public executions were carried out in the fortress. After the restoration of the madrasah building in the twentieth century, it regained its original functions.

A new Muslim temple in 2013, built on the initiative of President I. Karimov. The building was erected in the traditional architectural style characteristic of Central Asia during the Bukhara Khanate era. The mosque has two high minarets and sky-blue dome. The interior is decorated in the manner of “naksh”. The prayer hall can accommodate 2,400 people, making it one of the largest in Uzbekistan.

Friday mosque of the palace type, which was founded in the IX century in honor of the conquest of Tashkent. However, according to historical data, the first building of the temple was built only in the 15th century. During the subsequent centuries, the structure suffered from natural disasters and destruction. As a result, after a long period of atheism, by 1997 the mosque lay in ruins. In 2003, a new building was erected in place of the historic one.

Orthodox Church of the Russian Orthodox Church, erected in 1878 at the expense of the Governor-General and members of the Christian community of Tashkent. The church was closed from 1933 to 1945, but then it was returned to the faithful and re-consecrated. The building was reconstructed in 1990s. During the work, the adjoining auditorium was ennobled and the church bell tower was rebuilt.

A Catholic church in the Neo-Gothic style, designed by the Polish master L. Panczakiewicz. Construction began in 1912, but work was halted after the October Revolution. The cathedral remained unfinished until the 1970s and 1980s, when it was declared an architectural monument. In the 1990s the building was given to the Catholic parish and completely reconstructed.

The history of the museum began in 1927 with the organization of an exhibition of works by Uzbek masters. Gradually, the number of exhibits grew and the collection needed a separate building. So in 1937 the “Museum of Artisanal Crafts” appeared. Its collection consists of carpets, jewelry, textiles, national costumes, ceramics and other samples of craftsmanship, carefully preserved for posterity.

The collection was founded in 1918. At first it consisted of works of art, furniture, utensils, sculpture and interior items confiscated from local aristocrats after the revolution. In the following years, the collection was regularly enlarged through the funds of other museums. Today, the gallery, among other things, exhibits paintings by Russian and Western European artists of the 16th-19th centuries.

The museum is considered one of the oldest and largest in Uzbekistan. Its funds contain more than 250 thousand exhibits. The collection is devoted to the history of Uzbekistan from the Stone Age to the present. Museum appeared due to initiative of group of scientists in 1876. At the beginning of XX century he even took part in international exhibitions in Milan and Paris. In 1970 the collection moved to a modern building on Rashidov Avenue.

The exhibition is devoted to the period of Tamerlane’s reign and the dynasty he founded. The museum was opened in 1996 thanks to President I. Karimov in honor of the 660th anniversary of Tamerlane’s birth. Main exhibits are copy of Kufi Koran (Koran of Uthman) from Samarkand and panels with scenes from life of famous general. The museum also exhibits various archaeological finds.

The collection appeared in 1989 after the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Central Asian Railway. The exhibition, created especially for the anniversary, aroused so much interest among visitors that it was decided to make it permanent. So, a whole museum appeared. The exposition is located under the open sky. It includes steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, cars and repair equipment.

Musical theater named after the national poet Alisher Navoi. The stage opened in 1939 with a production of the Uzbek opera Buran. The building of the theater was erected according to the design of architect A. V. Shchusev. People’s artists Kh. Boltaev, A. Khudaibergenov, U. Muradov and others took part in the decoration. The building is notable for the fact that each foyer has its own design, reflecting the peculiarities of different regions of Uzbekistan.

The building is located in the center of Tashkent near Amir Temur Square. It was erected in the late 19th century in the Art Nouveau style, which was popular at the time. The architectural appearance of the palace stands out from the usual urban landscape, as no structures in such style were built in the Uzbek capital. The building was intended for Prince Nikolai Romanov, the grandson of Nicholas I. His Serene Highness was serving an exile in Tashkent for stealing the family jewels.

