The Zengi-Ata Architectural Complex is situated at Zengi-Ata a small town near Tashkent City. The Zengi-Ata architectural complex constitutes a huge historical and artistic value. The ensemble was built on the location near to the place where Sheikh Aj-Hodzha was buried, it was named after him Zengi-Ata which means “black." He survived from the ending of 12th up to the first half of the 13th century. Sheikh Aj-Hodzha was the fifth disciple of Sufi Saint Hodzha Ahmad Jassavi, who was a prominent spiritual leader of the Turkic tribes of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
According to the legend, the construction of the ensemble was started by Amir Temur also known as Temur Lang. Two mausoleums were constructed for the Saint Zengi-Ata and his wife Ambar-Bibi by Amir Temur.
There are three territories which are: number one a complex constructed in the 14-19 century. Second is an extended garden. Third, the mosque, minaret, madrasah, and the mausoleum of Ambar-Bibi. Darvazakhana is the entrance to the ensemble, with a portal-dome construction with turrets on the corners. Darvaza (entrance) is just 6x7m and the inside premises is blocked by an arch "balkhi," with the height of the building is 3.3 meters. The straight line connecting to the portal arch is 4.16 meters with its height of 6.58 meters. The path from the gate up to the entrance to the second courtyard is 22 meters in length, next to Darvazakhana (entrance) which is the entrance to the main complex.
There is a big hauz in the south of the entrance path. The grand and imposing entrance to the Zengi-Ata mausoleum takes to the south corner of the courtyard and it's built on the boundaries of the cemetery. The khudjra's have been filled in a great quantity in and around the boundary.
In the year 1914 to 1915, the original minaret (tower) was built in front of the mosque, adjoining the old cemetery with the historical complex from the south direction with entrance to the mausoleum of Ambar-Bibi.
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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