The Republic of Uzbekistan is the pearl of the East, located in the heart of Central Asia.
The country is very picturesque: on both sides it is framed by the rivers Amu Darya and Syr Darya, which originate in the Aral Sea. In the north-west of Uzbekistan, the majestic Tien Shan mountains rise; in the southeast, the peaks of the Pamir-Alai whiten.
Republic of Uzbekistan: general information
The geographical map of Uzbekistan resembles the figure of a chess horse. The country's climate is sharply continental, changing when moving from north to south.
Uzbekistan is characterized by sharp temperature changes and low humidity. The average summer temperature is +35 +40 C, in winter the air cools to 0-3 C. The most comfortable weather is set in autumn, when the air warms up to + 15 C. At this time, the landscape of Uzbekistan is fascinating: soft sunlight shimmers on the golden domes of mosques and highlights autumn leaves. The air is filled with aromas of oriental spices and fruit essences.
Map of Uzbekistan consists of 14 regions. In the Ferghana region , the fertile Ferghana Valley is located. It is the basis of agriculture in Central Asia: rice, cotton, legumes, vegetables and fruits grow here. Some crops are harvested 2, and sometimes three times a year.
Uzbekistan has a diverse oriental cuisine. One pilaf has about 500 cooking options. Local dishes are rich in vegetables and fragrant oriental spices.
The state language of the state is Uzbek. It belongs to the group of Turkic languages with various dialects. Phonetically correct dialect differs Tashkent. The language of Tashkent citizens is recognized as the literary Uzbek language.
To get a complete picture of the country, we recommend that you visit Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Tashkent: the capital of which country?
If you look at the state from space, you will see a bright point - Tashkent. Geographically, the city is located in the east of the country.
Tashkent is the capital of which country? It is the capital of Uzbekistan and one of the most beautiful cities in the East.
The capital of the republic is the focus of the country's economic, political and cultural life. The map of Tashkent is replete with historical monuments and squares. Thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Tashkent to admire the local sights, look at the eastern bazaar and taste the delicious Uzbek pilaf. The city attracts history buffs with its unique past for eastern civilization.
In our article we will "travel" to interesting places in Tashkent
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Geographical location and climate
Tashkent is located in a green plain on the picturesque Chirchik river.
In the east you can see the Tien Shan mountains, and in the west the yellow steppes go beyond the horizon. The area of the city is 30 thousand hectares.
Tashkent has a sharply continental climate with many sunny days. In summer, the air warms up to + 40 C, and in winter the temperature drops to -3 - 5 C. Spring in Tashkent is early: already in March, the first grass begins to turn green. Autumn comes at the end of September. This season is characterized by comfortable air temperature (from 13 to 15 C).
Historical background: from a small oasis to the era of Amir Timur
Before becoming the largest city in Central Asia with a developed infrastructure, Tashkent went from a small green oasis to a large metropolis.
The good natural conditions of this place have always attracted people. The first settlers came to the eastern part of Uzbekistan another 600 thousand years ago. This is evidenced by archaeological excavations by historians.
In the first centuries BC Arabs came to the territory of the capital of Uzbekistan. The predecessor of Tashkent was called “Chach”, in Arabic - “Shash”.
The name Chach is mentioned by Iranian historians in 262 BC. e. The name of the city was carved in the form of an inscription on the sacred "Kaaba of Zoroaster."
8th century AD - This is the period of the next seizure of the territories of Central Asia by the Arabs.
In 712, a siege of Samarkand takes place, and from 713 to 719, Arab troops attack Chach. The invaders failed to completely conquer Chach, but as a result of constant attacks on its central part, a serious fire arose. Unfortunately, the flames destroyed most of the historic buildings. The city, known as Chach, ceased to exist.
From the 10th to the 13th century A.D. The territory of Uzbekistan is in the power of the Karakhanids.
It was during this period of time that the surviving residents restored the city affected by the fire. The first name of the "Risen Man" was Binket. To the question: "Tashkent is the capital of which country?" You can answer deployed: "Uzbekistan, from the 11th century."
From the era of Amir Timur - to our time
Amir Timur (Timur the Great, Tamerlan) is a great Central Asian commander, known for his victorious campaigns in Central Asia. Timur was a man of keen mind, knew different languages and knew military affairs very well. Tamerlan is an important and revered figure in Central Asia, sometimes even mystical: when archaeologists uncovered the grave of Timur, the Great Patriotic War began.
Tamerlan conquered Tashkent in the 14th century: he skillfully removed the Chingizid dynasty from the throne and came to power. It is clear that Timur was not limited to Tashkent alone, he conquered the territories north of the Syr Darya - Dasht-i Kipchak. Until the 16th century, the capital of modern Uzbekistan was in the hands of the descendants of Tamerlane.
The era of the rule of the Timur clan ended in the 16th century - Tashkent with the surrounding territories became part of the Bukhara Khanate.
Beginning in the 17th century, Tashkent’s ties with the Russian Empire intensified. This primarily affected economic relations: for the first time, a trade caravan was sent from Orenburg.
