The big city with a long history will impress the guests with its inimitable modern appearance. As scientists suppose, the old city is aged over two thousand years. Throughout its history, Tashkent was renamed many times. Since ancient times, it had been an important trade center. Exactly the caravan routes running through the city contributed much to its rapid development and growth. Due to the advantageous location of the city, it attracted the attention of foreign conquerors.
Until the middle of the last century, there had been many beautiful old constructions in Tashkent. For the last 50 years, the city has changed significantly. Due to the strong earthquake in 1966, almost the entire territory of the city lay in ruins. Most of the preserved historical constructions are located near the old market of Chorsu. This district did not almost suffer from the devastating disaster.
Despite the fact that most of the historic buildings were destroyed by the earthquake, there are several preserved interesting excursion objects in Tashkent. Fans of sightseeing tours can diversify their recreation with visiting interesting museums. Also, many amazing cultural events are held in the city. Tashkent is perfect for those who have long wanted to acquaint with the culture and traditions of Uzbekistan. Here, you can find everything you need for wonderful recreation: lovely national restaurants, the largest markets in the country, unique historical attractions, old gift shops, and the dynamic and lively rhythm of life typical for modern cities.
Those who like unusual excursions should certainly go sightseeing in Tashkent. The popular site here is the Tashkent Underground that started to be built in the 70s of the last century. Today, some underground stations impress with their spectacular artistic design. At every station, you can see special decorative masterpieces. Big chandeliers in the medieval style, paintings on the walls and the ceiling, unusual benches, and memorable monuments - the “excursions” around the underground may be really exciting.
The important religious monument is the Complex of Hazret Imam built for one of the most respected preachers of Uzbekistan. Today, this big architectural complex includes a cathedral mosque, several tekkes, and a luxurious shrine. The complex also includes the monuments of different periods, the earliest of which were constructed in the 16th century.
Among the Orthodox religious temples, the Cathedral of the Assumption built in 1878 is worth being mentioned. In 1933, the church was closed. Despite its complicated history, the church has not been destroyed. After its last reconstruction, its bell tower was restored completely. Today, there is the beautiful landscape garden near the historical cathedral.
The unique monument in the neo-Gothic style is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Its construction started in 1912 and suspended after the Revolution of 1917. The religious monument had been unfinished until the 80s of the last century. It was officially recognized as a religious monument not so long ago. The cathedral was reconstructed and became Catholic.
The interesting culture center that is famous beyond Tashkent is the Museum of Applied Arts of Uzbekistan. Its collection started to be formed in 1927 when the first exhibition showing the famous masters’ works was organized. The museum collection was expanded fast and it required a separate building. The museum occupied the present building in 1937. Today, its visitors can admire beautiful hand-made carpets, jewels national costumes, and different craft items. In the museum, themed events dedicated to the national culture and traditions are often held.