Uzbekistan is a bright and inspiring country of the East. A rich architectural heritage, a lot of historical monuments, colorful bazaars, generous nature, which is carefully protected in protected parks — this is all that anyone can see in Uzbekistan, even without having a solid budget. It is simply unrealistic to count all the interesting sights of Uzbekistan, but it is definitely worth visiting at least the main ones, which will be discussed further in this article.
What to see in Uzbekistan first of all
Uzbekistan is divided into several regions, each of which stores a lot of its unique attractions. But every tourist, as a rule, is faced with the need to “fit” all the memorable places in a limited time allotted for traveling and exploring the country, often even having to choose what to see in Uzbekistan in 1 day. It is to simplify the process of choosing and competently planning a future trip that this rating has been compiled.
1. Tashkent city
Panorama of the modern metropolis
Tashkent, the capital of the country, which is one of the five largest cities in the CIS in terms of population, begins the review. Among the tall modern buildings, historical buildings, ancient mosques are hidden here, and modern shopping centers alternate with traditional oriental bazaars and markets. It is worth noting that many of the old buildings were restored — in 1966, a powerful earthquake partially destroyed them, and the appearance of the renovated city has changed significantly since then.
Official website: https://tashkent.uz
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2. Tashkent TV Tower
View of the Tashkent Davide Mauro TV Tower
This structure is considered the tallest in all of Central Asia — the Tashkent TV tower is 375 meters high, and its long spire piercing the sky can be seen from anywhere in the city. At an altitude of about a hundred meters in the TV tower, you can visit the observation deck, and one level above there are restaurant halls where you can not only admire the panoramic views from the windows, but also have lunch. Guides in Uzbekistan willingly cover the history of the construction of the structure, guide visitors through the interior, including the museum, whose expositions reveal the role and place of the TV tower among other similar structures in the world.
Official website: https://www.tv-tower.uz
3. Amir Temur Square
Monument to Emir Timur on the background of the Palace of International Forums and Chimes
The square, which bears the name of the famous commander, was built at the end of the 19th century. Then it was a small park in the very center of Tashkent, at the intersection of two main city streets. It was only in 1994 that the Amir Temur monument was erected here, and the park was cleared and turned into a square with greenery and fountains. Today, the square is surrounded by such famous buildings as a hotel, a law institute, a museum in honor of Amir Temur, as well as the Palace of Forums, where many official ceremonies are held.
4. Chorsu Oriental Bazaar
The old colorful Chorsu bazaar with oriental sweets and spices by Eric Haglund
Guests have a lot to visit in Uzbekistan, once they find themselves in the central square of Tashkent — Eski Zhuva. Despite the modern look that this market has today, the history of the Chorsu market goes back centuries. About 2 millennia ago, an ancient settlement was founded in these parts, the center of which was traditionally a bazaar. Over time, a fair was formed, where an active exchange of goods began, merchants from different parts of Central Asia came here. For some time now, the bazaar has become the center of urban life, and to this day Chorsu, located at the intersection of 4 shopping streets, attracts visitors with fresh fragrant fruits, oriental sweets and colorful Uzbek souvenirs.
5. The city of Samarkand
Samarkand is a city of historical and cultural monuments of Asia David Stanley
The city of Samarkand is famous for its surprisingly long history — it is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded 8 centuries before the beginning of our era. Once this city was the most important point connecting East and West, and the Great Silk Road passed through Samarkand. Therefore, here, as nowhere else, a huge number of cultural and historical monuments have been preserved — such as mausoleums, museums, mosques, ruins of ancient settlements and much more.
Official website: https://www.samshahar.uz
6. Registan Square in Samarkand
Sher-Dor Madrasah on Registan Square in Samarkand
The best sights of Uzbekistan should certainly be complemented by another historical place — Registan Square, which has existed for more than 6 centuries. Some of the buildings that are located on the square have been preserved here in their original form since their construction. A complex of three madrasah schools, built in the Middle Ages, lined with mosaics in the traditional national style, deserves special attention. The square itself was paved with cobblestones and burnt bricks at the end of the 19th century.
Official website: https://www.centralasia-travel.com
7. Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand
Timur Cathedral Mosque in Samarkand
Another decoration of Samarkand is the Bibi Khanum Mosque, a sacred monument of the 15th century. It is believed that the mosque was erected by order of Khan Tamerlane, who returned from India with a triumphant victory. The great commander wanted to erect a lifetime monument testifying to his victories. In total, about 7 hundred people participated in the construction, including a huge number of craftsmen from other Asian countries. To this day, despite numerous earthquakes, the mosque has been able to preserve its original grandeur and beauty, this was facilitated by large-scale restoration work, which was carried out here for 35 years, starting in 1968.
