Apart from the main well known landmarks of the City of Tashkent, there is a variety of minor and major landmarks to be found in the outlying districts of Tashkent Region.
FOR AN OVERVIEW OF ALL LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS OF TASHKENT PROVINCE (REGION), PLEASE REFER TO "LANDMARKS OF TASHKENT REGION" >>>>
EXCURSIONS AND LANDMARKS OUTSIDE OF TASHKENT CITY PROPER:
Although travel guides often represent Tashkent as the ancient city of Mosques and dusty markets reminiscent of old silk road days, in reality modern day Tashkent has far more to offer, ancient and modern. Altogether some 100 plus worthwhile sites to visit can be found around town, among them a venerable listing of museums, a Buddhist Temple, various Churches and an abundance of Mosques.
Modern Tashkent also includes various interesting theatres and several art galleries and art museums to entertain and connect past, present and future of Uzbekistan and Tashkent City.
Unfortunately, as already summarized in our introduction to Tashkent, much of the city was destroyed in an epic earthquake in the year 1966, among things wiping out several ancient Mosques in Tashkent. With these lost, since, the oldest and earliest buildings still remaining in the city after the devastating 1966 earthquake were several Churches and Mosques dated to the Middle Ages, and as travelers will find any and all of the ancient historical religious buildings in the city are worth a visit as each has unique features and considerable history reflected.
Although not listed as such on any tourist itenerary, one interesting remnant of the new Soviet City which replaced the ruined old Tashkent, is the Subway / Metro system of Tashkent. First planned in 1968 in the time of rebuilding of the city and opened in the year 1977 the subway not only serves as a convenient and cheap way of conduit abouts town but is also one of those fascinating examples of old Soviet Styled architecture. Although the Tashkent Metro, for obvious reasons, does not feature a very deep tunnel system (to withstand bombings), it may be visited at all times as a venerable museum of Soviet Era Uzbek Arts and Architecture, as at the time many of the to Uzbek designers and artists were involved in the creation of this project.
Although not a monument of stone and mortar, the Tashkent "Chorsu" Bazaar is probably the one must see place to visit and explore extensively as it is the oldest, most famous and also biggest (open) market in Tashkent.
The latest notable sites of Tashkent are those in The "Downtown Tashkent" district, which formerly was the Soviet Revolutionary Center featuring the largest Statue of Lenin in the world entire, but instead now includes the 22-story NBU Bank building, an Intercontinental Hotel, the International Business Center, and the Plaza Building and no doubt by now a number of even more recent buildings of modern design.
LANDMARKS AND MONUMENTS OF TASHKENT CITY:
Google supported Map of Tashkent City and Uzbekistan, by AsiaReportcom.
Amir Temur (Persian: تیمور Temūr, Chagatai: Temür), in the west better known as Tamerlane, was the greatest successor and (distant) descendant of the Mongol Empire created by Genghis Khan. Ruling from the Uzbek silk Road city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan, he created one of the largest world Empires of his time, in so doing defeating both rival Empires of the Ottoman Turks and the Russians. As the founder of the Timurid Empire (Persian: تیموریان), self-designated as Gurkani (Persian: گورکانیان, Gūrkāniyān)(1370 AD - 1507 AD), with a lasting legacy of culture and arts in Uzbekistan, in the current day State, after Independence in 1991, Amir Timur is considered the greatest National Hero of Uzbekistan, replacing the earlier Lenin, Stalin and Marx.
Amir Temur Square is not square but in essence a circular space centered on the grand Monument of Amir Temur with its surrounding greenery. It is considered the symbolical political center of the (Independent) Republic of Uzbekistan.
The square is not very large but sits surrounded by important, famous and noteworthy buildings, with in the north the Amir Temur Museum, to the north-east the internationally renowned Hotel Tashkent, the Palace of International Forums built in 2009 to commemorate 2200 years of the city of Tashkent to the south-east and at its south end the twin Tashkent Clock Towers.
To the south east stands Tashkent City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce and other Government institutions. Amir Temur Square is not really square but more alike a large roundabout with traffic circulating around the statue of Amir Temur.
A notable nearby location for traveling visitors is the International Ceramic Arts Garden, which is situated a stonesthrow from Amir Temur Square.
- Academy of Arts Exhibition Hall:
- Azia Gallery:
- Caravanserai of Culture (Gallery):
- Center of National Arts:
- Tashkent House of Photography:
- International Ceramic Arts Garden:
- Miniature Arts Museum and Park:
See page Museums in Tashkent.
