The territory of Uzbekistan is located in Central Asia and has no maritime borders. In addition, Uzbekistan is surrounded on all sides by the same "land" states: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Most of Uzbekistan is occupied by desert plains, and only in the east are the mountain ranges of the Tien Shan and the Gissar Range.
Satellite map of Uzbekistan represents satellite photo of Uzbekistan. Use + and - in the left corner of the map to zoom in or out satellite image of Uzbekistan. Use the arrows to move around the map.
Uzbekistan. satellite view
Satellite map of Uzbekistan can be viewed both in schematic map mode and in satellite view by switching view modes on the right side of the map.
Remoteness from the oceans, the presence of mountain ranges in the east and northeast of the country determine the desert and semi-desert climate on its territory. The Kyzylkum desert occupies not a small part of Uzbekistan. Stocks fresh water concentrated in two major rivers Central Asia, the Syr Darya in the north and the Amu Darya in the south of the country. Both rivers belong to the Aral Sea basin. The presence of a hot and dry sharply continental summer leads to the drying up of many rivers in summer period. Winters are quite cold, with little rainfall. Uzbekistan is practically a treeless territory. Wormwood, saltwort, sand acacia, saxaul, tamarisk grow on flat semi-desert and desert lands. In the oases of the rivers you can find poplar, willow, sucker, mulberry.
Uzbekistan. Satellite map online from Bing
(Management of this map is most easily done with the mouse, as well as plus and minus signs)
The fauna of the hot sands in the country is represented by reptiles, reptiles, rodents and small predators. It was here in the heart of Asia through the territory of Uzbekistan that the Great Silk Road ran, connecting the countries of East Asia and the Mediterranean. ancient land this country has rich history and original culture. Throughout its territory, ancient cities have been preserved, most of which are perfectly preserved. Many ancient mosques, minarets, tombs, monasteries, oriental palaces and mausoleums testify to the bygone culture of the ancient East. Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva are the pearls of history. On the territory of these ancient cities, each stone is a heritage of centuries. The sights of Uzbekistan are: the village of Zangiata with its ancient mausoleums, the Yunus-Khan mausoleum, the Barak-Khan madrasah and the Abdul-Kasim-Eshon madrasah, the old part of Tashkent - Eski-Shahar, the Tillya-Kari madrasah, the Registan square, the Shakhi-Zinda necropolis, and the mausoleum of Timur himself and his descendants - Gur-Emir. Today Uzbekistan includes the Republic of Karakalpakstan, 12 regions and the city of republican subordination Tashkent. The largest cities of the country are Tashkent, Samarkand, Namangan, Andijan, Bukhara, Nukus.
Sputnik Uzbekistan
Oriental fairy tale: sun, silk, palaces and plov
A thousand and one reasons to visit Uzbekistan
If you are tired of just warming your sides, lying on the sea beach, and Europe and countries South-East Asia the stage has already been passed for you, if you appreciate history and love delicious food, then welcome to Uzbekistan. This amazing and in all respects close to the Russian people country will not disappoint you. Blue domes and minarets of medieval mosques and madrasahs, oriental bazaars full of colors, amazing nature, from the ghostly Aral Sea and the Kyzylkum desert to the Ferghana Valley and the mountain peaks of the Tien Shan, friendly and helpful people and, of course, excellent oriental cuisine - all this very close, for a reasonable price, without visas and language barriers.
When the Almighty distributed the lands among the peoples of the world he created, the Uzbek modestly stood aside and let everyone else go ahead. When he was last in line, the Lord said to him: "Hey, my child, Uzbek, you turned out to be truly generous in soul, but I have run out of land! I'll have to give you a piece of Paradise..."
old legend
General information about the country: location, population, language, currency, geography, climate
Location
Uzbekistan is a state in Central Asia bordering five countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.
Population
The population, according to 2015, is more than 31 million people.
Language
Uzbek - official language, Russian - language of international communication
Climate
Hot, dry, sharply continental. The average temperature in December is -8°С in the north and 0°С in the south. In summer, the average temperature exceeds +35°C.
WE GO SAVAGES
Road, housing and food
How to get there?
From Moscow to all cultural centers of Uzbekistan - Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva can be reached by plane. The price, depending on the direction, ranges from 400 to 550 dollars round trip. There are also flights from Moscow to Nukus and Navoi. You can also fly to Uzbekistan from other Russian cities, for example, from St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Kazan, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Voronezh and Kaluga.
