Why visit Tashkent in Uzbekistan?

When we talk about Uzbekistan, we quickly think of historic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva. Nevertheless, Tashkent has also remained engraved in my heart because it is a capital that offers a lot of activities and where you never get bored. From historical buildings and remains to large shopping complexes, beautiful museums, and the great Tashkent Bazaar, I recommend spending at least 4 days in Tashkent to fully enjoy what the city has to offer. Personally, I’ve been to Tashkent 4 times and always stayed at least 4 days, and I’ve only done a portion of the activities the city has to offer.

It’s important to know that Uzbek history is one of the richest in the world. From the Karakhanid era to the Khanate of Bukhara, through the rich history of the Timurids and the Mughals, the history of the Uzbeks and Uzbekistan is one of the richest in the world.

The Amir Timur Museum

The Timurid Empire is one of the greatest in history, and its influence in art, architecture, science, and literature is remarkable. Indeed, from Anatolia to South Asia, through Russia, one can see the influence of Timurid history and art everywhere. This empire gave birth to the Mughal Empire (descendants of Babur) who built the Taj Mahal. That is why visiting the Amir Timur Museum is a must. As an expert in Timurid history, this museum is perhaps one of my favorites in the world. It is a museum that spectacularly describes the Timurid dynasty. Moreover, the interior architecture is magnificent and reflects Uzbek/Timurid art.

I invite you to discover the Amir Timur Museum – a historical and artistic treasure of Uzbekistan. This museum allows you to dive into the fascinating world of one of the greatest conquerors in history by visiting the Amir Timur Museum, located in the heart of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This majestic museum is, in my opinion, a living work of art, a vibrant tribute to the legacy of Amir Timur and the entire Timurid dynasty. From the entrance, let yourself be amazed by the imposing dome adorned with refined Timurid motifs and the monumental chandelier that illuminates the interior with brilliance. Every corner of the museum is a testimony to the elegance and artistic craftsmanship of the era. The colorful wall frescoes, detailed mosaics, and historical paintings immerse you in the great epics of Amir Timur and show the grandeur of Timurid architecture. As a reminder, from present-day Türkiye (the Green Mosque) to Russia (the Saint Petersburg Mosque), one can see the influence of Timurid architecture.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, curious about culture, or simply in search of beauty, the Amir Timur Museum is an essential stop on your trip to Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan State Museum of Applied Art

This museum is so magnificent in terms of the art, tapestry, clothing, and paintings it offers. In 1997, the museum was handed over to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan and received the status of the “State Museum of Applied Art.”

At present time, priceless samples of applied art created by golden hands of masters from the first half of the 19th century to the present time are collected in the depository of the museum.

Hazrati Imam Complex

To continue with Uzbek architecture, a place that fascinated me is the Uzbekistan State Museum of Applied Art and the Hazrati Imam complex. It is an architectural monument dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, located in the Olmazor district. In my opinion, it is one of the most sacred and majestic jewels of Uzbekistan: the Hazrati Imam complex, located in the heart of Tashkent. This iconic historical and religious site is a true treasure of Islamic architecture and a place of peace and spirituality.

The Hazrati Imam complex includes several remarkable monuments, including the Hazrati Imam Mosque, the Barak Khan and Muyi Muborak madrasas, and the mausoleum of Kaffal Shashi, a revered scholar of the 10th century. Each building takes you through the centuries, into the heart of Islamic history in Central Asia. This place is full of architectural beauty and serenity with its sparkling turquoise domes and facades adorned with blue mosaics. In my opinion, the Hazrati Imam complex is an essential stop on your trip to Uzbekistan.

The name of the complex comes from Aboubakr Muhammad Kaffal Shashi, one of the most famous imams of Tashkent. He became famous as a great Muslim scholar who received excellent training in the madrasas of Tashkent and Baghdad, was a disciple of the great historian al-Tabari, and had formidable knowledge of the Quran and Hadiths, Islamic law, and lexicology.

Nevertheless, it is important to know that the city combines modernity and remnants of the past. Therefore, it is useful to explore its modern side. From the Tashkent TV Tower to Magic City, through Independence Square, Tashkent City, Seoul Mun, the metro stations… there are countless new constructions to see in Tashkent. For shopping lovers, Tashkent City Park offers a remarkable place and an endless number of stores.

This article will mainly focus on Magic City, City Park, and Seoul Mun. What I love about Tashkent is that you can find a wide variety of places that make you feel like you’re somewhere else. For example, in Seoul Mun, you feel like you’re in Seoul; in Tashkent City Park, you feel like you’re in Paris or New York; and in Magic City, you feel like you’re in Türkiye… Not forgetting that Tashkent has the most beautiful metro stations.
To begin, I invite you to dive into the unique atmosphere of Seoul Mun, an iconic district of Tashkent where modernity meets tradition in a magical setting. Inspired by Korean aesthetics and designed as a space for walking and relaxation, Seoul Mun has become one of the most popular places in the Uzbek capital. This shopping and dining center is built along a canal illuminated in the heart of the city. The nighttime lighting transforms the place into a true postcard setting. In my opinion, it’s an unmissable photo spot. With its luminous reflections on the water, elegant bridges, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Seoul Mun is the perfect place to capture unforgettable memories.

A place I love to go every time I’m in Tashkent is Magic City. Magic City is such a beautiful, clean, and magnificent place that you absolutely must visit. The place features a Disney-like palace near a lake, world-famous restaurants, shops, and reconstructions of world architecture like the Registan and London’s Big Ben.

Opened in 2021, spread over 21 hectares of a former Soviet park, Magic City in Tashkent is a fusion between a shopping center and a themed amusement park (European cities). It’s at sunset that the park attracts its crowd: a mix of young couples and families come to marvel at the grand spectacle of its musical and illuminated fountains and enjoy the terraces of restaurants and shops.

The streets of the park are made in the architectural styles of world cities – you can visit Paris, London, Istanbul, and others without buying a ticket, as entry is free!

Finally, I recommend ending your stay by visiting Besh Qozon. It’s important to know that Uzbek cuisine is one of the most delicious in the world. Uzbek plov is recognized worldwide and by UNESCO. No one can deny the flavor of Uzbek plov, so I truly recommend going there, as Besh Qozon is one of the most famous places in the city to try plov—perhaps even globally. The restaurant offers a culinary experience where you can see the pilaf being cooked in impressive cauldrons, and where you can taste different varieties of pilaf, as well as other dishes like samsa and achik-chuchuk salad.

There is still a lot to explain and see about Tashkent, but I will do it in a future article.