A museum dedicated to a certain segment of Uzbekistan’s history, when the country was under the protectorate of the Russian Empire and then part of the Soviet Union. The exhibition is divided into several sections, which follow each other in chronological order. Much attention is given to the topic of political and ethnic repression in the past. The museum was established in 2001

The monument was created in 1970 by sculptor D. Ryabichev to commemorate the 1966 earthquake. This natural disaster left a deep mark on the history of the city, as the violent tremors left almost half of Tashkent’s residents homeless and destroyed many administrative buildings. The monument “Courage” embodies the calm and resilience with which the inhabitants met this devastating disaster.

A television tower with an observation deck. It is considered the second largest in Central Asia after the pipe of the Kazakh hydroelectric power plant. The height of the tower is 375 meters. The structure was built in 1978-84, and in 1985 it reached its full capacity. Inside at a height of 94 meters there is a circular observation deck for tourists, a few meters higher is the Koinot restaurant, consisting of two levels.

Since the end of the 19th century, strolling circus troupes from the Russian Empire and European countries constantly toured Tashkent. The first circus-chapito building was destroyed in 1966 by an earthquake. Ten years later a new stage was erected. Today, the Tashkent circus troupe tours around the world. Moreover, thanks to their skills, many artists have become winners of international competitions.

The market is considered one of the oldest not only in Uzbekistan, but in all of Central Asia. It is located in the old part of Tashkent under the name “Eski Shakhar”. The bazaar became popular during the time of Tamerlane’s descendants, as it was an intermediate point on the Great Silk Road. Chorsu sells all kinds of goods: food, clothing, local handicrafts, household items and other things.

The park, named after the national poet Alisher Navoi, opened in 1937 near Almazar Street. In addition to the standard rides, there is a real railroad track, where teenagers are employed as workers. On the territory of the park there are many other attractions: Abulkasym Madrassah, a monument to Alisher Navoi, a concert hall, the building of the Parliament of the Oliy Majlis.

A Japanese-style landscape park near the center of Tashkent. It was created in 2001 specifically for a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle. There are ducks, swans and storks in the local ponds, and peacocks stroll peacefully along the alleys. The park is a popular place for wedding photo sessions. Another advantage of the Japanese garden is that there are usually not many people here, as the entrance to the territory is paid.

Artificial reservoir, which was created in the 1970s. It is located about 60 km from Tashkent. Around the reservoir there are recreation areas, camps for children, hotels and boarding houses. Here you can sunbathe, swim, take a ride on a jet ski or a boat. From the shores opens up a magnificent view of the mountain peaks of Big and Small Chimgan. From Tashkent to the reservoir is a convenient highway.

The name of Samarkand’s main square is translated as “a place covered with sand. Registan was once called all the squares of the Middle East. The Samarkand square dates back to the 15th century and is known far beyond the country’s borders. In different periods the square was a rallying point for troops as well as a scientific center. Now it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The complex of three madrassahs played not the least role in such a high assessment. Ulugbek was created almost simultaneously with the Registan. Sherdor and Tillya-Kari were built in the 17th century. Madrassahs are not only beautiful, but also have important missions: cultural, spiritual, educational.

It is located in the north of Samarkand. The les hills cover an area of about 200 hectares. In the past, the Sogdian capital was located here. Archaeologists began to explore the territory in the 70s of the century before last. During the excavations terracotta figurines, glassware and samples of tools were found. There is little reliable information about the appearance of the ancient city. By XIII century Afrasiab began to decline.

The ancient tomb of Tamerlane. Hence the name, which translates as “the tomb of the king. The building is impressive in size and has one high dome. For all its historical and cultural importance, the mausoleum is almost not decorated externally. In decoration were used tiles of quiet colors: white, blue, light blue. But the tombstone in the crypt is much more unusual: it was made of dark green jade.

A complex of mausoleums in the north of the city. Its name is translated as “the living king”. It was formed during the XIV-XV centuries. In the “street of the dead” one tomb for members of royal houses and nobles was attached to another. The main mausoleums are 11, but during the excavations numerous earlier burials were found. The latest of them dates back to the XII century.