You can travel from Moscow to Tashkent by train. The coupe will cost about 15 thousand rubles if you buy a ticket in advance. Travel time is about 65 hours.
The way to Tashkent by car is also not close - about 3 thousand kilometers.
Between cities within Uzbekistan it is more convenient to travel by high-speed trains. There are express trains from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The cost of the trip varies from 20 to 30 dollars. A trip by car will be even cheaper, but much longer in time.
You can see details about the options for moving around the country in our infographic.
Where to eat?
A good lunch at a restaurant will also cost about $10. However, in a cafe or in a tea house you can eat deliciously much cheaper - for about 1.5 - 2 dollars.
In addition, in any bazaar you can find delicious samsa or flatbread to have a snack on the go.
Products in stores are more expensive than in bazaars, but prices are still moderate, for many goods lower than in Moscow. In addition, in supermarkets in most cases you can pay by card.
Where to look for housing?
You can book places through popular services such as Tripadvisor.ru or Hostelworld. By the way, on the last of these sites in Tashkent, there were only six available options for August, so plan ahead. There are even fewer hostels in other tourist centers, but the price tag there remains acceptable - from 10 to 20 dollars per day.
There is also a local resource on which private ads are posted, including for searching for rental housing - OLX.UZ, where you can find an apartment, house or cottage to stay for a few days. The range of prices is great, it all depends on the location, area and living conditions. But in general, you can find a budget option. You can also find an apartment through the service.
If we are talking about full-fledged hotels, then get ready for a price tag of 30 to 100 dollars per day, for more respectable rooms you will have to pay 200 or more dollars. You can book rooms either through the same booking resources, or directly at hotels.
NOTE TO TOURISTS
Features and limitations
Best season to visit
Firstly, you need to understand that Uzbekistan has a hot, sharply continental climate, so it is best to go there from March to the end of May and from August to November. If you decide to go during the summer months, be prepared for 40-degree heat and dry air. It is better to take clothes made of light natural fabrics (cotton or linen), hats and sunglasses with you. Stock up on long distance travel drinking water- in some parts of the country with this there are certain difficulties.
Currency exchange and payment for goods and services
The Uzbek sum is the main monetary unit of mutual settlements. It is advisable to change money in advance, for example, at the airport or in a hotel, as well as at state banks, a list of which can be viewed. It can be difficult to pay with bank cards outside of Tashkent, so it is better to have cash with you. The so-called "bazaar" or "black" rate, which is used by a significant part of the population, is almost twice as high as the official one. However, such an exchange is prohibited in Uzbekistan.
Vehicles and fuel
If you are going to Uzbekistan by car, then in addition to prior notification at customs, we advise you to think over your route and take care of fuel. IN last years in the country, public and private vehicles are switching to gas, and there are not so many gasoline filling stations, and fuel may not be available there. So, if you do not want to stand in the middle of the desert with an empty gas tank, we advise you to have a can of gasoline in the trunk as a backup.
Photo and video shooting
Filming in Uzbekistan is prohibited in many places. In particular, it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the subway, take pictures of administrative and departmental buildings, markets, and cotton fields. Photos of some monuments may also be prohibited, or a certain fee is charged. In this case, there will be a corresponding sign. It is possible to shoot inside temples and mosques only with the consent of believers.
Alcohol
Local strong alcoholic drinks are not very High Quality due to low public demand. Of the local alcohol, only fruit wines deserve attention. Fans of something stronger will have to be content with expensive imported alcohol. It is also worth bearing in mind that drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Uzbekistan. Violators face a fine of about 60,000 soums (about $20).
Tobacco
Cigarettes in the republic, especially local ones, are a little cheaper than in Russia, so it makes no sense to stock up on blocks. If you still prefer a certain brand, then keep in mind that you can import no more than 1 thousand cigarettes to one person. Smoking in public places and in transport, including commuter trains, is prohibited and punishable by a fine of about 40,000 soums (about $15).
Entertainment
Club and bar life in Uzbekistan is not very developed due to the mentality. Most establishments close as early as 23:00, a few open until 2 a.m. maximum. So lovers of "hang out" is better to find another direction.