With the entry of Tashkent into the Russian Empire, a new stage in the development of the city began. Railways were built, industrial enterprises appeared, libraries and museums opened. The population of the city has significantly increased. By the beginning of the twentieth century, Tashkent became one of the largest cities in Central Asia.
After the earthquake of 1966, the city was completely rebuilt and to this day is the largest center of science and culture. It was due to the Soviet heritage that Tashkent became the star of the East. Uzbekistan would not attract so many tourists if it were not for the well-groomed capital.
Tashkent: the capital, photos of attractions
By the number of cultural monuments, Tashkent is the absolute champion of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Photos of the central areas are striking in eastern splendor. The historic buildings are adjoined by shops of well-known clothing and cosmetics brands. Despite the fact that Tashkent is an eastern city, the Louis Vuitton or Escada lineup is fully represented.
The appearance of modern Tashkent was significantly affected by the serious earthquake of 1966. Many historical buildings were destroyed and then rebuilt again.
Despite the natural disaster, the capital of Uzbekistan remained rich in historical monuments of various eras. An inquisitive tourist will find both ancient monuments of the time of Zoroastrianism and the Centers of Contemporary Art. We list the most beautiful places in Tashkent:
- Hast Imam Square.
- Chorsu Bazaar - a huge eastern market!
- Friday Mosque.
- The mausoleum of Yunus-Khan is a monument of the Timurid era.
- Independence Square.
- Botanical Garden.
- Japanese garden.
- State Museum of Art of Uzbekistan.
Hast Imam Square
For most people, the capital of Uzbekistan is associated with the historical complex of Hast-Imam. This is not surprising, since the square is known not only for the most beautiful monuments of eastern civilization, but also for important historical events for Uzbekistan.
The square is the historical center of Tashkent: most of the buildings survived after the 1966 earthquake. About 50% of the cultural heritage of the capital of the republic is concentrated on its territory: Barak Khan Madrasah, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Islamic Institute named after Al-Bukhari and the Library of Oriental Manuscripts.
Each map of Tashkent contains a photograph of this unique monument of oriental culture.
Barak Khan Madrasah is a monument of medieval culture, built in 1502 by order of Barak Khan. A building was erected at the burial place of the grandson of Suyunidzh Khan and one of his relatives. It consists of two mausoleums - Bezymyanny and the mausoleum of Suyunidzh Khan. Made of beige stone, the complex is decorated with oriental sculpting and a large azure dome.
Madrasah is a free educational institution that plays the role of a school in the Islamic world. If a person successfully completes it, then he has the right to move on to the University. The first madrassas were erected next to mosques so that people could combine the study of ordinary objects with the reading of the Koran.
Tilla Sheikh Mosque
This is the religious center of Uzbekistan. It is considered one of the main for the capital of the republic. The literal translation of the name is the Golden Sheikh Mosque (was built in 1856 by Mirza Ahmed Kushbegi).
It consists of a winter building, a summer courtyard, utility room and a small library. According to legend, the hair of the Prophet Muhammad is stored in it.
At the Islamic Institute. Al-Bukhari is being taught by capable students of the regions of the country and the city of Tashkent. Uzbekistan cannot boast of a high level of education, but the students of the Institute named after Al-Bukhari is an exception to the rule.
The educational institution prepares specialists in the field of history, philosophy and religious studies. Students of the Institute must study Islamic law.
The complex owes its existence to the first imam of Tashkent, Kaffal Shashi. He was a famous medieval scholar: he knew the Qur'an and Muslim law very well.
The general view of the square is mesmerizing: it is made in azure color, and decor elements contain traditional oriental molding. When a person first comes to the square, there is a feeling of falling into an oriental tale!
Chorsu Bazaar
Chorsu is the oldest market in the city, located in the north-west of Tashkent.
During the Middle Ages it was the largest bazaar of Central Asia, located on the Silk Road. Most merchants bringing exotic items such as silk, Chinese porcelain and precious stones to the West chose this place as a transit point.
Today Chorsu is a huge oriental bazaar under an azure dome. Inside the pavilions you will find beautiful jewelry, national rugs and exquisite ceramic products. Next to them are stands with aromatic fruits, a variety of dried fruits and spicy spices. Uzbekistan is famous for the last. We recommend choosing a few bags of saffron, black pepper and ginger. There are no such spices like in Tashkent anywhere!
Friday Mosque (Juma Mosque)
The third largest mosque in Uzbekistan. From its dome, a beautiful view of the city of Tashkent.
The Juma Mosque owes its appearance to the medieval Sheikh Hodge Ahrar. He was a distant relative of the Prophet Muhammad. Being a wealthy and influential person, Sheikh fully funded the construction of the most beautiful mosque in Tashkent.
A person of any faith can enter the mosque. Women should put a scarf on their heads, close their knees and elbows.
Mausoleum of Yunus Khan
The most beautiful monument of the Timurids era. Built at the end of the 15th century in honor of the then ruling Yunus Khan (considered one of the descendants of Genghis Khan). The monument was built with money from the sons of Khan, after his death.
The main element of the decor is majestic stone columns. Stalactites hang bizarrely over the arch. The front door is very beautiful - it is distinguished by elegant molding, which is popular among Islamic sculptors of the Middle Ages.