It was built at the turn of the 14th-15th centuries in honor of a favorite wife from Amir Timur’s harem. A total of three mosques were included in the complex: the large main mosque with a blue dome and two smaller ones. For the erection and finishing works the best masters of the East were invited. The yard was laid out with marble and surrounded with a covered gallery. The outer walls were covered with ornaments, the inner ones with carvings, patterns and mosaics. Now the reconstruction is in progress.

It was built at the same time as the mosque. Judging by its external appearance, it was originally attached to the madrasah. The mausoleum is not decorated in any way. On the general background stands out only a bright dome. The silhouettes of stalactites, which are colored like ivory, fascinate visitors inside. The sarcophagi in the crypt are marble. They were explored in the 1940s. The remains of one of the women probably belong to Sara Mul Hanim.

About 600 years have passed since its founding in the Old City. Little has changed in the eastern bazaar. On an area of more than 7 hectares there are many commercial pavilions and rows. It is always noisy and bustling. Haggling is an obligatory component of any transaction. They sell a variety of goods. The spices, oriental sweets and dried fruits prevail. You can walk here from Registan in 10 minutes.

The first shrine appeared on this site back in the eighth century. It was named after the prophet who patronized travelers. Destroyed almost to the foundations, the mosque was rebuilt in the middle of the century before last. The works lasted for more than 60 years. The external appearance of Khazret-Khyzr is typical of the Samarkand school of architecture. The paintings on the ceiling catch the eye in the interior decoration.

The Old Testament prophet Doniyor, aka Daniel or Daniyar, is revered in three religions at once: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. His remains were brought to the city by Tamerlane. A mausoleum was built over the grave, there is a spring nearby, and an almond tree grows. It withered away, and then inexplicably came back to life. In 2001, the tomb together with other city sites was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is located in the central part of Samarkand. Amir Timur ordered the construction of the mausoleum in 1380 over the tomb of Sheikh Burhaneddin Klych Sagarji. The latter was known as a preacher, theologian and scholar. The cube-shaped building has an area of 168 square meters and a height of 24 meters, including the dome. The decoration of the walls is practically absent. They are covered with alabaster, only the entrance-arcs are finished with carved tiles.

The building was erected over the tomb of the interpreter of the Koran. According to legend, about three thousand of his colleagues are buried next to it. Over the years, the monument of architecture became dilapidated and began to crumble. In the early 2000s, it needed reconstruction. The mausoleum was not only repaired, but also supplemented with decorative elements. For example, on the snow-white marble tombstone appeared quotations of Abu Mansur himself.

Architectural monument of the XV century. At the moment it is in a state of ruins. Destroyed in stages, not the least of which were earthquakes. There is no clear idea what Ishrathona was used for. As a variant it was a burial place for the ladies of the Timurid dynasty. It was decided to reconstruct the site, and restored fragments of mosaics on one of the arches have already appeared.

It is located at some distance from the city. It is one of the most important Islamic shrines in Central Asia. In the central part of the complex built a mausoleum, where the remains of the Imam are buried. The tomb, like its dome, is done in soft blue colors. On the left is a khanaka with a mosque, and on the right is a spacious museum. In it, Islamic exhibits are juxtaposed with gifts from heads of other countries.

200 years after the death of Sheikh Hoxha-Ahrar, it was decided to build a mosque and madrassa near his tomb. Since the region is seismically active, the buildings suffered earthquakes over time. They were reconstructed, which distorted the initial idea of the authors of the project. However, the restoration was returned to make the complex shine with its former splendor. Now it is one of the most visited places in the city.

The building was built in 1970 in the northern part of the city. The exhibition is divided into 5 halls. The first one contains archaeological finds. The second tells about the early history of Samarkand to the VI century. The third contains evidence of the history of Alexander the Great’s conquests. The fourth is devoted to the main religion of the city until the 4th century – Zoroastrianism. And the fifth refers to the spiritual life of local residents.

