Known in many countries of ancient Medieval, Afrasiab is a city consisted of the fortress, inner-city, and outskirt. The second half of this city is the architecture of the 19th and 20th centuries. This city is the home of some ancient buildings and grave of Saint Daniyar and is a must-visit destination on your Uzbekistan Tours.
Ancient Settlement of Afrasiab was founded in the VIII-VII centuries BC by Afrosiab, the ruler of Turan. He also has anthem the famous "Shakhnameh" which is the national Iranian "Book of Kings".
Afrasiab settlement is the settlement of the pre-Mongol period of ancient Samarkand. This settlement also has faced the wrath of many conquerors. Among the invaders, Ghenghis Khan, the great Mongol ruler has ordered to destroy the city in 1220. According to the scientists, Afrasiab was formerly named as Marakanda, the capital of Sogdiana, the oldest historical region in Central Asia.
Ancient Settlement of Afrasiab in Samarkand is located at the entry gate from the northeast side of Samarkand. It has been said that Afrasiab has an area of more than 200 hectares, and there were river cliffs at the south of Afrasiab. On its north, there were deep caves as per the scientists.
Ruins of Afrasiab Settlement in Samarkand shows the proof of Temples, ancient handicraft workshops, caravanserais, bathhouses, residential buildings, and bazaars of Afrasiyab.
The ancient pre-Mongolian figurines, ornaments, ceramic products, knives, unique frescoes were also found.
The base of the winter mosque is decorated and designed by wood carving, ganch, and Kyrma paintings. The guests to Afrasiab attend HazratHyzr, the beautiful mosque. In the summer mosque avian, there are slender wooden columns.
There is a strong citadel or a defensive wall that served as a defense to resist and protect the city during the attacks, is the main attraction on Samarkand Tours.
The architecture of Afrasiab is one of the major Samarkand Attractionswhile there is Darvazahana or summer mosque, a square room in which a steep ramp can be climbed to reach its elegant ribbed dome.
There is the Afrasiab Museum that has the collection of archaeological things that were found in the ruin of this city that you must visit on your Uzbekistan Tours.
Khanaka, a square-shaped building also known as the winter mosque, is located in the north-western part of Afrasiab.
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There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry