Known as the main economic and cultural centre of Central Asia, Tashkent History tells a lot of facts the reason of becoming the capital of Uzbekistan. Located on the Great Silk Road from China to Europe, Tashkent is one of the ancient cities and located in the north-east of Uzbekistan close to the border with Kazakhstan.
Tashkent was the largest city of the former USSR, and was the 4th largest city in the administrative borders at the time of USSR.
Early History : According to Tashkent History, Tashkent was settled by ancient people as an oasis or fertile area in desert, near the Chirchik River, in the second century BC. According to some scholars, Tashkent means Stone City as there was a stone tower on the Silk Road in ancient times.
History as Chach : As per the scholars of China, Tashkent was called Yuni whereas; in the inscription of the Persian king Shapur I the Tashkent was called as Chach. In Arabs, it is called as Shash or Shi as per sources from China.
Islamic History : During the mid-seventh century, the Sasanian, the Persian Empire collapsed which results, Persia was conquered by the Arab Muslim. In Samanid dynasty, Saman Khuda, a Persian Zoroastrian converted into Islam and the city is known as Binkath. After the mispronunciation of Chach by Arabs, the name changed from Chashkand to Tashkand.
Mongol Conquest and Aftermath : According to the History of Tashkent, during 1219, the city was destroyed by Genghis Khan and lost the population because of Mongols destruction in 1220. But, under the Timurid and Shaybanid dynasty, Tashkent's population and culture gradually improved and becomes a prominent strategic centre of scholars, commerce and trade.
Kokand khanate : In 1809, Tashkent was the richest city in Central Asia and adds to Khanate of Kokand which was an Uzbek state in Fergana valley.
Tsarist Period : Technically, the Tsarist colonial Period starts when Mikhail Grigorievich Chernyayev, a Russian General, attacked Tashkent city wall with 11 gates and 30,000 defenders, in May 1865, by the order of Russian Tsar Alexander II. As a result, Russia won and Tashkent became the capital of the new territory of Russian Turkistan. This period was marked as a darkest period in Tashkent History.
Effect of The Russian Revolution : After the fall of the Russian Tsar system, Russian Government General removed all civil restrictions. Tashkent became the capital of the Turkestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in April 1918. But due to revolution by Turkestan Revolution Organization, the provisional Government of Russia ordered purge from Moscow. As Tashkent falls within the borders of Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, Tashkent became the capital replacing Samarkand.
Soviet Period : In Soviet period, there are lot of things has happened such as, Tasahkent pact, death of Indian Prime Minister, earhquake on 26 April 1966. Tashkent was rebuilt with wide streets planted with shade trees, parks, immense plazas for parades, fountains, monuments, and acres of apartment blocks by 1970s. Tashkent was the fourth-largest city in USSR and learning fields of science and engineering during the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991.
Capital of Uzbekistan : From 1991, Tashkent has changed economically, culturally, and architecturally. The largest statue of Lenin was replaced with a globe, with geographic map of Uzbekistan. Soviet era buildings are replaced with new modern buildings. In "Downtown Tashkent" district there is a 22-story NBU Bank building, international hotels, the International Business Center, and the Plaza Building. Tashkent was named as "cultural capital of the Islamic world" in 2007.
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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