Official website: https://www.centralasia-travel.com
8. Rukhabad Mausoleum in Samarkand
Memorial and religious building of the XIV century – Rukhabad mausoleum in Samarkand
Excursions in Uzbekistan do not ignore this building in Samarkand, because it is one of the first buildings of the city, built under Tamerlane. Its architecture and exterior design are austere — you will not find bright colors and traditional mosaics here. The mausoleum contains the relics of a famous saint in Islam, who spent his entire life in asceticism and constant pilgrimage. We are talking about Sheikh Burhanaddin Sagaraji, who for a while even acted as Tamerlane’s spiritual mentor. After the death of the saint, as a sign of high respect and honor, the khan ordered the construction of a mausoleum.
Official website: https://www.centralasia-travel.com
9. The city of Bukhara
The historical center of old Bukhara Euyasik
The following recommendations will apply to another ancient city founded 2.5 thousand years ago. Bukhara is a real museum city: whatever the structure in it is, it is a landmark, a real exhibit. Ancient mosques, citadels, mausoleums, madrassas, monuments — all this can be visited while walking around the city with abandon, because here every corner of the earth keeps its memory. Once upon a time, the Great Silk Road ran through Bukhara, which is being purposefully revived today.
10. Labi House in Bukhara
Artificial reservoir Lyabi House and Nodir Begi Madrasah in Bukhara Robert Wilson
And, of course, mentioning the best sights of Uzbekistan, it is impossible not to mention at least some of the sights of Bukhara. One of the main squares of the city, Lyabi House, is a real treasury of Bukhara – there is an entire architectural ensemble consisting of a mosque, a madrasah and a monument in honor of Khoja Nasreddin, a favorite character in oriental folklore. The square is surrounded by a wonderful clean pond with a fountain. It was the Labi House that became a favorite venue for various mass celebrations and official holidays in Bukhara.
11. Samanid Mausoleum (Bukhara)
The Samanid Mausoleum in the green city park of Bukhara
In the Samanid Park, on the territory of the ancient Bukhara cemetery, there is the Samanid Mausoleum — an ancient family tomb, another masterpiece of architecture created at the junction of the 9th and 10th centuries. Despite the fact that the facade and interior decoration of the building does not play with bright colors, the amazing tracery of the finish, which the builders managed to achieve using ordinary bricks, is impressive. An ancient Muslim cemetery was previously located on the territory of the tomb, and later a park with ponds was laid out here, which became a venue for mass celebrations.
12. Kalyan Minaret and Mosque in Bukhara
The courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque, part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara
When choosing where to go in Uzbekistan, traveling through Bukhara, it is definitely worth visiting Poi Kalyan – the main architectural complex that has become a symbol of Bukhara, which includes a minaret, a mosque and a madrasah. The Kalyan minaret, built in the 12th century from burnt brick, rises more than 46 meters, and its top is crowned by a conical lantern. The minaret is connected to the roof of the Kalyan Mosque by means of a bridge, from where, in turn, a spiral staircase leads up to the dome itself, where a stunning panoramic view opens. The mosque itself was rebuilt somewhat later than the minaret — in the 16th century, and to this day it is the main cathedral mosque of the city.
13. The city of Khiva
Khiva is an open–air museum city
Another city that was located on the Great Silk Road many centuries ago is ancient Khorezm, or Khiva, as it is called now. Khiva can be regarded as an open—air museum – it is not for nothing that it is included in the UNESCO list, because every building here is an ancient landmark. About 60 historical monuments, including the citadel, palaces, mosques, minarets and mausoleums, have been preserved in the old part of the city of Ichan-Kala, founded around the 5th century AD. Outside the old walled city, there is another ancient part — Dishan-Kala, where residential buildings and shopping malls were located.
14. Ichan-Kala Fortress in Khiva
The main gate of the Ichan-Kala fortress (inner city)
Now — in more detail about the citadel of Ichan-Kala, which, like nothing else, preserves the image of the ancient eastern city of Khiva. The conclusions of archaeologists suggest that Old Khiva, which existed already in the 5th century, served as a stop on the Great Silk Road. The old town, located within the walls of Ichan-Kala, covers an area of about 30 hectares and is surrounded by a massive wall of 6-8 meters. Ditches were dug on the outside of the walls, which were filled with water. There are also four gates in the fortress wall, reinforced with shock towers and complemented by observation galleries.
