Uzbekistan

Formerly part of the Soviet Union, the Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in Central Asia and is Central Asia's most populated country with 27.7 million people. It shares a border to the west and north with Kazakhstan, with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the east and Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south. Uzbekistan is about the same size as Morocco with a total area of 447,400 sq kms. It stretches 1425 kms from east to west and 930 kms from north to south. It is a dry double landlocked country, sharing its double landlocked status with Liechtenstein, the only two double landlocked countries in the world. Only 10% of the country is cultivated, mainly in the extensively irrigated land in river valleys and oases. Uzbekistan is a major supplier of cotton to the world. The rest of the country comprises a vast desert and mountains. Uzbekistan's climate is continental with only about 4-8 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures average 40 degress Celsius and the average winter is about 0 degrees Celsius. The best time to travel to Uzbekistan is in Spring (May-June) and in Autumn (September - November). If you want to go trekking the mountains, it is best to do this in July-August.

Uzbekistan is the only country in Central Asia with a subway system. The stations are extremely ornate. In Tashkent, Government operated trams, buses and trolley buses run across the city. There are also taxis, both registered and unregistered.

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. There are many Museums, Monuments and art galleries to explore whilst in the city. In the city centre you will find the Crying Mother Monument, which was constructed in 1999 to honour the 400,000 Uzbek soldiers killed in World War 2. Their names are housed in niches along its two corridors. If you have time be sure to visit the Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent's most famous farmers market. Within the giant green domed complex, situated off Old Town's southern edge, you will find almost every edible product available. Thre are mountains of brightly coloured spices, hugh sacks of grain and many sheds of candy, breads, dairy products and freshly killed meat. You can also find a special souvenir here. The Fine Arts Museum of Uzbekistan has four floors containing 1500 years of art, from the 7th century Buddhist relics, the art of pre-Russian Turkestan to modern contemporary works. Displays include East and South Asian art, 19th century paintings of second-tier Russian and European artists and 19th and 20th century Central Asian masters. There are also amazing old plaster carvings and silk-on -cotton embroidered hangings.

Kukeldash Madrassah
Kukeldash Madrassah is one of the few remained monumental architectural monuments of Tashkent. It was built in the second half of the 16th century in the time of Abdullachan (1557-1598) under the Leadership of Kulbobo Kukeldash who was a vizier, a scientist and a poet. Madrassah Kukeldash is under the authority of Religious Board of Mawarannahr Moslems, and at present it is a regularly acting mosque. There is a primary school, which teaches the basis of Islam.

Khast-Imam
An interesting ensemble was erected in a place called Khast-Imam. The ensemble comprises the Barak-Khana Madrassah of the 16th century, Teleshayakh Mosque, part of which houses an important religious library, the 16th century Kaffal-Shashi mausoleum, which was built over the grave of Abubekr Mukhmmad Kaffal-Shashi, and the Imam al-Bukhari Institute.

Zamgi-Ata Mausoleum
There is one of the sacred places now known as Zangi-ata nearly Tashkent on the caravan route. The beginning of the creation of architectural memorial at the sacred grave is connected with the name of famous Amir Timur. The idea of building the mausoleum on the grave of Zangi-ata, which was known as a healer, appeared near that time. His literature pseudonym is written with good calligraphic hand on the snowy marble gravestone inside the mausoleum. His name was Aihodja, the son of Tadhodja.

Zangiata (Tashkent region)
With name Temur and Ulugbek connected the construction of Zangi-ata mausoleum in the village, called later Zangiata (Tashkent region). By the legend, in 90-s of 14 century Temur ordered to build mausoleum over the grave of saint sheikh Ay-hoja, called in life Zangi-ata (the father of life). Zangi-ata mausoleum-this is multistage longitudinal pivotal mausoleum- complex typical for Timur's time. In the time of Ulugbek there was built portal to mausoleum (first half of 15 century). Now remained only basis of the building-portal, ziarathona and gurhana (burial-vault) in the graduated building. Double cupolas on arched canvases cover buildings; in ziarathona five arches let down low, by this model were built other next mausoleums of Tashkent. Under cupola made 16-hedron arches. Outside cupolas lifted on the drums-cylindrical over ziarathona, 12-hedron over gurhana. Unique details had remained: carved marble headstone Zangi-ata and remains of abacus in gurhana, mosaic mihrab in ziarathona, and mosaic panel on the portal. The building is made of baked bricks (25/26-5/6 cm), its sizes are 18.5×13 meters, rooms-6.15×6.15 and 3.75×3.75 meters, and height is 19 meters. Mausoleum-complex consists of the yard, surrounded with hujra, madrasah, built in 18-19 centuries, in 1870 in the southeast there was built an mosque and in 1914-1915 before the mosque there was built minaret.