Extreme tourism
The country has strict air safety regulations.Aeronautics may encounter certain difficulties. Balloon expeditions through the territory of Uzbekistan will have to be coordinated with local authorities, and the chance of obtaining permission for this is small.
GO TO TOUR
Taste and color: travel offers for those wishing to visit Uzbekistan
"A trip to Uzbekistan is a live tour, it is a delight for the soul and a feast for the eyes and stomach! This is a very special country - a fairy tale, where, at the same time, Russian-speaking speech is all around. We have a very friendly attitude towards any guest, not only a tourist. You can go into any house: they will definitely invite you, treat you with tea, cakes, and feed you pilaf.
Anvar Temirkhodzhaev
Deputy Chairman of the national company "Uzbektourism"
"Classic Uzbekistan"
The voucher is designed for an average of 5 days and includes a visit to the three main tourist centers of Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Due to the intense heat during the summer months, tours run in April-June and September-October. These tours cost from 300 dollars per person, excluding flights. For the first acquaintance with the country for relatively little money, this is quite enough.
November holidays
This is a more modest and, accordingly, budget tour package. In autumn it is already cool in Uzbekistan, but not cold, so walking along the old streets of Samarkand or Bukhara is very pleasant. A 4-day trip will cost an average of $350 per person, so as an alternative to Europe that has risen in price, it will do just fine. Again, if you take care of the flight in advance, which is not included in the tour price.
Extended Tour
For those who want to get even more impressions, an extended version of the "Classic Tour" is provided, which is already designed for 8 days and includes an additional two or three cities, most often Khiva and Urgench. The price tag of such a trip is already higher - about 500 dollars from a person.
Gastronomic tour
Perhaps the second most popular type of recreation in Uzbekistan. The richness of Uzbek and, in general, oriental cuisine attracts gourmets from all over the world. On average, a week-long tour of the main tourist centers of the country - Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench and Khiva with a tasting of pilaf, shurpa, oriental sweets and wines will cost at least at 700 dollars for every tourist.
Family Beach Tours
Despite the absence of the sea in Uzbekistan, tourists are offered family beach tours to the Charvak reservoir. On average, a voucher is designed for a period of one week to 10 days and, in addition to relaxing on Charvak itself, includes a visit to Samarkand. best time visits - end of August-September. There are such "Family Vacations" about 500 dollars from a person.
"Oriental Tale" in the New Year
And finally, a common offer for tourists remains "Oriental Tale" in the New Year. The classic set of cities from Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, which are proposed to travel around in 6 days, will cost you about at 550 dollars.
Uzbekistan can be safely called one big museum
open air. On the territory of the republic there are ancient cities built several centuries ago and preserved to this day almost in their original form.
Uzbekistan is not only a museum of perfectly preserved architectural monuments, but also ancient traditions and customs that are observed to this day, this is an unforgettable oriental flavor, and a special attitude towards the guest. It is no coincidence that Uzbekistan is especially popular with Europeans and Japanese, who highly appreciate the cultural heritage of this sunny republic.
HISTORY FROZEN
IN STONE
Golden Ring of Uzbekistan: Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, Tashkent
Uzbekistan ranks 9th in the world in terms of the number of historical and cultural places - in total there are over 4 thousand architectural monuments in the republic, 4 of which are included in the list of world cultural heritage UNESCO.
It is historical and educational tourism that leads among other types of recreation in Uzbekistan. Most tourists go to this country in order to see architectural monuments preserved from the Middle Ages and even earlier.
In addition, unique archaeological finds, sites of ancient people, rock paintings dating back to the Stone Age, and ancient settlements have been discovered in Uzbekistan. So, if you love history and are ready to wander for hours along the medieval streets, admiring the minarets and majestic palaces, then this country will definitely not disappoint you.
The largest number of world-famous architectural monuments are concentrated within the so-called Golden Ring of Uzbekistan, which includes Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. However, in the capital of the republic - Tashkent - there is also something to see, despite the fact that the city was rebuilt many times and often suffered from devastating earthquakes.
Khiva is the only completely preserved ancient city on the Great Silk Road. The most convenient way to get to Khiva is from Urgench, where there is an international airport. From Urgench to Khiva, only 30 kilometers.
It is no coincidence that this ancient city, founded about 2.5 thousand years ago, is called an open-air museum, and sometimes even the "eighth wonder of the world." Another epithet attached to this city is reserved. By the number of historical and architectural monuments preserved in their original form, it occupies one of the leading places not only in Uzbekistan, but also in the world.
