Tashkent

TV tower in Tashkent city

Independence squire

Khasti Imam Complex

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and the largest economic and cultural centre of the country. At various stages of its long history, Tashkent was known as Shash, Chachkent, Shashkent and Binket. Tashkent is the Uzbek word for “stone town”. It’s considered that it was the hardness of the inhabitants more than once protecting their city from attacks of invaders that was compared by local people with a stone. Tashkent is located in the north-east of Uzbekistan, in the picturesque valley of the Chirchik River which takes its source from the spurs of the Tian-Shan, at the height of 440-480 meters above the sea level. The population of the city is around 3 million people. The architecture of Tashkent is characterized by the mixture of modern and traditional styles of buildings. There is a green city with lots of fountains and parks. Tashkent records its chronology back to the 5th century BC. It had passed through successive hands of numerous ruling clans. A more authentic picture of Tashkent was drawn with the invasion of Arabs in the 8th century. The city grew into an important trading post on the Great Silk Road, from China to the Mediterranean countries, when it was busting with commerce. As it was described in the annals there had been beautiful palaces among green gardens, temples and streets of craftsmen.

The invasion of the Mongol hordes in the 13th century brought a short delay in the development of Tashkent. This continued until history reverted to the turbulent path of the later Genghisids and the grand Timurid dynasties (the 14th – 15th centuries) when Tashkent got its importance of a strong fortress. Its territory was extended, manufacture, trade, culture developed.
In the 16th century the city was once more ransacked by an invader from the north – Shaybanid Khan, leader of the nomadic Uzbek Turks, who were to give their name to the whole region. Tashkent adapted to this new ruler and built up its wealth again. The city was the part of the State of Shaybanids as an independent principality of one of them, Suyunidj khan. During this period extensive building works had been carried out. Monumental buildings as mausoleums, mosques, madrasahs appeared.
In the next centuries there were three states on the territory of Central Asia: the Bukhara Emirate, the Khiva and Kokand Khanates. Tashkent passed from hand to hand, from one khanate to another.

In the 19th century Tashkent was a Central Asian centre of trade with Russia. In 1865 the Tsarist army captured Tashkent and the city as well as all Turkestan became the constituent of the Russian Empire. After the Bolshevik revolution in 1918 the Republic of Turkestan was proclaimed. In 1930 Tashkent became the capital of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

Since 1991 Tashkent is the capital of Independent Republic of Uzbekistan.

Tashkent City Tour TA1 – half-day

The History Museum of the Peoples of Uzbekistan, the biggest of Tashkent’s museums, contains 8,000 exhibits. The archaeological findings displayed in the museum, present the life of the peoples of Central Asia as well as the life of Uzbek people from ancient times up to the modern age.
The main city square Mustakillik (Independence Square) is an administrative and political centre of the city, where most of celebrations, national holidays take place.
Visit to the old city
Khazret Imam Square, is ancient square of the 16th century, locating the Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, the Barak Khan Madrasah, Namazgokh Mosque and the Tillya Sheikh Mosque.

Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum of the 16th century is a mausoleum of one of the first imams of Muslim world, who lived from 904 to 979 AD.

Barak Khan Madrasah was constructed in the middle of the 16th century by the order of Barak Khan, the son of Suyunidj Khan, a founder of Tashkent Shaybanid dynasty. Nowadays it houses handicraft centre.

Tillya Sheikh Mosque (constructed in 1902) is a functioning mosque possessing a rich Islamic library with ancient manuscripts. The highlight of the library is the immense Osman Koran, one of the world’s oldest copies (1200 years old).

Namazgokh Mosque built in the middle of the 19th century, now it houses the Imam Ismail Al-Bukhari Islamic Institute.

The Square “Chorsu” is the centre of an ancient Tashkent. It appeared in the 11th century and was a four-road junction, a place of trade.

The Kukeldash Madrasah, located on the square Chorsu, was built in the 16th century in the reign of the Shaybanid dynasty, under the leadership of Kulbodo Kukeldash – the vizier. Now it is a primary school, where the basics of Islam are taught.

The Jummi (Friday) Mosque, nearby the Kukeldash Madrasah was erected in the middle of the 15th century by influential Islamic leader Khodja Akhrar (1404-1492).

“Chorsu” bazaar – on the right of the square Chorsu, is the oldest city market, which was rebuilt according to the ancient style. It is picturesque, noisy and full of local colour.

Tashkent City Tour TA2 – half-day

The Amir Timur Museum, the newest Tashkent’s museum is quite an impressive structure with blue ribbed dome and a richly decorated interior. Most of the displays are the models of Timur’s and Timurids greatest building projects.

The Amir Timur Square appeared in 1883, when the Russians first settled in Tashkent. Since then the Square has always reflected the ruling government’s policy at that time. Now a gigantic statue of Amir Timur (1336-1405) mounted on a horse stands in the centre of the square. However, it was not always so, it started with the statue of Kaufmann, first Russian Governor of Turkestan, then statue of Joseph Stalin then Karl Marx used to be at the place.

The Theatre Square with the building of Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre is the city’s cultural centre. The architecture of the theatre, constructed in 1947, combines the European and oriental styles.

The Museum of Applied Arts was founded in 1937. One of the main attractions of the museum is the house itself, decorated in traditional 19th century Uzbek style. The collection of the museum has on display items made by three generations of craftsmen and covering the entire range of folk art, plus items of the arts industry.

The Abdul Kassim Madrasah, built in the beginning of the 19th century is on the territory of the National Alisher Navoi Park. The cells of madrasah are occupied by craft workshops.

Tashkent City Tour TA3 – half-day

The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan displays a fine collection of art of different epochs. Visitors can see the Zoroastrian artifacts, 1000-year-old Buddhist statues, and Sogdian mural as well as 19th and 20th century items.

Tashkent Metro is the only underground system of Central Asia with beautifully decorated stations.

The monument “Courage” is remembrance of the earthquake of 1966.
“Ming – Urik” – where one can trace 2200 year history of Tashkent.

Around Tashkent

Tashkent: excursion to Ensemble Zanghi-Ata (14-19 centuries)- TA4 – half-day

A half-day excursion to visit a sacred place, now known as Zanghi-Ata. It is situated nearby Tashkent on the old caravan route. This ensemble is a monument of urban art and architecture of different periods of medieval epoch and associated with the name of Amir Timur.

Tashkent: visit to Russian Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church TA5

It is unique architectural monument, not far from city centre. A Catholic Cathedral, which is known as “The Polish Church” as well is huge in size and unique for its construction materials – very unusual for this region.

Tashkent: excursion to Chimgan – TA6 – full-day

A full-day excursion to a mountain resort called Chimgan. It is situated on the south shore of the Charvak Reservoir, 80 km from Tashkent in the western region of the Tian-Shan mountain range. It is popular in spring and summer for its fresh air and picturesque landscape, mountains covered with green grass and blooming trees. During winter it is renowned as a favourite ski resort.