The Republic of Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. This land was once part of the Soviet Union and shares borders with countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. This Central Asian country with a rich history and culture spanning thousands of years has produced interesting places that we will learn about right away.
1. Bukhara
The former capital of Uzbekistan, Bukhara, with a history of over 2,000 years, is listed as a UNESCO heritage city and was once a bustling trading post on the Silk Road. It is these features that make Bukhara special. Despite having gone through two wars by Genghis Khan in the 13th century and the Soviet Union in the 20th century, many of its impressive structures have remained intact. The city's notable attractions include the 5th-century Ark fortress, the oldest Central Asian academy, the Ulugbek Madrasha (named after the famous ruler and astronomer), the Kalon Minaret, and the picturesque Lyabi-Hauz square with a lake over 400 years old.
2. Kyzylkum Desert
A trip to the Kyzyklum desert and a night in a tent is one of the most worthwhile experiences. For those who spend most of their time in busy and bustling cities, sitting on top of a sand dune and watching the sunset in silence is truly a wonderful thing. No phones, no wifi, just relax and enjoy this beautiful landscape over a meal with traditional music. Once it gets dark, you can even see the brilliant Milky Way because there is no light pollution here. Those who have experienced this moment feel completely immersed.
3. Nuratau Mountains
Visitors can visit a small village in the Nuratau Mountains called Hayat and stay at a local family home. Here, you will learn how to make bread using local recipes and bake it in traditional Tandir ovens. Then, under the guidance of a guide, you will travel through the biospheres of the majestic Nuratau Mountains. In the afternoon, walk around the village to meet the locals and learn more about their culture.
As night fell, we returned to the warm dining room to enjoy a local dish calledMosh Kichiri, is considered asrisottoUzbek version, made with rice, beans, vegetables, beef and served with tandir bread, salad and of course local vodka.
4. Samarkand
Samarkand is a city that will surprise you with the large number of tourists who flock here to visit. Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir or Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Sha-i-Zinda - these are just some of the many impressive places here.
Registan Square is perhaps the most iconic landmark in the entire country of Uzbekistan. It is a legacy of the Timur dynasty, the famous king who transformed Samarkand into a bustling capital during his reign. To the west of this huge square is an impressive domed building called the Ulugbek Madrasah (named after a famous theologian) and was completed in 1420. It is considered the first and oldest school in Uzbekistan, specializing in Islamic education.
5. Tashkent Metro Station
The capital of Uzbekistan since 1930, Tashkent is a surprising place to visit. While it may seem like a dreary city, Tashkent is actually a bustling metropolis. It is filled with impressive architecture, manicured parks, modern restaurants, markets and, most importantly, friendly people. Explore the Chorsu market, sample local sweets and nuts, admire the colourful vegetables and watch bakers pull fresh loaves of bread from their tandir ovens. Lunch is also available at the market’s food court, which serves local delicacies such as kebabs, soups and pilaf, a rice dish made by cooking rice in gravy.
Another highlight of the trip was a stroll through the metro stations and a stop at the Kukeldash Madrasa, a stunning building that houses some of the oldest copies of the Quran in the world.