15. Ulugbek Observatory
Ulugbek Observatory and Museum on Kuhak Hill
The prehistory of the appearance of this landmark in Uzbekistan was the birth of the famous Tamerlane’s inquisitive grandson Ulugbek, who was drawn to knowledge from an early age. On one of the trips with his grandfather, the boy saw and visited the observatory for the first time, and since then he has been dreaming of creating his own. At a fairly young age, becoming the ruler of Samarkand, Ulugbek began to realize this dream, and by 1423 a famous observatory appeared in Samarkand. To this day, only one of its parts has survived from the observatory — a sextant with a radius of 40 meters, on which the height of the celestial bodies was measured.
16. Shahi Zinda Architectural Monument
The ensemble of mausoleums of the Samarkand nobility on the hills of the ancient city of Afrosiaba
Not far from the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand there is one of the most beautiful and colorful memorial complexes, cemetery street, Shahi Zinda necropolis. The history of this ensemble begins in the 11th century, when the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, Abbas, nicknamed Shahi-Zinda, which translates as the Living King, was buried on the southeastern slope of the settlement of Afrasiab. Today, as many as 14 mausoleums have survived, whose facades shimmer with inflorescences of blue-blue ornaments and painted domes. There are tombs of famous personalities, military figures, scientists and craftsmen who entered the glorious history of Samarkand.
17. Ark Citadel
The ancient walls of the Ark Citadel
One of the interesting places that can be attributed to the most ancient cultural monuments of Uzbekistan is located in Bukhara — this is the Ark fortress. According to the results of archaeological research, the age of this citadel has been determined — its foundation was laid between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the fortress served as a palace for the rulers of Bukhara. Throughout its long history, many creative and scientific minds have lived on the territory of the citadel, including Avicenna, Firdowsi and Omar Khayyam. Nowadays, the fortress has turned into a large museum, where several departments function — for example, the department of history, numismatics or the department of nature.
18. Gur-Emir (Tamerlane’s Mausoleum)
Tamerlane’s Mausoleum is a masterpiece of architecture in Central Asia
Like many famous monuments of Samarkand, the Gur-Emir mausoleum is associated with the name of the famous warrior Tamerlane. Many descendants and confidants of Amir Timur found their last refuge here. And the beginning of the construction of the tomb was associated with the sudden death of one of Tamerlane’s grandchildren, Muhammad Sultan. The family crypt of the Timurid dynasty is a large single-domed building, in the expressive design of which many great architects from all over Central Asia have left their mark. The artful wall painting, filigree blue-gold patterns, the combination of precious materials — all this once again reminds us how great people rest in these centuries-old walls.
Sights of Uzbekistan: what else to visit in Uzbekistan
The main sights of Uzbekistan were briefly listed above, but this is only a part of the memorable places whose glory has reached our days through the centuries. In addition to man-made monuments, there are many beautiful and amazing places created by nature itself on the territory of the country. Natural attractions of Uzbekistan photos with names and descriptions are given in the continuation of the review.
19. Charvak reservoir
Charvak reservoir is an artificial lake with crystal clear water
The Charvak reservoir would be a simple artificial reservoir if not for its emerald waters against the background of magnificent nature, so harmoniously framing the shores. The teeth of the Tien Shan Mountains flaunt in the background, and the total length of the reservoir’s coastline is almost a hundred kilometers. This contributed to the fact that with the advent of the reservoir, the resort infrastructure began to actively develop: the best hotels of Uzbekistan, summer camps, boarding houses and camp sites operate on the coast today, the entire coastal territory is divided into several large recreation areas.
20. Kyzylkum Desert
The sandy landscape of the Kyzylkum desert
The great desert of Asia, Kyzylkum, is located on Uzbek lands between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. In addition to Uzbekistan, Kyzylkum partially extends to the lands of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, occupying a total area of 300 square kilometers. Despite the lifelessness of the sandy massifs, dry land and a sharply continental climate, the flora and fauna are quite diverse, especially with the arrival of spring, when precipitation increases. Also, the lands of Kyzylkum have been partially developed by man — small oases are being created on the basis of artesian basins, gold ore deposits are being discovered, sheep farming is underway.
21. Ferghana Valley
Ferghana Valley among the Tien Shan mountain ranges
The Ferghana Valley is a real pearl of Uzbekistan with a rich and very picturesque nature. This is a fertile land full of water resources, various natural resources and oasis lands cultivated by sedentary farmers, and the majestic Tien Shan ridges surround this region along the perimeter. Even in ancient times, representatives of different civilizations lived in this blooming oasis, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds.