Built in the Neo-Russian style for a military unit at the beginning of the last century. It was consecrated in 1912 and was named after the metropolitan. The green arch above the entrance and the roof of the same color stand out against the walls of the cathedral. After the revolution the premises were given to the military. The dome and bell tower were destroyed. Later it housed a branch of the local history museum. In 1996, the church was returned to the ROC, and the re-consecration was conducted by Patriarch Alexy II.

Although the company is called a factory, they work there by hand, using only the primitive tools of the past. It takes about a year to make one rug. It all depends on the size and complexity of the pattern. Mostly national ornaments and their variations are used. During a visit to “Khujum” tourists can observe all stages of the production process, starting with taking apart the silkworm cocoon.

A majestic monument is erected on the university boulevard. Amir Temur is depicted sitting on a bench with both hands resting on his sword. His face expresses equanimity. The area has been developed since the century before last. An alley of tall trees divides the avenue into two parts. In modern times, there were illuminated fountains. Nearby were built the first buildings in the city in the European style.

It was named after its founder, a Turkic astrologer and astronomer. Here, in the 30s of the 14th century, an astronomical catalog with more than a thousand stars was compiled. It was given the name of Gurgan zij. The medieval historical monument was found in 1908 on Kuhak Hill. A complete study had to wait about 40 years. The observatory was reconstructed. One of the valuable finds is a sextant of impressive size.

In XII century, under the leadership of Arslan-khan, the city was completely rebuilt. He also decided to create a complex of Poi-Kalyan. The minaret appeared at the same time, and the present cathedral mosque and Miri Arab madrassah appeared only in the 16th century. It is easy to guess that this place has been chosen not casually: there was already a mosque here in the past. But when the design was drawn up, all that was left were ruins. The new building could seat about 12,000 people for simultaneous prayer. It was the second highest in the country. The minaret is more than 46 meters high. The madrasah is still used as an educational institution.

The oldest archaeological monument in Bukhara. It was built in the 10th century, but the earliest surviving buildings inside the walls date back to the 17th century. Legends attribute the foundation of the fortress to the local hero Siyavush. Omar Khayyam also lived here for some time. The unique library was not saved by the regular wars and attacks on the citadel. Now there is an architectural and art museum.

The Silk Road passed through Bukhara. For this reason, they traded willingly and extensively. At the crossroads domed buildings were erected, a kind of covered bazaars called “toques”. Markets of different orientations were united under one roof. Traditionally, four toques are distinguished: Toki Sarrafon, Toki Telpak Furushon, Tim Abdullah-khana, Toki Zargaron. You can buy everything from jewelry to antique books.

Located on the site of an ancient cemetery, which was revered in the past. Erected in the IX century in the traditional Sogdian style, but with the use of more durable materials. The external features of the building refer to the vision of the creators of the world. At the base is a square – the symbol of the earth, and crowned its dome – the vault of heaven. Three theologians, including the founder of the Samanid dynasty, are buried in the mausoleum.

The name is translated from Persian as “Job’s spring. Near the tomb is a spring. According to the legend, it appeared thanks to the prophet Job, who touched the ground with his staff to give water to the locals. Although the mausoleum was built in the 12th century, there are no burials of that period. The building was rebuilt many times, including under Tamerlane. Now inside there is a museum of water and an exhibition of carpets.

The area was formerly the center of one of the Sufi orders. The brotherhood got along well with official Islam and had no penchant for reclusiveness. The tomb of the brotherhood’s head, mosques, khanaka, minaret and madrasah are all on the territory of the complex. The structure of the arched sakkahana is also curious. According to the legend, if one quenches one’s thirst and leaves an offering here, any wish of the beggar will be fulfilled.

It was originally located in a village, but the areas were later incorporated into the city. It is the resting place of the Juybar seyids. The history of their dynasty goes back to Mohammed himself. The necropolis was created to preserve the unique tombs. Over the centuries, the area was gradually enriched with buildings and the entrance was made in the form of an original gate. The last burials date from the beginning of the last century.

