Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, neighboured by Kazakhstan to the north, Afghanistan to the south, Tajikistan to the southeast and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Uzbek is the official language, the people are famously friendly and hospitable, and the country is home to magnificent mosques and mausoleums. Uzbekistan is best known for the ancient trade route linking China with the Mediterranean β several of its sites sit directly on the historic Silk Road.
Culture of Uzbekistan
Uzbek culture weaves together many ethnic groups: around 71% of the population is Uzbek, with Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, Tatar and Karakalpak minorities adding to the mix. The result is unique and colourful β on your tour, try to catch an Uzbek festival and experience the music, dance and art. Traditional arts and crafts are a centrepiece of the culture and a major draw for visitors.
Tashkent β The Capital
Tashkent, in the northeast of the country, is Uzbekistan's capital, its cultural centre and the largest city in Central Asia. One of Uzbekistan's oldest cities, it still preserves several ancient sites. The transport network is well developed, with minibuses the cheapest way to get around.
Places to visit in Tashkent
- Amir Timur Museum
- Tashkent Tower
- Minor Mosque and Dzhuma Mosque
- Navoi Theatre
- Barakhan Madrasah
- Mustaqillik Maydoni (Independence Square)
- Tashkent Botanical Garden and Ashkhabad Park
- Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin
- Museum of Victims of Political Repression
- Tashkentland and Mirzo Ulugbek Recreation Park
- Palace of Grand Duke Nicholas Constantinovich
- Ice City and Eko Park
Places to Visit in Uzbekistan
Samarkand
Samarkand, Uzbekistan's second-largest city, is famous for its mosques and mausoleums, with several sights inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. It is the country's most celebrated destination β the place to soak up Uzbek culture and sample dishes like dolma and hearty stews. Summers are hot and winters cold; April, May and June are the best months to visit.
Samarkand attractions
- Registan Square
- Gur-e-Amir mausoleum
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
- Afrasiyab ancient settlement
- Ulugh Beg Observatory
- Rukhobod Mausoleum and Daniel (Daniyar) Mausoleum
- Chorsu trading dome
- Khodzha Abdu-Derun Mausoleum
- Sadriddin Ayni House Museum
Bukhara
Bukhara was a major ancient centre of Islamic scholarship and culture and a great commercial hub on the Silk Road. Centuries-old mosques, shrines and madrasahs survive in remarkable numbers β more than 350 mosques, 140 architectural monuments and 100 religious colleges stand within the city.
Places to visit in Bukhara
- Ark of Bukhara fortress
- Samanid Mausoleum
- Po-i-Kalyan complex and the Kalyan Minaret
- Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum
- Bolo Haouz Mosque and Baland Mosque
- Chor Minor
- Ulugbek Madrasah and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah
- Magok-i-Attari Mosque
- Toqi Sarrofon Bazaar
- Samonids Recreation Park and Khoja-Gaukushan Madrasah
Khiva
Khiva is famous for its historic walled city, where shining turquoise minarets stop travellers in their tracks. Bounded by the Karakum Desert to the south, it is one of Uzbekistan's most beautiful cities and a treasury of ancient sites.
Khiva tourist attractions
- Kalta-Minor Minaret
- Tash Khovli (Tach Khaouli) Palace
- Kuhna Ark and the Kunya-Ark Citadel
- Juma Mosque
- Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah
- Horis Bobo Mausoleum
- The Zindan (old prison)
- Matniyaz Divanbegi and Kutlug-Murad Inak madrasahs
Urgench
Urgench, in western Uzbekistan, serves most travellers as the gateway to Khiva, but the small city has remarkable sights of its own and is easy to explore by taxi, shuttle bus or minibus. Its famous souvenirs include traditional clothing, embroidered accessories, jewellery, precious stones and metalwork.
Places to visit in Urgench
- Statue of Muhammad al-Khwarizmi
- Itchan Kala (the historic inner town, nearby in Khiva)