Tashkent city is the capital of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's biggest and main international airport is located in Tashkent city. Most tourists start their journey by exploring Tashkent. The word Tashkent means “The Stone City” (“Tash” - stone, “Kent” - city). However, the city has other names that were in use centuries ago. Tashkent was also called “Choch” and later when Arabs invaded Central Asia, it became “Shosh”. Today, it is one of the biggest and most developed cities in Central Asia.
One of the unique aspects of Tashkent is its Soviet Architecture. Hotel Uzbekistan, one of the biggest hotels in Central Asia was built in the 1970s and received its first guests in 1974. Another example of Soviet architecture would be the Tashkent circus which was also built in the 1970s. There are also a lot of residential buildings and different structures that date back to the Soviet era.
The symbol of the city, Tashkent Tower was once the tallest structure in the world. The main purposes of this 375-meter tower are radio and TV transmission. The signal reaches the farthest points of Tashkent Province and some of the south regions of Kazakhstan. It is also visited as a tourist attraction by local and international tourists.
Tourists often enjoy walking and spending time in Independence Square which is very green and adorned with fountains. Tashkent is praised as the city of fountains. Another place visitors enjoy spending time is Amir Timur Square, where the statue of Famous Statesman Amir Timur stands. Recently, Tashkent City Park was built along with Magic City Park, which are also nice places to spend time.
Chorsu Bazaar is a traditional Uzbek bazaar located in Tashkent. Historians argue that the establishment of the bazaar dates back to the medieval ages. Tourists can enjoy wandering around the bazaar and buying different souvenirs and goods. One tip for tourists would be that bargaining is quite common in Uzbekistan and do not hesitate to bargain with salespeople when you want to purchase something from the bazaar.
For those who are passionate about history, The Timurids Museum would be a perfect place. Tashkent is home to other museums as well, such as The State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan, the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Museum of Arts, and so on. Visitors can also visit one of the first madrasas in Tashkent - Kokaldosh madrasa. It plays a very significant role in the history of Tashkent.
Tashkent is home to one of the world’s first and unique metros. Tashkent was one of the first cities where the metro was constructed. Tashkent metro stations are not just stations, but museums. Each station has its unique patterns that fascinate the visitors. Another must-do activity in Tashkent is visiting the Plov Center and eating plov from the biggest frying pans in Asia.
Tourists often visit the religious buildings of Tashkent as well. The city is home to some of the most beautiful mosques of Central Asia like Minor Mosque, Jami Mosque of Sheikh Muhammad Sadik M.Y. Khast Imam Complex is the main place that tourists visit. One of the oldest copies of the Qur'an is preserved there. There are also churches in the city built during the Soviet era. Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral and Saint Alexander Nevski churches are famous among them. These religious buildings are a sign of religious tolerance in the country.
In conclusion, Tashkent is as a captivating gateway to Uzbekistan's cultural heritage, a city where history, architecture, and tradition converge seamlessly with modernity. Its Soviet legacy, architectural marvels, vibrant markets, and diverse cultural landmarks weave a narrative that beckons travelers to explore and uncover the layers of this enchanting "Stone City" at the heart of Central Asia.