RESERVED KHIVA
City of fortresses, madrasahs and minarets
In 1997 Khiva celebrated its 2500th anniversary.
According to legend, the city was founded by the son of the biblical Noah Sim after he saw 300 flaming torches in a dream while traveling through the desert. Considering this a sign from above, Sim built a city in the shape of a ship. He is also credited with the creation of the "Kheivak" well, from where the name of the city - Khiva - came from.
According to another legend, merchants, traveling along the Great Silk Road from East to West, stopped in this area to rest and drank delicious water from the source, exclaiming with pleasure "Hey wah!" - "Oh, how wonderful!". Then the locals began to call the well, and later the village that appeared - Khiva. The Kheyvak well, located in a small cozy courtyard near the northwestern wall of Ichan-Kala, is still in operation.
Itchan-Kala
Khiva was surrounded by two rows of walls - Ichan-Kala (inner city) and Dishan-Kala (outer city). The walls of Ichan-Kala were erected in the 5th-4th centuries BC. The walls, built of adobe bricks, are up to 10 meters high and 6-8 meters thick. The perimeter of the fortress is 2250 meters.
Kalta Minar (mid 19th century)
The grandiose minaret, which was conceived by Muhammad Amin Khan as the largest in Muslim East. The diameter of the base is more than 14 meters. It was assumed that the height of the building would be 70-80 meters, but the construction of the minaret stopped at around 29 meters. According to legend, this happened due to the fact that the Khan of Bukhara, having learned about the grandiose construction of such a minaret, wanted to build the same one in his city. The Khiva Khan ordered to kill the master building the minaret in Khiva immediately after the completion of the work, and he, allegedly, having learned about it, fled without completing the minaret. Kalta Minar is the only minaret completely covered with glazed tiles and majolica.
Madrasah of Muhammad Rakhim Khan II
The madrasah was built in 1871. It differs from other madrasas of Khiva by its wide size and majesty. One-story cells, built long before the construction of the madrasah, form a small courtyard in front of the main facade. From the side of the square, shopping arcades with tall aivans adjoin the hujras. In terms of area, this madrasah occupies one of the first places in Khiva.
Tash Hauli Palace (Mid 19th century)
From ancient times in the East, luxurious palaces were built in order to live, rule, welcome guests, and also to show the power and strength of the state. One of the most famous palaces of Khiva is the palace of Allakulikhan Tash-khauli (stone palace).
Mausoleum of Said Allauddin (early 14th century)
One of the most ancient architectural monuments of Ichan-kala. The mausoleum consists of a ziyaratkhana (place of worship) and a gurkhana (tomb). Over the centuries, due to the increase in the number of burials and land strata, the mausoleum remained below ground level. From the outside, the mausoleum looks rather nondescript, and main feature ancient monument - a richly decorated tomb.
Minaret Islam Khoja (XIX-XX centuries)
Vizier Islam Khoja was one of the famous people of his time, who invested a lot of effort and labor in the improvement of the city, building hospitals, post offices, etc. The height of the Islam Khoja minaret is 56 meters, the diameter of the lower part is 9.5 meters. The upper part of the minaret, thinning towards the top, ends with an elegant cornice and a domed lantern with a crescent-shaped top. This is the tallest in Khiva and the most slender of the surviving minarets.
Minaret and Juma Mosque (End of the 18th century)
This monument resembles the ancient mosques of Khorezm. The first mention of it dates back to the 10th century, but the historical building has not been preserved. The current complex historians date back to 1788. The height of the walls of the mosque is 4.5 meters, the height of the minaret is 42 meters. The one-story building with a flat beam roof is supported by 213 columns arranged on a square grid of 3.15 x 3.15 meters. Of the ancient patterned carved columns in the mosque, only 15 have survived, 8 columns are stored in Tashkent, in the Museum of the History of the Peoples of Uzbekistan.
This ancient city has even more epithets than Khiva. Bukhara is called “Holy”, “Wise”, “Blessed”, “Scientist”, and most often “Noble” or “Blessed”
Archaeological excavations have shown that Bukhara is the same age as Khiva, founded more than 2.5 thousand years ago. There are those who claim that the city is much older, about 5 centuries, than is commonly believed.
