Sights of Tashkent

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Historical and Archaeological Monuments of Tashkent

Mustaqillik (Independence) Square
This is the main square of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a symbol of the independence of the people. The buildings of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Senate are located here. The square's entrance is decorated by the Ark. The road under it leads to the square where the Monument of Independence and Humanism (consisting of two statues: the "Independence" and the "Happy Mother") is located.

The Independence Monument (1991)
This monument signifies the sovereignty of Uzbekistan, represented by the gold color globe with the state outlines. While it does not show its real geographical location, it symbolizes the aspiration of the young state to join the world community and be recognized by many countries.



Amir Temur Monument
The monument of Amir Temur is an important landmark in Tashkent, a symbol of independence. It is located just in the center of the capital city, under the green-leaved branches of Amir Temur Square. Amir Temur is sitting on his horse, clad in battle garments, his steed in his left hand, his right hand stretched over the people meeting him, proudly wearing a crown as if only just returning from a victorious battle, to announce the coming of peace and tranquility.



The Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
The theater was constructed in 1947 by architect Schusev A.V. One year later it was named after poet Alisher Navoi. The Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre is truly unique in its architecture and interior design. The interior is beautifully decorated with marble carvings. Theatrical Square, with a splendid fountain adjoining the theater, is a favorite place for residents and guests of the capital.



The Tashkent Television Tower
Built and put into operation in 1985, the Tashkent Television Broadcasting Center is the highest construction in Central Asia. At 375 meters, the Tashkent TV Tower is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. It is the ninth tallest tower in the world and the second in the Commonwealth of Independent States after the Ostankino Tower in Moscow. Diners can have dinner in the tower's rotating restaurant, which sits 110 meters in the air, and look out over Tashkent.



The Japanese Garden in Tashkent
The Japanese stone garden near the Uzexpocentre is a real “piece of Japan,” created by Japanese artists. The garden is surrounded by beautiful old trees. The bank of the nearby lake has been restored and planted with Sakura trees, the sacred tree of Japan, which blossoms here in spring. Visitors can take boat trips from a Japanese-style pier. A Japanese style teahouse is located in the center of the garden, which is an elegant combination of the beauty nature has to offer.The Japanese Garden in Tashkent

Zenghi-Ata Complex
Near Tashkent, the ensemble was built on the burial place of an Ay-Hoja sheikh nicknamed Zenghi-Ata (which means “black”) who lived around the 12th or 13th century. The ensemble consists of a big garden, a complex of buildings from the 14th to 19th centuries (including a mosque, madrassa, minaret), and mausoleum.

SheiKhantaur Complex
Yellow color bricks were used for construction of the museum in honor of Sheikh Khavendi Tahur who died in 1355. It is assumed that it was constructed in the first part of the 19th century during the reign of the Kokand Khans.



Khazret-Imam Ensemble
The mausoleum pictured here—built in the 14th century over the grave of respected clergyman and popular scientist, Khazret (full name is Abu-Bakr Mukhammad Kaffal-Shash)—is a part of the Khazret Imam Ensemble. Because Khazreti's grave has historically been a sacred place, the surrounding area in the Sibzar part of the old city received a name of Khazret-Imam. The monument is of great historical and artistic value.




Juma Mosque of Khoja Ahror Vali
This is the third largest cathedral mosque in Uzbekistan surpassed only by two structures of this kind – the Bibi Khanim Mosque in Samarkand and the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara. The Juma Mosque forms the basis of the Registan Ensemble located in the area of Chorsu Square. Construction of the mosque is delivered to the 15-18th and the end of the 19th centuries. The main Juma Mosque of Tashkent has been completely rebuilt, and now not one but three domes crown the old city hall.
 


Madrassa Kukeldash
Madrassa Kukeldash — one of Central Asian largest and still preserved madrassas dated by the 16th century is stately located on the highland close to the Chorsu Square. Madrassa has a traditional composition: a vast inner yard built up with hujras; darskhona and mosque are located in the corners. At the end of the 18th century the mosque was used as a caravansary, in 1860 it serviced as a fortress for the Kokand Khans. The monument has been restored for future generations.
 


The Abdulkasim Madrassa
This monument was erected in honor of the great thinker of past times, Khan Abdulkasim. The madrassa is located in the south part of old Tashkent, not far from the Beshagach former gates, and reminds visitors about the grandeur and beauty of Tashkent's ancient architecture. According to the archaeological research, historical documents, and legends “the first stone” of the Abdulkasim Madrassa was laid at the beginning of the 19th century. In ethnographical materials of 1908, this monument was described by N. Ostroumov as a place of honor, popular far beyond Tashkent.
 


Khavendi Takhur Sheikh Mausoleum
It was founded at in the 14th or 15th century and its above-ground part was constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries on the old foundation, keeping the basic architectural forms. Light-yellow color bricks were used for construction of the mausoleum.


 
The Yunus Khan Mausoleum
One of the ancient and few monuments in Tashkent of the Temurid epoch, this mausoleum was constructed after the death of the Tashkent ruler Yunus Khan, the descendant of Ghengis Khan (1415—1487). The mausoleum of Yunus Khan—a poet and writer, and grandfather of great Babur—was built at the end of the 15th century. The building was restored many times and much changed in the course of time.


The Roman-Catholic Church (1902)
It stands out against the metropolitan background of the city, both with its scope and the architecture. A Catholic Cathedral, commonly called “The Polish Church,” whose construction was stopped during the Soviet era. The Cathedral, even as an unfinished construction, impressed onlookers. It was only after independence that many believers returned to their traditional religion. The beautiful stained-glass windows are similar to those of the Krakow Castle, and windows depict local themes. The renovated church is now the new spiritual center for people from Tashkent and guests of the republic. Masses are read in three languages: English, Russian, and Korean. People can also enjoy wonderful organ concerts on the weekends.