The Top Attractions in Tashkent: A Journey Through History and Modernity

Upon arriving in Tashkent, visitors are greeted by an elusive atmosphere. The capital of Uzbekistan feels like a kaleidoscope of different worlds, where modernity and history intersect. Glass office towers stand alongside colorful mosques. Bustling markets and air-conditioned shopping centers with designer fashion invite shopping-this city is full of contrasts, and that is what makes it so fascinating. I spent four days exploring Tashkent and have tips for the most beautiful sightseeing spots. Let's go!

A great starting point for exploring the city is Amir Timur Square, dedicated to the famous conqueror. In the center of the square stands an imposing statue of Timur on a horse. This legendary ruler conquered a vast empire from India to the Mediterranean in the 14th century and became a national hero of Uzbekistan.

Surrounding the square are some of the most significant buildings in the city, including the Amir Timur Museum, which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Timur's era.

The square is also surrounded by modern buildings, like the famous Hotel Uzbekistan, which with its distinctive Soviet architecture would serve as a perfect backdrop for a James Bond film.

From here, it's worthwhile to take a detour to Independence Square, which impresses with its spaciousness. The majestic columns, fountains, and gardens invite visitors to stroll through the area and enjoy the tranquility. The square is also a symbol of modernity: it celebrates the new, independent Uzbekistan.

For those wanting to delve deeper into history, a visit to the old part of the city is a must. Here lies the Hazrat-Imam Complex, a spiritual center and a gem of Islamic architecture. The mausoleums, mosques, and madrasas (Islamic schools) are not only architectural masterpieces but also testimonies to the deep roots of Islam in the region.

I found the Barak-Khan Madrasa particularly beautiful and photogenic. This 16th-century Islamic school is the most famous and striking building in the complex. The madrasa impresses with its ornate facade, fine turquoise-blue mosaics, and tall arches.

The complex also houses the Tillya-Sheikh Mosque, which preserves one of the oldest copies of the Quran. This holy book, believed to date back to the 7th century, attracts pilgrims and historians from around the world.

The mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi is also worth a visit. The dome and intricate decorations of the structure are characteristic of Timurid architecture.

A bit further east, right by the picturesque banks of the Angkor Canal, lies the Minor Mosque. It dazzles with its bright white marble façade and a turquoise dome that seems to merge with the sky on sunny days.

The interior accommodates over 2,400 worshippers and is a successful combination of spacious open terraces and a circular prayer hall. Particularly striking is the gilded mihrab (prayer niche), decorated with intricate Quranic inscriptions.

On the way to the market, I visited the Ko'kaldosh Madrasa, located directly next to the Chorsu Bazaar. Entering through the gate into the garden felt like stepping into another time.

Above me, ornate majolica mosaics shimmered in blue and ochre tones, as if they were telling stories of scholars, travelers, and rulers who have shaped this place over the centuries.

Tashkent, despite all its history, is a city that is rapidly modernizing. The modern Tashkent is evident in its elegant shopping centers like Tashkent City Mall, its wide boulevards, and modern glass and steel buildings.

The Tashkent Tower, at 375 meters, is the tallest TV tower in Central Asia, featuring an observation platform at about 97 meters high that offers visitors a grand panoramic view of Tashkent-on clear days, you can even see the surrounding mountains.

Another highlight of the city is the Tashkent Metro. It is not only a practical means of transportation but resembles an underground art gallery.

Particularly noteworthy are the Kosmonavtlar station, dedicated to Soviet space heroes, and Alisher Navoi station named after the country's most famous poet. The turquoise images on the walls of the station depict themes from his stories, while the vaulted ceiling reflects the style of mosques.

The design of some stations illustrates that Uzbekistan wanted to quickly move past the Soviet era and began celebrating its own history, much of which is connected to the ancient Silk Road.

All of this is magnificently captured in the Mustaqillik Maydoni station, with its marble columns and glass chandeliers, which more resembles a ballroom than a subway station.