BUKHARA BLESSED
Center for Science and Holiness
There are more than 400 architectural monuments in Bukhara, which makes the city the largest "open-air museum" in Central Asia.
With the origin of the name of the city, not everything is so simple. According to one version, it was formed from the word "vihara", which means a Buddhist monastery. According to another hypothesis, "Bukhara" comes from "Bukhara", which in the language of magicians means "source of knowledge". Hence one of the epithets - "Scientific Bukhara".
Since ancient times, Bukhara has been the center of many religions: Zoroastrians, idolaters, Christians, Manichaeans and Buddhists lived here. Already at the end of the IX century. the city turned into one of the major cultural and religious centers of the Muslim world, it was called the "dome of Islam". Until today, many mosques, tombs, madrasahs have been preserved here.
There are more than 400 architectural monuments in Bukhara, which makes the city the largest "open-air museum" in Central Asia.
Fortress walls and citadel Ark
One of the most ancient monuments of Bukhara are the fortress walls and gates of the city. A section of the fortress has survived to this day with huge breaches. The remains of the wall are a unique monument of the defense system of Central Asia. Its fragments testify that it was an impregnable fortification designed to defend the city during the endless feudal wars. The Ark Citadel is the most ancient monument of Bukhara, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. BC.
Mausoleum of the Samanids
The family tomb of the rulers of the local dynasty, which established in Maverannahr a state that was actually independent of the Caliphate. Freed from a two-meter layer of layers and completely restored, it is again available for review from four sides. The mausoleum is a cube covered with a hemispherical dome. There is a belief among the people that the mausoleum is able to fulfill the most cherished desires. To do this, you need to bypass it three times with pure soul and thoughts.
Complex Poi Kalyan
The complex is a triad of Kalyan minaret, Kalyan mosque and Miri Arab madrasah. Mminaret Kalyan (Minara-yi kalan) is the highest in Bukhara. Its construction was completed by the beginning of the XII century. The minaret is a round-barreled brick tower, tapering upwards. Base diameter - 9 meters, tops - 6 meters. The height of the tower is 45.6 meters. There is a legend that the great Genghis Khan once stared at this tower and his helmet fell from his head. The great warrior had to bend down to pick it up. Then the medieval conqueror said: "I have never bowed to anyone, but this building is so grandiose that it deserves a bow."
Lyabi House
One of the central squares of Bukhara, formed in the XVI - XVII centuries. On the square there are madrasahs Kukeldash and Divan-Begi and khanaki Divan-Begi. In the middle of the square there is a reservoir (hauz) Nadir-Begi, approximately 150 by 200 meters in size. There are many cafes around the reservoir, where you can have a good time.
Museum of the History of Carpet Weaving
The museum occupies the building of the Magoki Attori mosque built in the 12th-16th centuries. The exposition was opened in 1991 and represents different kinds traditional carpet weaving, felt weaving and felting of the Central Asian peoples. In the XIX-XX centuries, carpet products of the Uzbek tribes "mitan", "yuz", "kurama", "naiman" gained great popularity in Central Asia. The museum's collection contains 104 samples of carpet products used in the everyday life of the peoples of Uzbekistan - Uzbeks, Tajiks, Turkmens, Kazakhs, Kirghiz, Central Asian Arabs and Uighurs.
Char Minar
The "four towers" mosque is a complex architectural complex: an aivan-type mosque, a hauz (now covered in) and a main entrance designed as a domed building with four high towers covered with glazed blue and blue bricks. Presumably, the complex was built in early XIX century.
The capital of ancient Sogdiana, and in the Middle Ages - the empire of the Temurids - is referred to as "Rome of the East" or even "Eden of the East". The first epithet is true, if only because Samarkand is the same age as ancient rome- its history goes back 2750 years.
Another epithet suitable for Samarkand is the phoenix city. The beautiful capital has repeatedly been subjected to complete destruction during its centuries-old history: first by the troops of Alexander the Great, then by the hordes of Genghis Khan, but each time it has risen from the ashes. Under Amir Temur, Samarkand became one of the most prosperous cities in the East, retaining this splendor, grandeur and beauty to this day.
SAMARKAND - THE PEARL OF THE EAST
Great capital of the Temurids
Those who are interested in and cherish the history of mankind should definitely go to Samarkand. This lifts the mood, and not just momentary, but the mood for the rest of your life, because there is pride in a person, for the fact that he could do all this.
