The newly revealed images of Tashkent’s metro have surprised and delighted many. These stunning pictures give both local and foreign tourists a reason to explore the capital city of Uzbekistan and its underground wonders. Tashkent’s metro is Central Asia’s oldest subway system, built in 1977. With beautifully decorated platforms, glowing tunnels, and columns covered in intricate designs, it is a masterpiece that amazes even experienced travelers.

For a long time, photography was banned in the metro because it was also a military site and a shelter for nuclear attacks. This strict rule kept its beauty a secret for decades. However, in July 2018, the ban was lifted, and people were finally allowed to take and share photos of this underground art gallery.

Photographer Amos Chapple was particularly amazed by the different artistic styles of the metro. He explained, “There were different flavors to the art.” The designs combine Soviet-era themes with ancient Islamic patterns, creating a striking mix of cultures and history. The bold and angular shapes of Soviet art reflect power and strength, while the flowing lines and bright blue and green colors of Islamic art bring elegance and beauty. Together, they tell the complex story of Uzbekistan’s past.

Tashkent has a rich and layered history. As a key city on the Great Silk Road, it connected East Asia to the Roman Empire and became a hub for trade and culture. Over time, many different rulers and traditions left their mark. When the Arabs arrived in the 7th and 8th centuries, they brought Islamic culture and architecture that influenced the region for over a thousand years. Later, in the late 1800s, Russian colonization introduced new ideas, and Soviet rule further changed the city, often destroying Islamic landmarks. A powerful earthquake in 1966 erased much of Tashkent’s older architecture, leaving behind a city with a complex and unique history.

The metro’s plain entrances give no hint of the beauty inside. Local artists designed the stations, each with its own theme and decorations. Materials like glass, ceramic, marble, and alabaster were used to create this underground gallery. After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, some station names were changed to reflect the country’s independence. Despite its Soviet origins, the art in the metro focuses more on celebrating Uzbekistan and its people rather than glorifying communism.

Each station tells a different story. One station features a stunning bird sculpture framed by an Islamic-style arch, symbolizing Tashkent’s 2,200-year history. The Paxtakor station showcases a mosaic of cotton blossoms, representing Uzbekistan’s cotton industry. Another station is decorated with floral designs made from stucco and enamel, celebrating the region’s natural beauty.

Kosmonavtlar Station is one of the most famous stops in Tashkent’s metro. It highlights Uzbekistan’s contributions to space exploration with portraits of astronauts set against walls painted to look like outer space. Unlike traditional Soviet portraits, these images are filled with a sense of wonder and triumph. This station, like others, blends Soviet and Islamic art to create a design that feels uniquely Uzbek.

The end of the photography ban in 2018 was part of a broader political shift in Uzbekistan. For many years, the country was isolated under President Islam Karimov’s authoritarian rule. But in 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev introduced reforms to open Uzbekistan to the world. These changes included a simpler visa process to attract more tourists and efforts to promote the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Tourism is now seen as an important way to grow the economy. Although most metro passengers are local commuters, its artistic beauty is starting to attract international visitors. Recently, Uzbekistan has welcomed more foreign tourists, and the number continues to rise. The Tashkent metro is becoming a key attraction, drawing people who want to see its unique blend of history and art.

Beyond its artistic beauty, the metro is also an engineering achievement. The deep tunnels were built to double as nuclear bomb shelters during the Cold War. Each station has heavy blast doors and reinforced structures to protect against attacks. This practical purpose stands in contrast to the ornate and decorative interiors, highlighting the metro’s dual identity as both a functional and artistic space.

For anyone visiting Tashkent, the metro offers more than just a way to get around. It is a journey through Uzbekistan’s history, art, and culture. From the cosmic designs of Kosmonavtlar Station to the intricate mosaics of Paxtakor, the metro is a place where the past and present meet. Each station provides a glimpse into the soul of this fascinating country.

As Uzbekistan continues to open its doors to the world, the Tashkent metro has become a symbol of the nation’s pride and progress. It is a place where visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of a country that has long been at the crossroads of empires and civilizations. For those looking for an unforgettable experience, the Tashkent metro is the perfect starting point.