22. Chimgan Mountains
Chimgan Mountain Landscape
Chimgan Mountains are not only beautiful nature, picturesque slopes overgrown with relict thickets, valleys and gorges with the purest mountain rivers. It is also a popular tourist area where skiing, paragliding, and hiking thrive. Reviews indicate that a trip to the Chimgan mountains allows you to “reboot” and regain strength, having been nourished by an inexhaustible source of energy — nature itself. People come here not only on vacation, but also on weekends and holidays, and the large number of camp sites and hotels operating here always allows you to find a suitable place to stay and spend the night.
23. The cemetery of ships in Muynak
Fishing trawlers and boats rotting in the sun in Muynak
Muynak was once a real oasis city where fishing flourished, and the Aral Sea was one of the world’s largest salt lakes. Since the 60s of the last century, the sea has been regularly drained by man, in order to change the direction of rivers for irrigation of fields. As a result of this activity, the sea began to die, exposing the land with a lot of dust and toxic chemicals. The rusty remains of the ships are a landmark that clearly shows the sad consequences of the unreasonable treatment of the Aral Sea. The seaport that once stood on this site has turned into a graveyard of ships, to the ruins of which you can go down and walk along the former seabed.
24. The State Museum of Timurid History
The National Museum of Timurid History in the center of Tashkent Sigismund von Dobschütz
The State Museum of Timurid History is located in the very center of the main city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, the capital. Its collection contains more than 5 thousand exhibits from the reign of Amir Timur and the Timurid dynasty. The opening of the museum in 1996 was timed to celebrate the 660th anniversary of Timur’s birth, and the location was a playground next to the Amir Timur Square, surrounded by beautiful parks, government and educational institutions. The style of the building corresponds to the era to which it is dedicated – the round-shaped building is crowned by a huge blue dome, the walls are lined with mosaics in the national style. The interior is solemnly decorated and impresses with its pomposity, the second and third floors are completely devoted to the history of the famous dynasty. The interior of these halls is richly decorated with gold leaf, marble, oriental paintings and miniatures, frescoes depicting historical paintings adorn the walls. The exposition includes archaeological, numismatic and ethnographic materials, military ammunition, artful miniatures, paintings depicting Amir Timur performed by talented European masters.
25. Museum of the History of Uzbekistan
The Museum of the History of Uzbekistan with an original facade on Rashidov Avenue in Tashkent Stefan Munder
Exhibition gallery on the second floor of the Museum of the History of Uzbekistan in Tashkent Davide Mauro
The eventful history is reflected in numerous museums — these national attractions of Uzbekistan can be found even in the smallest towns of the country. What can we say about the capital – in Tashkent at the end of the 19th century, the National Museum of Turkestan was founded, which at the beginning of the last century was transformed into a Museum of History. The huge and original cubic building houses a large–scale composition that tells about the peculiarities of the historical development of the country through cultural objects – various tools, dishes and household items, jewelry, mirrors and much more. The ground floor houses the administration, a conference room and a cinema room. And the most interesting places can be seen on the 3rd and 4th floors – about ten thousand exhibits are on display here, and this is only a small part of the 250,000 collection in the funds. Among the most famous exhibits are a huge Saka cauldron of 4-5 centuries BC, a Buddha figure with 2 monks called the “Triad” of the 1st century AD, samples of ancient fabrics and ceramics, coins, historical photographs and documents.
Official website: https://www.history-museum.uz
26. Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tashkent
View of the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tashkent Or2008
Against the background of the blue domes and minarets familiar to Tashkent, the Gothic silhouette of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, uncharacteristic for Central Asia, stands out – this is the main Catholic cathedral of Uzbekistan, known among locals as the “Polish church”. It is worth saying that Christianity first began to spread in Central Asia in the first centuries A.D. due to the development of the Great Silk Road. Nevertheless, the first Catholic churches appeared only many centuries later – for example, the construction of this cathedral started in 1912, and prisoners of war were mainly involved in this process, among whom there were many specialists – architects, engineers, sculptors, etc. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a magnificent example of Neo–Gothic architecture. Its odious and gloomy facade is decorated with stained glass windows and spires, the interior is lined with granite and marble, and the furniture and doors are made of valuable wood. The main hall is decorated with a 2-meter statue of Jesus Christ and a musical organ.