Irina Alekseeva
poetess
According to one version, the name of the city comes from the Turkic word "Semiz kent", which means "Rich settlement", another variation is "fat city".
Samarkand is the second most important city in Uzbekistan, its ancient cultural capital and one of the main tourist centers of the country along with Khiva and Bukhara.
The city was perfectly preserved and brought to contemporaries beautiful examples of the Middle Ages. The brainchild of the great Amir Temur and his descendants delights guests of the city from all over the world.
The main architectural complex of Samarkand - Registan Square - is included in the UNESCO list of historical and cultural heritage and is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world.
Getting to Samarkand is quite convenient: from the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, as well as from Bukhara, there is a high-speed train Afrosiab, which will take you to your destination in about 3 hours.
Registan Square
The main square of Samarkand, included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. Three madrasahs are located on the square: Ulugbek (beginning of the 15th century), Sher-Dor (beginning of the 17th century) and Tillya-Kari (mid-17th century), as well as the Tillya-Kari mosque (mid-XVII century). Registan acquired its current look over the past 100 years. So for any guest of Samarkand, the Registan must be an obligatory point of the excursion.
Gur-Emir Mausoleum (early 15th century)
The family tomb of the Temurids, where Amir Temur himself, his two sons and two grandchildren are buried. According to the testimony of the history of Temur Sharaf ad-din Ali Yazdi, "the dome of this building was high, like the sky, the lower parts of the building were decorated with gilded and turquoise patterns on marble."
Bibi-Khanym Mosque (1399-1404)
The most majestic building of the time of Timur in the East, built by order of Temur after his campaign against India and the conquest of Delhi. Architects from different countries- India, Iran, from the Golden Horde and Khorezm. The mosque is named after his beloved wife - Bibi-khanym (Saray-Mulk-khanym). Construction began in 1399 and completed five years later.
The architectural ensemble of the Shokhi-Zinda mausoleums (XI-XX centuries)
The memorial ensemble is the most revered place of pilgrimage in Central Asia. In translation, the name means "The Living King." According to legend, this place is associated with the activities of the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad - Kusam ibn Abbas, who, according to local legends, at the end of the 7th century, along with the first Arab conquerors, was in Central Asia and spread Islam.
Observatory of Ulugbek (1428)
The underground part of the astronomical instrument of the observatory has survived to this day, with the help of which Ulugbek (the ruler of Samarkand in 1409-1449, the grandson of Temur) observed the stars, the moon, the sun, gave coordinates to 1018 stars. The length of the sidereal year was also determined there: 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes, 8 seconds (the measurement error was only + 58 seconds). After the death of Ulugbek, the observatory operated for another 20 years, and then was closed. The empty building of the observatory was dismantled into bricks in the 16th century.
The loudest mystical story of the 20th century is connected with one of the main monuments of Samarkand. The grave of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) was opened by Soviet archaeologists on June 21, 1941, despite the formidable prophecy inscribed on the tombstone. The next day the Great Patriotic War. By the way, the grave of the great ruler and conqueror is located one floor below, under the slab that is shown to tourists. Access to outsiders to it is closed.
The capital of Uzbekistan - Tashkent - to a lesser extent than Samarkand or Khiva, can boast of ancient buildings and world-famous architectural monuments. But this does not mean that there is absolutely nothing to see in the capital.
Tashkent, as it should be according to its "capital" status, is the most modern, advanced and youthful city in the country, where you can find entertainment for every taste, from walking around the historical places of the city to going to clubs and restaurants. And its name, firmly entrenched in the city after the film "Tashkent - the city of bread", the capital justifies 100%.
TASHKENT - THE CITY OF GRAIN
Ancient city with a young heart
Zainuddin Wasifi
From "Ode to Tashkent", 1515
The Tashkent earthquake of 1966 almost completely destroyed the historical part of the city, so most of the old buildings were lost. The city was almost completely restored in 10 years
Tashkent, which in translation means “stone city”, is practically the same age as the new era. In ancient times, it was called differently: Chach, Shash and Binkent, and the present capital of Uzbekistan acquired its modern name only in the 12th century. For more than a thousand years, the center of Tashkent was located in the place that is now called Old city. It is there that the monuments of medieval architecture have survived to this day. From there, the products of craftsmen dispersed throughout the East, in particular, the famous Shash ceramics, specially dressed leather - green shagreen and medieval weapons.