See also: House Museum of The Artist Ural Tansykbaev, House Museum of Tamarah Khanum, etc in
Is situated on the west side of Amir Temur Square, and is considerable the first and foremost modern landmark representative building of Tashkent as Capital of the Independent Nation of Uzbekistan. Its interiors were designed accordingly by a team of architects of the International Architectural Firm Ippolito Fleitz Group and opened in 2009 in conjuction with the celebrations of the 2200 year history of Tashkent City. It has a size of 40.000 m², with sleek modern lines and stunning white and bright spaces which combine classical themes with everything modernity could offer. Among its most representative and public spaces, the main foyer takes the crown with a ceiling height of over 16 meters and an area of 2,500 square meters. Within the foyer an extravagant chandelier measuring nine meters in height and high and 23-meters length, covered with with 1.1 million Swarovski crystals and a “floating” staircase make up the spectacular main elements. Altogether some 5000 artists, architects and others cooperated on the project to create an place of International Contact befitting the new International Capital that Tashkent is in the current times. Since opening in 2009, The Palce of International Forums of Tashkent is the location where (high level) political and commercial conventions, conferences and cultural events are be held and where (International) guests of state are received with all honors.
Adres: No.4 Istikbol Street (Istikbol Kochasi) at Amir Temur Square.
- Center of Enlightenment (Ma’rifat Markazi):
As one of the pet projects of late President Islam Karimov (Uzbek: Islom Abdugʻaniyevich Karimov; Russian: Ислам Абдуганиевич Каримов)(Life: 30 January 1938 – 2 September 2016), is another one of the grand and spectacular Government buildings in central Tashkent. Situated due north-east of Amir Temur Square and surrounded by the other monumental buildings of Tashkent, the center of Enlightenment is a conference center for symposia and is also the home of the National Ibrary of Uzbekistan. A marvel of traditional styles and modern architectural styles and incorporating rich painting on walls, majestic marble columns and a typical blue dome atop the building make it one of the scenic and monumental sites of the city.
Address: Navoi Street (Navoi Kochasi).
- Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni), previously Lenin Square:
Is the main and favorite public space for leisure in the center of Tashkent and Independence Square is the location where all main festivals are celebrated and National Memorial days rituals take place.
The original space exists since the year 1685 AD, when, after the Russian take over of Tashkent, a new Russian and European city arose. At the time, the space for the new square was situated near a Palace belonging to the previously ruling Kokand Khan (of the Kokand Khanate (1709 AD - 1876 AD)). Later, during the Soviet Era it became Lenin Square, the center for political rallys and the like, in the Soviet City of Tashkent. After the fall of the Soviet Union (1989-1991) and Uzbek Independence the Square was renamed Independence Square, since becoming the festive and ceremonial center of the Uzbek Nation.
Today, after a thorough make over square area is almost 12 hectares, and includes the National Monument to the fallen in World War 2, which includes the so called Glory and Memory Alley in honor of the soldiers died in World War II at the end of which one may find the mourning mother monument. May 9 is National Remembrance Day of the fallen in World War 2.
Uzbek Independence Day is celebrated on September 1, whereas naturally, the other main celebration is on New Years Day (January 1).
- Parliament of Uzbekistan:
Is the Parliament building of the Lower Chamber of the National Parliament of Uzbekistan, Oliy Majlis (Олий Мажлис). The Parliament (Oliy Majlis) of the Republic of Uzbekistan consists of two Chambers; the other (Higher) Chamber is better known as the Senate and is housed in the Senate of Tashkent Building.
The Parliament of any country is a tourist attraction and Uzbekistan is no exception. The Parliament of Uzbekistan is located within the National Park of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Around the parliament, there are several other prominent buildings such as the avenue Bunyodkor, the famous Concert Hall, the Alisher Navoi Memorial and Park and also the National Historic Landmark of thr Abul Qosim Madrassah. As one of the main monumental buildings in the center of Tashkent, and lighted at night it is a popular scenic spot of the city. The buildings is a large square mirrored glass and white marble building which has a large pond and arched bridge in front. There are 4 different storeys in the building and different processes are carried out in each one of them.
Address: Bunyodkor Street.
- Senate of Uzbekistan Building:
Officially the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is the building of the Upper House of the Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan, a legislative chamber 150 members elected by territorial constituencies. The current Senate building was established after Uzbek Independence in 1991. The building may be found at No.6 Mustakilik Square better known as Independence Square in the center of Tashkent. It is neighbored by the Office of the President whereas most Ministeries of the Government may be found situated near to the south of the square and in adjacent blocks.
- Tashkent Clock Towers (Tashkent Chime):
Formerly consisted of only one Tashkent Clock Tower or Chime, erected in 1947 in the aftermath of the "Great War". The original Tashkent Chime is an originally German-Pruissian Clock which was taken this far east as part of spils of war and victory over Germany in world war 2. In 2009, in accordance with the festivities surrounding the 2200th year of existence of the city of Tashkent, a second identical clock tower was built to make up the renewed twin clock towers of Tashkent and according shops and clocks museum.