To taste the culinary delights of Tashkent, a visit to a bazaar is a must. The Chorsu Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in Central Asia. Everywhere, stalls are piled high with spices like saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, and cumin next to dried fruits and vibrant vegetables.

Particularly impressive is the dome hall, which forms the center of the market. Here, mainly meat and dairy products are sold, while fresh flatbreads (non) and sweets like halva can be found in the surrounding lanes.

Be sure to come hungry to the bazaar and try the local dishes. I particularly enjoyed the somsa, crispy pastry filled with meat or pumpkin. You should also try plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan-rice, lamb, carrots, and onions are slowly cooked in a large pan until the flavors meld perfectly. You can taste this delicacy at the Plov Center located right in the middle of the market.

I was fortunate to witness firsthand how traditional Uzbek bread is made. Bread holds deep symbolic significance in Uzbekistan and is an essential part of daily life. It is generally called non or lepeshka, and there are two types: the simple (obi-non) for everyday consumption and festive bread (patyr) with elaborate decorations.

The preparation starts with a basic yeast dough, but the special part is the traditional baking technique: the dough is baked in a tandir, a clay oven. The dough rounds are carefully stamped with a stamp (the 'chekich'), giving the bread its characteristic pattern.

Then, the rounds are stuck to the inner wall of the hot tandir, where they become crispy and golden brown in just a few minutes.

Tip: If you want to experience the baking yourself, you should set off to the market as early as possible. The bakers are very friendly and eager to show their craft.

When it comes to dining, Tashkent offers plenty of choices. The city is full of great restaurants. The restaurant Besh Qozon is a hotspot for anyone wanting to enjoy the traditional Uzbek dish plov in an authentic atmosphere. Here, the rice dish is prepared in impressive quantities.

The prices at Besh Qozon are surprisingly affordable: A decent portion costs between 36,000 and 40,000 Som (approximately $3 to $3.50 as of November 2024), enough to fill you up.

I also highly recommend Boboy Café in Tashkent City Mall, with its lovely terrace. On the menu, you'll find popular local dishes such as plov, lagman (noodle soup), shashlik (grilled skewers), and somsa (stuffed pastries).

The Cafe 1991 is just a short walk from Amir Timur Square and Hotel Uzbekistan, offering excellent Uzbek and Lebanese cuisine.

If you need a break from sightseeing, the Botanical Garden is a peaceful place that I highly recommend. It is the largest and oldest garden in Tashkent, boasting a variety of exotic plants and trees from Central Asia and around the globe. Admission costs 15,000 Som, about $1 (as of November 2024).

Milly Bog Park also provides a relaxing getaway. Whether taking a boat ride on the lake, strolling through nature, or simply sitting on a bench observing the colorful hustle and bustle, everyone can find their favorite spot to unwind here.

In the middle of Milly Bog Park, there is a memorial dedicated to the most significant poets and writers of Uzbekistan. The centerpiece of the complex is the Alisher Navoi monument on a small hill. From here, there is a wonderful view of the park.

Right next door is the Magic City Park, an impressive blend of amusement park and entertainment center, making it an exciting destination for families.

For me, Tashkent was more than just the starting point of my trip through Uzbekistan. It's a city that may not seem as popular at first glance as Samarkand or Bukhara, but this unique mix of history, modernity, and a rich culinary offering makes it special. Therefore, you should definitely take the time to explore the city at the beginning or end of your trip to Uzbekistan.

Getting around Tashkent by metro is inexpensive and quick. There are four lines and 50 stations in total. A ride costs about $0.15 (as of November 2024), and tickets are available at the entrances.

Yandex Go, the local version of Uber, is likely the most convenient way to get around the city quickly and affordably. Fares are around $2 to $3 per trip within the city.

Tashkent is a relatively spacious city, but certain neighborhoods like the area around Amir Timur Square are easily explored on foot.

The Afrosiyob high-speed train is the best option for traveling from Tashkent to Samarkand. It takes you there quickly and comfortably in about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, the Sharq train takes about 4 hours and is a bit cheaper.

I recommend planning for two days in Tashkent. During this time, you can explore all the main sights.