In this sense, Tashkent is more suitable for cultural and recreational activities with many theatres, museums, restaurants and clubs. So, there are 11 theaters in the city, the most famous of which is the Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi, built in the middle of the last century according to the project and under the guidance of the famous architect Shchusev. The building was practically not damaged during the earthquake of 1966 and is striking in its grandeur to this day.
History buffs also have a place to go - there are 22 museums at their service, including the Museum of the History of the Peoples of Uzbekistan, the Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan and many others.
We bring to your attention a small virtual tour in Tashkent - one of the most ancient cities in the country and at the same time the youngest in spirit!
Mustakillik Square (Independence Square)
The main square of Tashkent and the whole country. The most grandiose and beautiful fountain of the city is located on the square, which attracts not only tourists, but also local residents. Until 1865, the famous palace of the Kokand khans was located in this area of the city, which was destroyed with the arrival of Russian troops in these parts. In its place, the palace of the Turkeston Governor-General was erected, which has survived to this day and has become popularly known as the White House.
Museum of Applied Arts
The museum was founded in 1937 on the basis of a temporary exhibition of handicrafts and is located in the former palace of the Russian diplomat Alexander Polovtsev. The museum's exhibition funds contain over 4 thousand exhibits that reveal the history of the decorative arts of Uzbekistan: woodcarving, ceramics, chasing, the art of jewelers, gold embroiderers, embroiderers, samples mass production local industry.
Amir Temur Square
The square was founded in late XIX century. Today it is one of the most favorite places of recreation for the people of Tashkent, which is popularly called the Tashkent Broadway. In the center of the park stands a monument to the famous commander and statesman XIV century Amir Timur. The monument is presented in the form of a bronze figure of Amir, seated in royal regalia on a prancing horse. On the pedestal of the monument, in four languages, the famous motto of Amir Timur is engraved: "Strength is in justice."
Bolshoi Theater named after Alisher Navoi
The theater was designed by the famous Russian architect Alexei Shchusev and built by 1947. The building received a rich interior and exterior. The ensemble is complemented by a large fountain in front of the main entrance and an alley. This is one of the centers of cultural and social life of the capital. The building survived the devastating earthquake of 1966 almost without consequences.
Tashkent TV tower
In any major city the observation deck from a great height looks very impressive, and the local TV towers are perfect in this capacity, while they themselves are an object of the architectural heritage of cities. Tashkent is no exception in this sense. The height of the Tashkent TV tower is 375 meters, which makes it the tallest building in Central Asia, except for the chimney of the Ekibastuz GRES-2, and among the world's "sister towers" it ranks 11th.
Ecotourism is not only a fashionable direction, but also an opportunity to feel unity with the unique nature of Uzbekistan: endless deserts, massive mountain ranges, countless rivers, lakes, reservoirs, nature reserves, as well as a huge variety of wildlife and flora.
Those who like to tickle their nerves will also find something to do in Uzbekistan. Desert jeep racing, river rafting and ski resorts will appeal to all thrill-seekers.
BIRD OF HAPPINESS AND SAND
DUNES UNDER THE SONGS OF AKYNS
extreme and ecological tourism in Uzbekistan
Every year in Karakalpakstan, the flow of tourists who come to our yurt camp, located in the city of Bustan in the Ellikkalli region, near the ancient settlement "Ayaz-Kala", is increasing. We started work back in 1998, when we had only two yurts. And today, 10 times more, and in addition to this, there is also a herd of camels, on which our guests take walks to local attractions or simply ride along the dunes
Dilbar Karimberdiyeva
Head of the Karakalpak family enterprise "Ayaz Yurt"
There are 8 reserves and several dozens of unique nature protection zones in the republic.
Among the natural attractions of Uzbekistan, one cannot fail to mention the Kyzylkum desert, the name of which is translated as "red sand". In the desert, you can not only ride camels with an overnight stay in a yurt under starry sky, but also to drive in jeeps on the dunes.
Another unique place is the Aral Sea, located on the border of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, in the center of the Central Asian deserts. Until 1960, it occupied the fourth place in terms of area among the lakes of the world. However, over the past 40 years, its area of the Aral Sea has almost halved, the water level has dropped by 18 meters, the volume of water has decreased several times, its salinity has increased, and fish have disappeared.
