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Uzbekistan Photo Album

Uzbekistan has well preserved relics from the time when Central Asia was a center of empire, learning, and trade. Cities of modern Uzbekistan including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz and Tashkent live on in the imagination of the West as symbols of oriental beauty and mystery.

Ancient cities of Uzbekistan were located on the ancient Silk Road, the trading route between China and the West. The route took its name from silk, the commodity most in demand in Europe from China during the Roman period. Some of the most influential and savage conquerors came and ruled these lands. Alexander the Great set up at least 8 cities in Central Asia between 334 - 323 BC before the caravans began traveling through the Silk Road after around 138 BC China opened its border to trade. Between 484 - 1150 Huns and Turks came from the west and brought with them a new religion of Islam. Many mosques and madrassas were built in Uzbekistan cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva during this period, including remaining structures of the Samanids. Most of the cities were destroyed during the invasion of the Genghis Khan in 1220. His descendant Temur, known also as Tamerlane, resurrected once famous cities by using the labor of slaves and artists captured during successful crusades. Temur conquered Persia, captured Baghdad, and lead expeditions to Anatolia and India. Most of the architecture that is found in Samarkand was build by Temur and his grandson Ulugbek.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

One of the oldest cities of Uzbekistan and in the world is Samarkand, established during the middle of the first century BC under the name Marakanda and later known as Afrosiab. It was the capital of the powerful state Sogd, the center of Emir Temur's great empire. The numerous monuments of Samarkand and its suburbs impress tourist with their beauty and splendor. The refined architectural shapes, intricate ornamentation, mosaics, blue-tile domes and facades are interesting for all who visit theses beautiful buildings.
The majestic Registan square consists of three madrassas namely the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari Madrassas. Other places of interest are the Shahi-Zinda necropolis - the most remarkable monument in Samarkand and the Guri-Emir mausoleum - the grave of Temur, his sons and grandsons. The history of the city is connected with the names of outstanding writers, scientists and artists from the East. Read more.

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

The settlement of Bukhara in Uzbekistan dates back to the 8th century when it was for 200 years the center of an expanding Islamic kingdom and prospered as a trade and intellectual center for Central Asia. During the Mongol invasion, It was destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219. Subsequently it was ruled by a succession of regional powers, including descendants of Genghis Khan, Turks, and Uzbeks. Once one of Islam's most sacred cities, Bukhara contains many examples of fine Islamic architecture. These include the Kalyan minaret, 47 meters high. It was known as the "tower of death", because during the emir's time criminals were tied up in sacks and thrown from the top. Also, it was one of the few buildings to survive the rule of Genghis Khan, himself so impressed that the chose not to destroy it. The stunning Samanid emperors' mausoleum, one of the world's oldest monuments was found under meters of sand in the 1030's. Read more.

Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva is known as a museum city under the open sky. It existed as a town for about 900 years, but developed into the settlement seen today only in the 19th century, when it was the last oasis on the northern Russian slave trade rout. Important spiritual and cultural values came form the large scientific centers of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine that existed in this area centuries ago. One can wander through the narrow streets of Khiva, peeking into the small courtyards through the wooden carved doors. The life inside the gardens assures the visitor that it is not just a museum, but also a living city. Historical monuments include Kunya Ark or "old citadel", the beautiful Kalta Minor minaret and the extraordinary Tash Khauli or "stone" palace, built in the 1830's by ruling khans. Read more.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Although Tashkent was probably first settled around the 1st century BC, written records date the city to its Arab occupation in the 8th century AD. The 13th-century defeat to Genghis Khan and his Mongolian forces threw Tashkent into an era of turmoil. The Mongols lost the city in the 14th century when the Temurids Empire seized control. The Temurids Empire ruled Tashkent until the late 15th century, when the Sheibanids swept through the region. Today, Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan. Read more.

Useful links:

- Government of Uzbekistan - official information from the government of Uzbekistanincluding economy, history, and natural resources.
- CIA - Uzbekistan - information from the Central Intelligence Agency on Uzbekistan including geography, government, economy, telecommunications, and transportation.
- Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington DC - contains general information on Uzbekistan including consular and contracts of the embassy.
- Uzbek Dance and Culture Society - explore the wonderful world of Uzbek dance, costuming and culture.