Official website: https://www.uzinform.com
27. Assumption Cathedral in Tashkent
Fountain and green spaces on the territory of the Assumption Cathedral in Tashkent
The history of the Assumption Cathedral is unique in that it was once a small cemetery church, called the Temple of St. Panteleimon. In the middle of the last century, work began on the expansion of the temple. In the 30-40s of the last century, the temple was closed, and its premises were used for the needs of the hospital. After the end of World War II, the church was consecrated with the name of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and appointed the main Orthodox cathedral in the capital. In the 50s and 60s, the temple was almost rebuilt, the new premises could accommodate up to 4 thousand worshippers. After the collapse, the cathedral was thoroughly renovated and restored. Today, you can visit the territory of the cathedral by passing through a triple arch topped with a golden dome. The structures of the courtyard are striking in their splendor – they are all made in the same style according to the laws of classicism, white decor combined with blue facades give the composition airiness. The 5-tier openwork bell tower, reconstructed in the 20th century, deserves special attention.
Official website: https://pravoslavie.uz
28. Bolo House complex
The facade of the mosque with 20 columns and an artificial pond on Bukhara Square – Registan Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
(5684790316).jpg)_ For travelers to Uzbekistan, there is a good reason to take a burning tour with a visit to Bukhara. This city is famous for its many historical buildings, testifying to stormy historical events, among them the majestic Ark fortress occupies a special place. Another striking example of the architectural traditions of the East is the Bolo House mosque, built next to a water source. In general, the tradition of erecting artificial reservoirs, as well as mosques near them, appeared many centuries ago – there have always been problems with water in Central Asia. The beautiful architectural ensemble Bolo House has the status of a historical landmark of Bukhara. The luxurious and elegant building of the mosque stands on Registan Square, it is decorated with 20 columns of carved wood. Near the mosque, you can see a minaret erected several years after the mosque – this elegant structure was in a slightly tilted state for a long time before reconstruction, but later it was thoroughly strengthened and acquired a vertical appearance.
29. Khoja Donier Mausoleum
View of the mausoleum of Khoja Donier and the place (dome) of the origin of the sacred spring Bobyrr
A long dakhma inside the mausoleum of Khoja Donier, where the remains of the prophet Dan Lundberg are buried
The status of the most revered landmark of Samarkand has the Mausoleum of Khoja Donier, located in the settlement of Afrosiab. Thousands of pilgrims come to the tomb today, including not only Muslims, but also Jews and Christians. This is because Donier, in Orthodoxy, Daniel is a prophet, significant in these three world religions. Anyway, it is worth visiting this sacred place for everyone who comes to get acquainted with Samarkand – it hides a lot of amazing beliefs and preserves a blessed spirit. Daniel was endowed by God with the ability to see and understand dreams and visions, and some of those concerning the end of the world and the second coming of Christ were recorded by the prophet and carried by nations through the ages. One of the legends says that Amir Timur, making a pilgrimage to the place of the original burial of the saint, decided to transport part of his relics to Samarkand, and now it is here that the mausoleum is located. He conquers with his peace, and for many believers it is an ideal place where it is better to rest in peace and quiet, to find a state of grace.
30. Kukeldash Madrasah in Tashkent
An inner courtyard surrounded by two floors of hujras (cells) and a mosque in Kukeldash madrasah in Tashkent
During the Middle Ages, arid Central Asia was a real cultural oasis. Well-read, knowledge of the basics of art and theology were the most important abilities of men of that time. In those years, the functions of educational centers were performed by madrasahs – Muslim educational centers and, concurrently, theological seminaries, and now – historical and cultural attractions of Tashkent. Kukeldash is the largest institution of its kind, and today it is also a significant architectural monument in the center of the Uzbek capital. This “university” was founded in the 16th century by one of the people close to the Tashkent khans. This man had the nickname “kukeldash”, which means “khan’s foster brother” in Uzbek. Over the centuries of its existence, the madrasah has been both a fortress and a hotel, and has survived two strong earthquakes. Therefore, the building has been restored several times, and only modern restorers have been able to restore its original appearance – today the architecture and dimensions of the madrasah fully comply with the canons of medieval architecture. The desire to explore the world is increasingly attracting modern travelers to Uzbekistan. Today, almost everyone can afford it, even with a relatively modest budget. Uzbekistan belongs to the countries of the post-Soviet space, where tourism began to develop slowly but surely with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Bright sun, exotic cuisine, abundance of fruits and vegetables, oriental flavor, an unimaginable number of historical attractions — that’s what this fabulous sunny country of the East gives its guests.