Anbar-bibi mausoleum
In Zangi-ata village of Tashkent region there is a monument of the end of 14 – beginning of 15 century – this is Anbar-bibi mausoleum (or Kambar-ana) -the wife of Zangi-ata. In legends she also is called Anbar-bibi - this saint woman was patroness of women and mothers. Anbar-bibi mausoleum is situated on the cemetery to the southwest from Zangiata mausoleum. Two stepped headstones situate in the mausoleum-over the burial place of Anbar-bibi and Ulugpashi. Mausoleum is one chamber, portal domical kiosk, like cube with cut corners and small portal prominent from it. Niches with flat end faced on the sides of front, this is unusual form, and probably it was caused because of change in design during the construction. The building is crosswise covered by double sphere conical cupola on the arch canvases; external-in the cylindrical drum. Five arches of canvases are let down low. Decor did not remain; by old pictures is known brick mosaic on the drum of cupola. Walls are from burnt bricks (25/26-5/6 cm). Sizes: 9×6.4 m, height is 13.5 m, room-4.8 ×4.8 m.

Shayhantaur Ensemble
At the beginning of 13th century on the eve of Mongolian conquest Tashkent oasis was destroyed by Khorezm-shah Muhammad. In 14-15 centuries the city again obtain it's meaning as trade and cultural center in the structure of power of Temur and Temurids. The city afresh built up and expanded to the south and east, behind its walls complex of cultural constructions near respected grave of Havendi Tahur sheikh (Shayhantaur ensemble, situated on the Navoy avenue) begin to develop.

The cult of sheikh was praised by his offspring Hoja Ahrar, who was head of priesthood in the government of Timurids from second half of 15th century. In 15th century was built mausoleum of Havendi Tahur sheikh, the basis of planning for which is longitudinal axis two chamber mausoleum complex, typical for Central Asia of the end of 15th century. Present monument raised in 18-19 centuries on the foundation of mentioned monument of 15th century, with prior planning. Mausoleum is build from burnt bricks; its sizes are 16.2×9m, room-6×6 and 4.1× 4.1 m, height of cupola of ziarathona-12.8 m.

Yunus-khan Mausoleum
Besides Shayhantaur ensemble on the Navoy avenue there is a mausoleum of Tashkent ruler Yunus-khan (1415 – 1487). It is situated on the territory of Shayhantaur cemetery. It represents T-shaped khanaka-mausoleum. The main south facade has portal with low wings; on the facade, as in the corners of cruciform hall with north-ledge half-octagon niche, there are two-storied hudjras. The hall is opened with three-sides doorways, covered with sphero-conal dome on cross archs; second-storied hudjras are covered with cupolas on the multi-row thyroid pendentives. The outer dome hall was reconstructed in 1970. The windows are decorated with wood and ganch panjara, there are fragments of ganch girikh (a geometrical ornament) on the archs and mukannas-stalactites (decorative ganch arrangement of cupolas) in the hall. Its sizes are 21,5x20,5, building width – 16 m, the hall – 7x7m.

Barak-khan madrassah
Barak-khan madrassah is dated to the architectural monuments of 16-17 centuries. This monument is laid together with taking place at different times buildings. First building of 15 century presents centric mausoleum in the eastern building corner. The second building of 1530 is a large mausoleum-khanaka, crowned with double cupola on the crossing archs (outer – Kok Gumbaz is lost). It is admittedly devoted to Tashkent ruler from Sheybanid dynasty Suyunidj-khan (Ulugbek's grandson). The third stage is a transformation of memorial complex in madrassah in the middle of 16 century under Suyunidj-khan's son Nauruz-Akhmed, named Barak-khan. The madrasah differs from traditional typical buildings, but keeps main principle of organization around open yard. The decor is unique for Tashkent: the niche portal is crowned with arch "kolabkari", timpan and pilons are reveted with majolica and brick mosaic, hudjra's windows are decorated with ganch panjaras of different paintings of geometrical ornament. In 1935-36 and 1955-56 the archeological researches were hold and in 1955-1963 Barak-khan madrassah was restored with the participation of Usta Shirin Murodov, who reconstructed the portal arch. Its sizes are 703x44m, the yard – 33x27,5m.

TV Tower
TV Tower is the highest construction in the Central Asia. it was began to construct in 1979 on the project of architects U.L. Semashko, N.G. Terziev-Tzarukova, engineers E.P. Morozova, M.D. Musheeva. it was finished in 1981. And it is adjusted to the seismicity 9. Its height - 375 meter. The lattice tower trunk is supported by three inclined slips, which ensure building steadiness and give an impression of lightness. On the height of 100 meter and 220 meter the tower is girdled with telecasting station for 5 programs, broadcasting station, meteorological station. There is also observation site, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the city, revealing bars and restaurants here. At the restaurants you will be served with the dishes of Uzbek cuisine. The interior is decorated with national paintings.

Exhibition Hall in Tashkent
Exhibits in the Exhibition Hall of Uzbekistan Artists Union change continually. Light, roomy halls are put not only at famous artists disposal, but that of young's as well. There is an exhibition hall in the center of the city. It was opened in 1974. The central is the hall of sculpture and graphics. There are halls of painting and applied art around it. The building itself is interesting as well. There is a tracery summer gallery around it. National decor, chiaroscuro, colours are used on the facade. There is a stand on the ground floor where one can buy works of art. There is another, hall in the open air. It is a small park with original sculptures. On warm sunny day the works of artists and sculptors are exhibited in the park.