In the central part of Bukhara is the Lyabi-Hauz Square. Around it is a complex of ancient buildings. This area was built up in XVI-XVII centuries. Kukeldash Madrasah was the first to be built. It united in itself a mosque, residential zones and premises for classes. And Nodir Divan Begi originally served as a caravanserai, so it lacks many of the usual features of madrassas. The Divan Begi khanaka is small in size, but richly decorated. Full component of the complex is a fountain. During its history, it managed to be a pond, water reservoir, as well as, after draining, a sports ground.

Installed in 1979, designed by sculptor Yakov Shapiro. The author was tasked to convey all the components of the complex image of the folk hero. Khoja Nasreddin is popular in the East. He appears as a man of great intelligence and a simpleton at the same time. The people’s favorite is able to take advantage of any problem. The bronze Nasreddin is seated on a donkey and his features are given a certain playfulness.

A single ensemble consists of several buildings: a mosque, a house and a minaret. In the past, this mosque was the main Friday prayers in the city. It is divided into two parts: winter and summer. The columns play an important role in the decoration of the interiors. They not only support the ceiling of the aivan, but also frame the entrance. The minaret appeared only in the last century. And the first buildings on the register date back to the 18th century.

It was built at the expense of a local merchant at the beginning of the century before last. Because the madrasah has four towers in the form of minarets, it got its name. It also has another name – Khalif Niyazkul in honor of its founder. The paintings on each tower are unique. It is believed that they refer to the major religions of the world. Later there were built living quarters in the madrasah. The interior decoration of the madrasah is made in the traditional style.

The complex was formed over a long period from the XV to the XVII century. The Ulugbek Madrasah was built earlier. After more than 150 years since its foundation, its appearance has changed due to the new facing. Now the premises are given to the Museum of the History of Restoration of Monuments of the city. When decorating Abdullaziz Khan madrasah, yellow paint was used for the first time. The paintings on the walls are very diverse, which is atypical for such buildings.

The complex consists of two madrassahs, which stand opposite each other. Hence the name, translated as “double”. The first madrasah, in honor of Modari Khan, was built in the 16th century, and the second, in honor of Abdullah Khan, a couple of decades later. These landmarks are not only examples of the architecture of their time. They were very popular educational institutions. Not everyone could get to classes here.

Formed in the 16th century. It is surrounded by a residential quarter. On the territory of the complex finds marble lined house. Its spillway is made in the form of a dragon’s head. Another notable structure is the khanaka. The building was used as a quarter mosque. The walls have unusual and extensive paintings. The open gallery is also decorated with all kinds of decorative elements and patterns. At that they are sustained in calm tones.

It is located on the site of an ancient sanctuary. It was created for the worship of the moon, so the mosque is sometimes called Mokh, which translates as “moon”. The premises of the mosque have literally gone under the ground, but now restored to their former form. In ancient times, Jews were also allowed to perform rituals in Magoki-Attari. Because of this, the followers of Judaism from Bukhara had a special wish for peace when praying.

The palace was built at the beginning of the last century. It served as the country residence of the Bukhara emir. Although the complex was characterized by the European style, inside there was a division into male and female halves. At the present time there is a museum of arts and crafts inside. It has been working since 1927, and was seriously renewed several times. One of the most popular expositions is the interiors of the palace.

Faizulla Khojaev was a prominent fighter for equality, a political and social activist. He was repressed and executed in the 1930s. The museum exhibition is divided into three parts. The first is devoted to the life of Fayzullah himself. The other two are of ethnographic nature. They tell about the life of rich merchants of that period and their cuisine. The museum is located in the house where the Hodjaev family lived.

The cathedral mosque and madrasah form a single complex. It was formed by the end of the 16th century. The courtyard arrangement is typical for that time. But the minaret stands out, it is one of the highest in the city. On this place earlier bulls were slaughtered. Hence the name, translated accordingly. Together with other sites in the historic part of the city is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Erected in the 1920s. Since the project belonged to Shukhov, the tower was named after the author. Until 1975, the tower was actively used as part of the city’s water supply system. As a result of dilapidation it fell into disrepair and was decommissioned. Later it was included in the list of historical monuments. The authorities restored it and a restaurant was located inside, but not for long.