Situated at the south side of Amir Temur Square (Tamerlane Square), the designated political center of Uzbekistan, today the twin Clock Towers are among the most visited and most iconic landmarks of Tashkent City.
- (Tashkent) TV Tower:
Tashkent TV Tower was first planned in 1971. Construction started in 1978 with completion and first opening in 1984. Ever since, the 375 meter (1230 Ft) high tower with observation deck ranked among the highest such towers in the world for a few years and still is the tallest structure within Central Asia. It has been one of the main landmarks and tourist sites to visit in the city of Tashkent and has a revolving restaurant and bars which circulate around the tower at the exciting height of 150 meters above the cityscape.
Today, the Tashkent TV Tower supports broadcasts of five TV channels and four mainstream radio channels.
The most prominent and important historic sites in Tashkent City are listed below by subject or denomination:
HISTORIC MOSQUES AND ISLAMIC INSTITUTES:
- Hast Imam Square (Several historic Mosques and an ancient Islamic Tomb)
- Abdul Kazym Madrassah (Religious School)
- Friday Mosque
- Khazrati Imam Architectural Complex.
- Kukedash Madrassah (Religious School).
- Mausoleum of Zangiota (Zangiata Mausoleum)
- Islam Ota (Islom Ota) Mosque:
Reopened in 2017 after costly renovations necessary after a fire devasted it in 2015, the Islam Ota (Father Islam) Mosque is noted as “One of Tashkent’s oldest mosques”. The original Islam Ota Mosque was constructed in the 18th century and was one of the few historic mosques to survive the 1966 earthquake.
The total area of the newly-restored Islom Ota jameh (congregational) mosque has almost doubled compared to its old premises and can now accommodate up to 560 worshippers during prayer times. The mosque has one big (36.65m) and four small minarets (10.82 m) and its central dome has a height of 22.1 metres.
During the construction process, the architects and builders have managed to comply fully with the Central Asian architectural canons for mosque building. The mosque’s interior and exterior have been decorated with beautiful ornaments, and verses from the Holy Quran are carved on its dome, walls and ceilings. In addition, the mosque’s premises have rooms for ablutions and a library. We have also installed facilities for people with special needs.
in 2017, it was announced that “At the request of Uzbekistan’s Ulema (religious scholars) and the city’s residents, it was decided to name the mosque after our late President Islam Karimov” (who died in September 2016).
With this, the mosque has gained an extra reason for travelers and visitors to be curious about the institute and come over for a look. The Mosque is however not intended as a tourist venue but is a functioning local mosque dedicted to perpetuating the Government endorsed views on Islam and issues relating.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES:
- Convent of the Holy Trinity of Saint Nicholas
- Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir Cathedral (Orthodox)
- Holy Assumption Cathedral Church (Orthodox) also known as Uspensky Cathedral.
- Chorsu Bazaar also Eski Juva Bazaar: Is the most famous Bazaar (Open Air)(Market) in all of Tashkent. Who has been to Tashkent must have been to the Chorsu Bazaar, which apart from being an interesting market offering all daily necessities and more, is also the most renowned location for cultural exchanges.
- Alay Bazaar (Oloy Bozori): locally identified as 'Alayskee Bazaar, this is the main location for buying fresh produce such as vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, nuts, dried fruits and the like. It has an 2nd upper floor which is the place for trading of gold, silver and jewelry. It is also a popular tourist venue and place of stop over.
Notably, although today housed in modern facilties the architecture of which has tried to keep with traditions as much as possible, the Alay Bazaar is considered the oldest bazaar in all of Tashkent, outdating the more popular Chorsu Bazaar by many centuries.
According to historical sources, as early as the beginning of the 12th to 13th century already, the Alay Bazaar existed as a more mobile nomadic style market which catered to all those traveling abouts the silk road pathways in the regions of central Uzbekistan. Its name derives from these times, when it is believed that the Alay Market was always based near the Alay Mountain, by which is meant that it was based further eastward in the Fergana Valley. Later on was the public meeting place in the town of Tashkent, not only the location to stock up on food and supplies, but also the best location for finding news and gossip, or more officially where the official decress of the local rulers were announced in public, and then posted for all to see. In the early 19th century the bazaar had emerged as a fixed place of trading, and the fresh produce market of the city, among things sporting fixed shops.
Adres: Amir Temur Street.
- Saligokh Street (also identified as "Broadway"):
Is a popular market street situated in the center of Tashkent City.
Among the lesser known bazaars and markets of Tashkent are:
- Farkhatsky Bazaar: Selling only melons, and therefor operates especially in September and October during an briefly after the harvesting season.
