Uzbekistan is a country in Central Asia that was once part of the Soviet Union. It is famous for its mosques, mausoleums, and historical sites along the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Samarkand, an important city on the route, is home to the Registan, a square surrounded by three beautiful religious schools from the 15th and 17th centuries. Other landmarks in Samarkand include Shah-i-Zinda, a street filled with decorated mausoleums, and Gur-e-Amir, the tomb of the founder of the Timurid Empire. Bukhara, another city along the Silk Road, has sites like the Ark, the ruins of a 5th-century royal compound that now houses museums, and the 16th-century Maghoki-Attar mosque. To the north and west are the Kyzylkum Desert, the shrinking Aral Sea, and the city of Khiva, which has a well-preserved old town with 18th- and 19th-century palaces and mosques.
Places to visit in Uzbekistan
Registan
Registan was the center of the ancient city of Samarkand during the Timurid Empire. The name “Registan” means “desert” in Persian. This public square was a place for people to gather, hear royal announcements, and witness executions. It is surrounded by three grand madrasahs with distinctive Islamic architecture.
Gur-e-Amir
Gur-e-Amir is the mausoleum of Timur (Tamerlane), the famous conqueror, located in Samarkand. This architectural site features a stunning blue dome and houses the tombs of Timur, his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah, his grandsons Ulugh Beg and Muhammad Sultan, and his teacher Sayyid Baraka.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Bibi-Khanym Mosque is one of Samarkand’s most important monuments. Built between 1399 and 1405 by Timur, it was once one of the largest and most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. The mosque’s design follows the typical features of medieval Muslim architecture.
Ark of Bukhara
The Ark of Bukhara is a large fortress in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, built in the 5th century. It served as both a military stronghold and the home of royal courts. Over the centuries, it became a town within the fortress walls, housing rulers and their courts.
Amir Timur Museum
Located in Tashkent, the Amir Timur Museum is dedicated to the Mongol leader Timur. The museum displays over 5,000 artifacts, including maps, weapons, coins, miniatures, rare manuscripts, pottery, and jewelry, highlighting the Timurid dynasty’s history.
Zindan
Zindan is an old prison in Bukhara, known as the Emir’s Prison. It was used to imprison people who couldn’t pay their debts and features an underground dungeon. Today, it serves as a museum telling the story of crime and punishment in historical Bukhara.
Chorsu Bazaar
Chorsu Bazaar is a traditional market located in the heart of Tashkent’s old town. Under its blue-domed building, visitors can find a wide variety of everyday goods for sale.
Kalyan Minaret
The Kalyan Minaret is part of the Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex in Bukhara. Built in 1127, this iconic minaret was designed by Bako and was used to call Muslims to prayer five times a day.
Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum
Located near the Samani Mausoleum in Bukhara, the Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum is linked to the legend of the prophet Job. According to the story, Job struck the ground with his staff to create a well, and the water from this well is still considered pure and healing.
Chor Minor
Chor Minor is a historic gatehouse in Bukhara that once served as part of a madrasa. It is now a protected cultural heritage site and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bukhara’s historic center. The structure is well-known for its unique design, featuring four minarets.
Best Time to visit Uzbekistan
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is from May to November, with the peak season being from April to June. The summer months of July and August are very hot and dry, while winter, from December to February, is cold and clear. Spring, from March to April, can bring some rain.
