Cities

Tashkent Tashkent, capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is one of the largest cities of Central Asia. It is more than 2000 years old. During its ancient history Tashkent has changed it’s name several times: Shah, Jaj, Chachkent, Binkent. Archeological excavations have revealed that present-day Tashkent was the site of an ancient town which existed as a developed commercial and cultural centre of the East. Here Eastern and Western Traditions and customs have merged into a single whole; the unique monuments of Medieval Eastern architecture, the Kukeldash and Barak-Khan Madrassas erected in the 16th century, have been preserved to this day. Tashkent architectural appearance is distinguished by the national local color on one hand and with the fact that modern buildings are in harmony with medieval monuments on the other. (3 pictures)

Samarkand The Mirror of the world, the Garden of Universe, the Pearl of the East, the Jewel of Islam – Samarkand has never lacked breathless admirers. Although being conquered by the troops of Alexander the Great and chengiz Khan, the city has survived and has seen the periods of prosperity and desolation. It has reached its most glory during the reign of Tamerlane who cherished the dream to make his capital the most beautiful city in the world. The fluted domes and sky-blue mosaic of buildings and magnificent minarets built by Tamerlane excite the traveler even today. The huge tiled dome of Gur-Emir Mausoleum of Timurids can be seen from all parts of the town. The Registan, central square of ancient Samarkand, is surrounded on three sides by magnificent buildings: the Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tillya-Kari Madrassas. The tombs of the Shohi-Zinda Complex, which was built around the grave of Saint Kussam ibn-Abbas, stretches along the southern slopes of the town. The medieval architecture of Samarkand impresses the inquisitive traveler with its perfect forms and harmony of colors. The guests of ancient city can have an opportunity to see masterpieces of architecture and visit the world famous Oriental Markets. The glorious Samarkand gives you a chance to feel the beat of the history.

Bukhara “Blessed”, “Holy”, “Heavenly” Bukhara is the only city in Central Asia where the flavor of the East has been preserved intact. It is a town-museum with about 140 architectural monuments dating back to the Middle Ages where culture, science and art have flourished throughout the centuries. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum (picture) is a masterpiece of classical Eastern architecture of 9-10th centuries. It was built of light-golden colored bricks faced so skillfully that the ornament design seems to alter several times during the day as the light changes. During the sunset the walls of mausoleum appear like a weightless lace. The Poi-Kalyan ensemble (picture) (12-16th c.) crowns the centre of ancient Bukhara. It is 50 meter-tall minaret, decorated with unique patterns that towers over the city in all its grandeur and splendor. Light-blue domes of Chor-Minor and the Ark Fortress can be seen afar. The ancient monuments preserved in Central Asia from 15th c. to this day are the Ulugbek and Kukeldash Madrassas. (Pictures) Bukhara is homeland of legendary “humorous wise man” Khodja Nasreddin. It is famous for old grafts, especially for golden embroidery and silk weaving.

Khiva Khiva is a city from a fairy-tale. The capital of the Khiva Khanate in the 17th century, it has still retained the exotic flavor of a medieval Oriental town. The old part of the city is Ichan-Kala, where all the monuments of architecture are located. Among them are the Kunya-Ark fortress, the Tash-Khauli Palace, and fortified hill – Akshish-bobo, which is the best place to have a glace over the whole city (picture). Today Khiva is a museum-city. It is hard to enumerate all the historic sites of Khiva. There are palaces decorated with colorful mosaic, the adobe houses, and many medressah, mosques and minarets, such as the tall and beautiful Islam-Khoja minaret (picture). Khiva has always been famous for its wood-carving. Doors and columns pf palaces are covered by very beautiful pattern. While walking along the paved streets of Ichan-kala, it’s hard to believe that modern city hums with life just a few feet away.

Ferghana Valley Ferghana Valley is surrounded by mountains Tien-Shan to the North and Alay to the South. It is big blossoming oasis with the most fertile soil and moderate climate of Central Asia. That’s why Ferghana valley is called “The Golden Valley” Ferghana is one of the most ancient centers of civilization. Because of warm climate people started to tolling the land here as far as 5-6 thousand year B.C. Greeks who conquered Central Asia, seeing the green gardens of the oasis, called it “the garden of Eden”. (2 pictures of oasis)

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