The landscapes of the Zaamin Reserve are represented by the best-preserved mountain-juniper forests within Uzbekistan, areas of high-mountain steppe, subalpine and alpine meadows, canyons, rock formations, and saz bogs. About 700 species of plants can be found in the reserve, 2 of which are listed in the Red Book.
But, perhaps, nature lovers can meet the rarest and most unusual representatives of flora and fauna in the mountains of Chimgan, where the blue bird lives - a symbol of happiness, and edelweiss blooms - a symbol of courage.
In summer, these peaks can be conquered by mountain trails, and in winter - skiing or snowboarding. One of the country's most popular ski destinations is the Chimgan Complex, where extreme sports festivals are held annually.
There is also a corner for sunbathers. Lake Charvak is a favorite vacation spot for Uzbeks and foreign tourists. In addition to clean water and a fairly developed infrastructure on the coast, guests of this recreational complex will enjoy stunning landscapes.
Yurts of Kyzylkum
When traveling through the desert, be sure to stop at one of the yurt camps. What can a yurt camp offer a traveler? Picnics at Lake Aydarkul, observation of the starry sky through a telescope, songs around the fire, performance of an akyn, target shooting from a nomad’s bow, making a wish at the “tree of happiness”.
The tragic beauty of the Aral Sea
During the tour to the Aral Sea, travelers will see the remains of ships forever frozen in the sands, rocky shores and the fantastic Ustyurt plateau. All this evokes a mixed feeling of admiration for the beauty of the landscapes of the dried lake and sadness for the region. ecological disaster.
Mountains are better than mountains...
They say that in the mountains of Chimgan, you can meet the Blue Bird - a symbol of happiness, as well as the edelweiss flower - a symbol of courage. And this is not counting the bewitching views of the surroundings and the amazing, sometimes alpine nature of these places.
Heliskiing and snowboarding
Heliski programs (downhill skiing) are held in the mountains of the Western Tien Shan - this mountain ranges Ugama, Pskem and Chatkala, located at an altitude of 2.500 to 4.200 meters above sea level, 100 - 150 km from Tashkent. The average number of vertical meters descended per day can exceed 2000 and stretch for 10 km.
paragliding
One of the extreme types of tourism offered in Ugam-Chatkal national park, is paragliding. Flight area with necessary conditions for takeoff and landing is located in the resort and recreational area of the Charvak reservoir. During the flight, as an additional service, you can use the professional video camera of the pilot-instructor.
Satellite map of Uzbekistan. Explore the satellite map of Uzbekistan online in real time. detailed map Uzbekistan created on the basis of satellite images high resolution. As close as possible, the satellite map of Uzbekistan allows you to explore in detail the streets, individual houses and sights of Uzbekistan. A map of Uzbekistan from a satellite easily switches to a regular map mode (scheme).
A country in which the sun shines almost all year round, and seven months a year the temperature does not fall below 20 degrees Celsius. In recent years, this fertile land, Uzbekistan, has become increasingly popular with tourists.
Uzbekistan combines cities that are more than a thousand years old, with their beautiful architectural monuments, some of which still remember the caravans that traveled along the Silk Road, as well as new modern cities with developed infrastructure.
Here everyone can find rest close to their hearts. Architecture fans will be interested in a trip to Bukhara, Samarkand and other cities that go back centuries with their history, having seen many khans and beks. The mausoleums and minarets of these cities can compete in beauty and elegance even with the Taj Mahal itself. The traditional street bazaars of these cities delight the eye with colorful colors, various fruits, national clothes and many souvenir shops. Here, right on the street, there are pottery workshops, where steel is minted with a bizarre national pattern.
For fans of outdoor activities, hiking in the mountains may well be organized. Feelings of stormy, crystal-clear mountain rivers and clouds floating right above your head will be remembered for a long time even by the most sophisticated lovers of wildlife.
The population of the country is very hospitable, they honor the traditions and precepts of their ancestors, but do not repel the modern worldview. If you visit a stranger, you will definitely be seated at the table, given fragrant green tea, and traditional sweets.
What is also remarkable is the comparative cheapness of living in this country. There are many street cafes, barbecue and tea houses, where you can have a great lunch for some 5-6 dollars. Moreover, they cook simply superbly in them, Uzbek cuisine is generally very tasty, and whoever tried Uzbek pilaf will definitely want to come back here again.
