UZBEKISTAN
Welcome to Uzbekistan
Welcome to Uzbekistan, a country nestled in the heart of Central Asia, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes intertwine to create an unforgettable travel experience. From the ancient Silk Road cities to architectural masterpieces, Uzbekistan offers a captivating journey through time. In this blog, we take you along through our experience in this enchanting country, highlighting its cultural treasures, gastronomic delights and the warm hospitality of its people.
How to get to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is located in Central-Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan & Afghanistan.
By plane:
Most visitors to Uzbekistan arrive at the international airport of Tashkent. The capital of Uzbekistan offers many connections to international destinations such as Istanbul, Moscow or Dubai. Moreover the national airline Uzbekistan Airways offers many destinations in Asia and Europe.
Uzbekistan has many smaller international airports (Samarkand, Buchara, with regular services towards Russia and Turkey for example. We decided to embark on a Turkish Airlines flight from Bukhara back to Istanbul, which was very convenient. Sometimes it’s easier to use another Uzbek airport in stead of going back all the way to Tashkent.
By bus:
Before we went to Uzbekistan, we visited Almaty in Kazakhstan. We took the night train to Simkent and crossed the border by bus to Tashkent. Border controls went pretty fast. we advice you to buy a local simcard at the busstation in Tashkent and take a Yandex to your accommodation.
General information
Currency
Languages
Visa
Upon arrival
We arrive in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan. The city is much more dense and crowded compared to Almaty and Bishkek. Another element which cannot go unnoticed is the desert eat. The temperature can soar over 40°C. We immediately experience the hospitality and friendliness of Uzbek people. The taxi driver picked us up from a bus station, and calls his son to be communicate with us. He wonders where we are from and what brought us to Uzbekistan? The city varies from busy markets to calm Islamic squares with Madrassas and parks. When visiting Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, there are numerous places to visit. Remember to also savor the local cuisine at traditional Uzbek restaurant, wander through the city’s parks and gardens, and engage with the friendly locals to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Tashkent.
What to do in Tashkent
Visit Hazrati Imam Complex
If you like to visit the old neighbourhood of Tashkent this complex is your way to go. Although less impressive than the madrassas in Samarkand and Buchara it is a nice place to visit when you are in Tashkent. It forms a glimpse of Tashkent before the earthquake of 1966 and the Soviet concrete architecture and still remains a significant religious and cultural site for Uzbeks. The complex includes several major architectural and religious landmarks:
- Barak-Khan Madrasah: This madrasah, or Islamic educational institution, is one of the oldest parts of the complex, dating back to the 16th century. It features a beautiful portal and traditional Islamic architectural elements.
- Tillya Sheikh Mosque: The mosque is a stunning structure built in the 19th century. It is known for its intricate blue dome and ornate interior decorations.
- Muyi Mubarak Library: The library houses an ancient Quran, believed to be the oldest existing copy of the Quran in the world. This handwritten Quran is attributed to Uthman ibn Affan, the third caliph of Islam.
- Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute: The complex also includes a modern institute dedicated to Islamic studies and research.
Visit the Chorsu Bazaar
The bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in Tashkent and translate to ‘crossroads.’ The market used to be located at the intersection of different roads of the Silk Road trading era. The market offers many traditional products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, dried fruits, nuts, meat, dairy products, and traditional Uzbek bread called “lepeshka.” You can also find various handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs.
Visit the Chorsu Bazaar
The bazaar is one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in Tashkent and translate to ‘crossroads.’ The market used to be located at the intersection of different roads of the Silk Road trading era. The market offers many traditional products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, dried fruits, nuts, meat, dairy products, and traditional Uzbek bread called “lepeshka.” You can also find various handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs.
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Amur Temur Square
Visit the Uzbekistan Hotel at the Amir Temur Square, it is known for its impressive Soviet-era architecture, featuring a combination of modernist and traditional Uzbek design elements. The Hotel holds historical significance as it was one of the first large-scale hotels to be built in Tashkent during the Soviet era. It has hosted numerous high-profile guests, including world leaders. The hotel is impressive from the outside, when entering you can feel the Soviet-Union and it is highly outdated.