Independence Square
Another name for the square is Mustakillik Square. It is the main square of Uzbekistan. It houses government buildings - the Cabinet of Ministers and the Senate. Before entering the square you will see the arch of “Good and good aspirations”, decorated with sculptures of graceful storks. In its very center stands a bronze ball. You will also see a sculpture of a young woman with a child in her arms - this is how the Uzbeks depict a happy mother woman.
The northern part of the square is known for the avenue of Glory and memory. It is made in the form of a park path, on the sides of which there are 14 steles (the same number of regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan) with books in memory of victims of the Second World War. At the end of the alley stands a sculpture of a grieving mother and a fire burns.
Independence Square is loved by both locals and tourists. The former love to walk on it on weekends and public holidays. Traditionally, this historic place is visited by newlyweds.
Botanical Garden
A unique natural monument in the very center of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A photo of the Botanical Garden is replete with scenic views and exotic plants.
On an area of about 68 hectares, there is a huge nature reserve with 4 thousand plants. In the garden you will find representatives of flora from different parts of the globe: from Europe, from North America, from East and Central Asia and from the Russian Far East.
The Botanical Garden of Tashkent is recognized as the largest in the Central Asian region. The territory of the reserve is conditionally divided into 5 squares - depending on the homeland of the plant. Rare plants grow here that you are unlikely to find in other botanical gardens. For example, black birch, white oak or blue ash ...
The garden is amazing in the summer: here you will find salvation from the heat under the spreading metasequoises or on one of the benches next to the pond. Yes, and do good for the respiratory system: herbs release healing essential oils into the air.
But nothing can be compared with the autumn botanical garden of Tashkent: the palette of colorful leaves delights. And they fall, rustle underfoot, cling to clothes ... This spectacle calms and pacifies.
Japanese garden
In addition to architectural monuments, the city of Tashkent is famous for its beautiful Japanese garden.
The opening of the park was relatively recent - in 2001. People have a unique opportunity to travel temporarily to the Land of the Rising Sun thanks to the mutual initiative of the governments of Uzbekistan and Japan.
The garden is a green recreation area in the territory of a large metropolis. Here you will find everything you need for a relaxing holiday - from the variety of Japanese plants to tea houses.
By tradition, everyone who wanders into the Japanese garden must definitely spin the Japanese drum (so that the Gods learn about his good intentions) and drink a cup of real Japanese tea.
Here you will see the marriage ceremony - the garden is dearly loved by happy newlyweds.
The atmosphere of the park is conducive to tranquility, pacification and contemplation. Here, away from noise and tourists, you will have the opportunity to understand the essence of Eastern philosophy.
Center for Contemporary Art
In addition to luxurious mosques and beautiful gardens, the city of Tashkent is not deprived of modern art.
One of the places where you can enjoy the work of young artists is the Center for Contemporary Art. It hosts exhibitions of contemporary Uzbek and foreign artists.
In the Center you will also see works of art of the twentieth century - paintings and antiques. About 50 interesting shows are held annually.
Themed lectures are held here for students and all comers.
Project managers print posters and even publish their own newspaper!
The place will appeal to modern youth and lovers of new trends in art.
What to bring from Tashkent?
Shopping in Tashkent is a separate topic that can be talked about for quite some time. We will try to succinctly describe what it is worth bringing from the capital of the republic and where to buy it.
To have time to go shopping and choose your favorite souvenirs and things, one day will be quite enough.
In Tashkent, you can find everything: from clothes of famous brands to authentic national jewelry.
For fans of the Kenzo, D&G and Calvin Klein brands, there are Snob's Platinum and Mir Store boutiques.
Also in Tashkent, Mega-Planet shopping center is presented with mass brands of clothes, shoes and cosmetics. On the top floor there is a cinema with films in Russian. Mega-Planet offers tasty and cheap lunch or dinner. In the summer season, you should take freshly squeezed juices and local ice cream. For lovers of sweets there is a department with oriental sweets.
Now move on to the markets. On them you can find those things that are characteristic only for Tashkent. These include:
- oriental sweets;
- spicy spices;
- dried fruits;
- national Uzbek headdress - skullcap;
- clay dishes;
- women's shoes and handbags;
- souvenirs
- carpets.
We recommend visiting Chorsu Bazaar - this way you will kill two birds with one stone: look at one of the sights of Tashkent and buy everything you need. On Chorsu, the choice of souvenirs, spices and dried fruits is amazing - which you will not see in this huge bazaar under an azure dome.
Remember that bargaining in the eastern markets is appropriate!
Tashkent on the world map is just a small point on the Asian continent. But if you become interested in the history of this “point”, you will get many printed book pages. The history of eastern civilization is unthinkable without the city of Tashkent and the most interesting historical characters, one way or another connected with it.
If your child once asks: “Tashkent is the capital of which country?”, Then feel free to read this article to him.
Today, Tashkent is a large metropolis with a very interesting past. You can read a lot about him, study the history of his sights and watch films. But the best thing is to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan and its amazing capital one day.