- Hippodrome bazaar:
Which is traditionally renowned among western backpackers and other wordly travelers for selling western styled goods such as leather jackets and jeans. However, with the changing of times the market now mainly seels cheap Chinese, Indian and other goods at knock off prices.
Open: every day except Mon.
- Parkentsky or Parkent Bazaar:
Is the popular market best known for entertainment, thus selling snacks and beer, hard liquor, tobacco, biscuits, cookies and candy, soft drinks, but also such plain items as cooking oil and household goods.
-Malika Electronics Bazaar:
Is the electronics bazaar in Tashkent. Get your new, or used electronics parts cheaply.
No additional information available. This market is not a popular tourist destination to go to.
Is also popularly known as the Tashkent weekend flea market and historically as the largest curiosa and used parts market in all of the Soviet Union. Since 1991, in Independent Uzbekistan, Yangiobod market has continued the tradition flourishing as never before as one of the free markets of Uzbekistan. It is housed inside a huge but somewhat dilapidated storage facility and offers lanes after lane of little stalls with goods. Various sections are divided inside, to avoid too much confusion.
Yangiobod is the best in Uzbekistan in fact. This market features the most bizarre arrangement of products, not only including a wide variety of curiosa and (possible) antiques, militaria, but also cars, used car parts, engines, live animals, fish, tourist souvenirs, household items, candies and much more. Go down to this market and enjoy a lengthy browse which quite possibly might make your day. The Yangiobod Bazaar is the weekend market for bargain and treasure hunters, and also a lively getaway for just enjoying a day among the local public.
Adres / Location: Situated in the Yangiobod Area.
Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday, dusk till dawn.
- Yusunobod (District) Farmers Market:
Yunusabad bazaar is a farmers market, meaning that it is a place where fresh farm products carted into the city are sold each day. The name Yusanabad Market refers to the District of Tashkent in which the Market is situated. The market offers the inhabitants of the district everything they need for their food use each day. Fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, as well as many species of fish, cereals, bread and of course, the pearl of each market - stalls full of nuts, dried fruit and oriental spices. Every season has its own varieties of produce.
Address / Location: Yunusabad Bazaar (Yunusobod dehqon bozori) is located close to Tashkent TV Tower and MegaPlanet Shopping Mall and sits across from Yusunabad Universam Shopping Center (Yusonobod Universam) inside a large market building. It is an indoors market.
In existence since 1924 and known as Central Asia's oldest scientific zoo, in 1994 the Tashkent Zoo was relocated to its current location, blending with the adjacent Tashkent Botanical Gardens. The Tashkent Zoo measures 22.7 hectares which including its new aquatic zoo, houses some 349 individual species ( in total around 3000 animals).
Apart from its educational and entertainment purposes the Zoo serves as a station for research into the life and being of endangered animals, in case specifically the breeding of birds of prey - the white-headed griffon, black griffon and condor.
There are too many animals to give a most popular species, however in September 2009 Tashkent Zoo’s collection received exotic animals from Malaysia, among which there are very rare Malaysian bears. Apparently there are ties with some 46 other Zoos around the world and recently animals have been received from the Check Republic and Russia.
Adress / Location: The Tashkent Zoo can be found adjacent the Tashkent Botanical Gardens in the north-eastern suburbs of Tashkent. Gate is along Shariobod Street (Shahriobod Kochasi).
- Tashkent Botanical Gardens:
With a history dating back to the 1920s and mostly designed by Fedor Nikolaevich Rusano in the 1950s, the current Tashkent Botanical Garden covers some 66 hectares and is about three times the size of the adjacent Tashkent Zoo which joined it in 1994. The Gardens are an Institute attached to the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan but also a public garden museum where the general Uzbek public and traveling visitors can come enhance their knowledge of rare and exotic plants. Exhibitions at the gardens have special species from East Asia, North America, Central Asia, The Ukraine and Crimea but there is however much more to see and find within this extensive gardens. Unique in Central Asia, the botanical garden is an open air museum which is a national treasure. There are more than 4500 species, forms, varieties and breeds of trees, shrubs, half-shrubs, lianas, herbaceous plants.
Adress / Location: East and north adjacent the Tashkent Zoo in the north-eastern suburbs of Tashkent. Gate at Bogishamol Street ( Bogishamol Kochasi).
Opening Hours: 10 AM - 5 PM.
- Bunyodkor Stadium
- Jar Stadium
- NBU Stadium
- Pahtacor Stadium
- Start Stadium
FOR A FULL OVERVIEW AND LISTING OF ALL PARKSAND PARK BASED LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN TASHKENT CITY PROPER, CLICK THROUGH TO "PARKS OF TASHKENT CITY (Index)" >>>>
