About Uzbekistan
Although the national existence of the Uzbeks goes back centuries, their establishment as a state marks the beginning of the 16th century. Uzbekistan, which has its origins in the Timurid Empire and the Shaybanids, became a Soviet republic the 20th century and achieved its full independence in 1991.
Where is Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is a Turkic state located in the heart of the Central Asian geography. This landlocked nation is bordered by Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.
The capital and other cities in Uzbekistan
Set in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan invites visitors to discover a different and most enjoyable route. Let’s start with the capital of Uzbekistan…
Capital of Uzbekistan: Tashkent
We start our journey from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Tashkent, the country’s largest and most developed city, is considered the modern face of Uzbekistan. Drawing attention with its wide streets, city parks, and grid-like city plan, Tashkent is a settlement with centuries of history while at the same time carrying the traces of the Soviet era. Tashkent was the first city in Central Asia to build a metro line and is home to many of the country’s touristic sites.
The highlights of Tashkent include the Kukeldash Madrassah, the Abulkasym Madrassah, Amir Temur Square and Amir Temur Museum, Independent Square (Mustakillik Square), the Palace of Prince Romanov and the Museum of Applied Arts.
Vibrant city life: Kokand
Also known as the “City of Winds”, Kokand dates to the 10th century and is one of the most historical cities in Uzbekistan. With an active commercial environment, magnificent handicrafts and historical buildings, Kokand is home to more than 300 mosques and is one of the religious centers for Uzbekistan. As a former stop on the caravan routes to India and China, the town has a different historical importance. The highlights of Kokand include the Palace of Khudayar Khan and the Kokand Regional Studies Museum.
Historical and evocative: Samarkand
A historical city on the famous Silk Road, Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s oldest cities and has been an important commercial center since antiquity. Shaped by the various cultures inhabiting it throughout its history, Samarkand most notably served as the capital of the Timurid Empire. Its old city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001, features splendid examples of Central Asian architecture ranging from the 14th to the 20th century.
Among the many highlights of Samarkand are the Ulūgh Beg Madrasa and the Ulūgh Beg Observatory, Rēgistan Square, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where Amir Temur (Tamerlane) is buried.
An address of discovery: Bukhara
Also a former station on the historical Silk Road, Bukhara was one of Central Asia’s most important commercial and cultural centers. The two-thousand-year-old city was also known as a significant educational center, particularly for scholars of the medieval Turkish-Islamic world.
The historical center of Bukhara, which is under UNESCO protection, attracts both domestic and foreign tourists seeking to visit its mosques, museums and bazaar. The highlights of Bukhara include the Bukhara Kalyan Minaret, Ark Fortress, the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Chor-Minor Madrasah, the Ulūgh Beg Madrasa, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Registan Square and the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah.
Dining in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan cuisine is a magnificent synthesis of Turkish and Persian traditions, with Asian influences. Rich and delicious Uzbek dishes feature mutton, noodles and various breads.
- Lagman (spiced noodle, vegetable and lamb stew)
- Lepyoshka (a round, chewy bread cooked in a tandoor oven)
- Patyr (a round flatbread sprinkled with black sesame seeds)
- Plov (Uzbek-style rice dish with meat, dried fruit, vegetables and spices)
- Manti (Uzbek-style dumplings filled with meat or vegetables)
- Shurpa (lamb soup in a clear broth)
Important information about Uzbekistan
Meanwhile, here are some useful notes about Uzbekistan:
- The capital of Uzbekistan: Tashkent.
- Official languages spoken in Uzbekistan: Uzbek, Karakalpak.
- Currency of Uzbekistan: Uzbekistani Sum (UZS).
- The largest airport in Uzbekistan: Tashkent International Airport.
- Uzbekistan has a continental climate.
- Autumn and spring are the optimal times to visit Uzbekistan.
Getting to Uzbekistan
You can reach Uzbekistan by air, rail, or land. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights to Tashkent and Samarkand. Click here for more information on flights to Uzbekistan.
