At over 2,200 years old, Tashkent is one of the oldest cities in
Central Asia. In this time it has been an important point along the
Silk Road from China to Europe, occupied by the Persian Empire and
the Mongols, annexed by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union,
and is today the capital and most cosmopolitan city in
Uzbekistan.
It's no wonder that with its diverse past, Tashkent has a bit of
a split personality; gleaming shopping malls are located a
stone's-throw away from noisy bazaars and farmers markets, and
broad avenues lined with office buildings contrast with mud-walled
houses in the Old Town.
Unfortunately, most of the ancient city of Chach (the name
Tashkent was founded under) was destroyed in the 1966 earthquake,
and most of its remaining architecture is dreary Soviet-style
blocks rather than traditional architecture. However, there are a
few exceptions, including the Palace of Prince Romanov and the Amir
Temur Museum. These buildings are broken up by a number of pretty
green parks and gardens.
Tashkent isn't known as a popular holiday destination, most
travellers come on business or simply in transit; however the city
is constantly evolving, and travellers are starting to wake up to
its good restaurants, lively nightlife, and excellent
transportation system.
Once it is time to move on, however, travellers can head to
Ugam-Chatkal National Park, a stunning location situated close to
Tashkent, which offers activities like hiking, river rafting, and
skiing.