Tashkent Metro (Underground, Subway)
Tashkent is the only city in the Central Asia, which has underground. The metro construction was started in 1973 and in 1977 the first line began to operate. Today Tashkent underground – it is 222 stations and they differ from each other. Architectural and artistic decoration of each station depicts its name. The peculiarity of metro is rather shallow station position. Some stations have escalators, 7 ones belong to tower type, 4 to arch type and one (Mustakillik) to tower-individual type. The leading architects and artists of Uzbekistan took part in designing of the stations. In interior decor there were used solid and stable materials: metal (engraving), glass, plastic, granite, marble, smalt, art ceramics, carved alabaster. Each station is originality work of art, devoted to a certain theme. Tashkent underground has three lines: Chilonzor, Uzbekistan and Yunus-Obod. Underground is a favourite means of transport of people in Tashkent. You can go to any part of the city in no time (The interval between trains is 240 seconds).

Bukhara - Central Asia's holiest city has buildings spanning a thousand years of history. The Old Centre has hardly changed during the past 200 years. It will take a couple of days to really explore the architecturally preserved former medressas, the enormous royal Fortress and the remains of a once massive market complex. Be sure to visit the Lyabi-Hauz, the covered markets, the Kalon Minaret and Mosque and the Mausoleum of Ismail Samari (the town's oldest structure - 905AD) and the unique little Char Minar.

Khiva - Following a Soviet conservation program in the 1970's and 80's, Khiva's almost perfectly preserved buildings and surrounds are now a pristine 'city museum'. The densely packed Mosques, tombs, palaces and alleys have been so fascidiously cleaned up it is hard to imagine the once mysteriousness and hustle and bustle (and squalour) of these areas. Most of the historic buildings in the city are now Museums. Khira is a wonderful sight at night when the moonlight silhouettes the buildings and alleyways, giving a wonderful sense of magic to intrigue. The old city, known as Itchan Kala, is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Urgench - Urgench is situated in southern Uzbekistan on the Amu Darya River and Shavat Canal and is the capital of the Khorezm Province. It is situated 450 km west of Bukhara across the Kyzylkum Desert.

Urgench today is a modern Soviet-style city with many monuments. Cotton motifs adorn many street lights, apartments houses and almost everything in between. One Monument of note is the one dedicated to the 20 members of the Communist Union of Youth (Komsomol) killed by Tekke rebels (Basmachi) on the banks of the Syr Darya in 1922. There is also a large statue to Muhammed al-Khwarizmi, the 9th century local mathematician who revolutionised algebra, outside the Urgench Hotel.
A flat and rather unattractive place, it is used mostly as a main gateway for tourists visiting Khiva which is 35 km away.

Samarkand - Samarkand is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and the capital of Samarqand Province. It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The city has prospered from its position on the trade route between China and Europe (the Silk Road). It is noted as the Islamic Centre for scholarly study.

One of the cities most famous landmarks is the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, named after the wife of the 14th Century warlord Timur. Construction of this giant cathedral mosque commenced in 1399. The outer walls are 167 m in length and 109m in width. The copula of the main chamber reaches 40 m high and the entranceway is 35m high. Most notably, there is a giant Qur'an stand in the centre of the courtyard. The Registan is the heart and centre of ancient Samarkand. This is where public excutions were held up until the early 20th century and where people gathered to hear royal proclamations in ancient times. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the 3 Madrasahs (medieval Moslem clergy academies) of the Registan. In 2001, the 2750 year old city of Samarkand was placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Termez - Termez is situated in the south of Uzbekistan's border with Afghanistan. Termez was named by the Greeks who came with Alexander the Great and means "hot" or "hot place". It is the hottest point in Uzbekistan. It has a population of approximately 141,000 and is the capital of the Surxondaryo Province. An ancient settlement was discovered near Termez dating back to the 3rd-2nd Centry BC. It was the centre of Buddhism in the 1st-2nd Century and when the Arabs came in the 7th-8th Century, the city became the centre of Islam. In 1897 the modern city emerged with a Russian fortress and garrison. Termez was also the primary transit point during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. There are many ancient Monasteries and architecture of note to visit.

Shakhrisabz - Shakhrisabz is situated approximately 80km south of Samarkand and has a population of approximately 60,000. Probably one of Central Asia's most ancient cities, Shakhrisabz was the birthplace of the 14th Century Mongolian conqueror, Timur. The city has had a violent past and was mostly destroyed by the Emir of Bukhara, Abdullah Khan 11, in the 16th Century during his attempt to sieze the throne. The city struggled under Bukharan rule. It was later conquered again by the Russians in 1870.

The old part of the city has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Try to visit the Aq-Saray Palace, Timur's Summer (or White) Palace - construction of which commenced in 1380 but unfortunately today, only traces of the giagantic 65m gate towers remain. These are covered with blue, white and gold mosiacs.

There are many other very old and impressive mausoleums and Mosques to visit.