Mesmerising, Magnificent, Magestic
Uzbekistan has got to be on every true traveller’s bucket list. Not only is it home to The Ancient Silk Route, but it is a country encapsulated with empowering history, rigorous empires, affluent leaders, and most importantly, Imaam Al-Bukhari.
Let us not forget the architecture. Oh, the architecture. I felt like I was on the sets of Aladdin, awaiting my magical carpet! The country is an absolute gem. A blessing. A hidden treasure..almost untouched by tourism. It will erupt in the next 5 years. Mark my words.
Tashkent
Tashkent is a city to explore in one day! It is an up and coming cultural hub, with buzzing bazaars, a vibrantly modern square, and exquisite food.
Key Highlights:
- Minor Mosque
- Kuleldash Madrasah and Dzhuma Mosque
- Chorsu Bazaar – local bazaar
- Hazrat Imaam complex – grand architecture
- Library of oriental manuscripts – Uthman (RA)’s Quran (one of the first ever copies) is encased here.
- Metro – beautiful interior and domed ceilings!
Samarkand
Samarkand is simply stunning. It played a major role in The Silk Route for over 2000 years. It’s embedded with magnificent buildings, which sparkle after sunset. The glorious architecture leaves you bewildered, and it’s abound with remnants of the Timurid dynasty.
Key Highlights:
- Ulugh Begh Observatory – Ulugh Beg was Amir Timur’s grandson. This was the first tower used for astronomy without any instruments. Created 200 years before telescopes existed and destroyed when Beg was beheaded.
- Registan Square (pay for entering Registan, open 8am-7pm daily) – main area Muslims were in during Timurid renaissance for royal proclomations and executions. The square is surrounded by three madrasahs from different times.
- Tilya Kori Madrasah and mosque (in centre of square)
- Ulugh Beg madrash (on left of square)
- Sher dor madrasah (on the right) – evening performances with shashmaqam music.
- Imaam Al-Bukhari’s burial site – 30km from Samarkand in Hartang
- Bibi Khanum Mosque – one of the biggest mosques. It can hold 10,000 worshippers, and it was affected by an earthquake. There’s a large marble Quran in the courtyard.
- Gur Emir Complex – Amir Timur and family buried here
- Imaam Al-Maturidi Complex – Abu Mansur Al-Mutiridi was a theologian, scientist and founder of qalam and fiqh
- Shahi Zinda complex – Quthum ibn Abaas, the Prophet (saw)’s cousin lived there, spread Islam and died there
- Tomb of Prophet Daniel (claimed but not 100% verified as the exact burial location remains unknown)
- Siyob Bazaar (5am-7pm, closed on Mon)
Bukhara
My favourite city during this trip. There was an indescribable warmth, hospitality and authenticity about it. Perhaps because this is the city where Imaam Al-Bukhari was born…
Key Highlights:
- Chor minor – 4 minarets (different world religion is reflected in each one)
- Large trading domes – have existed since the days of the Silk Road.
- These are called: Toqi Sarrofon Bazaar, Toqi Telpak Furushon Bazaar, Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome, and Toqi Zargaron. These are the four trading domes that are still standing to this day.
- Bukhara is known for shopping and it’s much cheaper than Samarkand!
- The Ark of Bukhara – Most of the fortress is now in ruins, but before it was bombed it housed essentially an entire city within its walls. It was home to the emirs of Bukhara and included a jail, workshops, mosques, an armory, and more.
- Hauz Mosque
- Kalyan Mosque
- Kalyan Minaret – Genghis Khan spared it because of its beauty, also known as tower of death as criminals were pushed from it. It is lit up at night, and it looks pretty.
- Miri Arab Madrasah – future religious leaders are studying here.
- Kolkhoznyy Rynok – local market
Khiva
This ancient city marks the end of The Silk Route in Central Asia before it leads into Europe. It was also, unfortunately, a massive hub for the slave trade.
Nonetheless, its unique character is honestly one of a kind. Take a 6.5h sleeper train from Bukhara to Khiva and experience this oasis. As the former Soviet train rattles across the desert, you’ll be in for a spectacle as you glance out of the window into a star-studded night.
One thing etched in my memory is the way the locals would abandon their trade and run towards the mosque upon hearing the adhan. Beautiful.
Key Highlights:
- Kalta Minaret
- Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah
- Islam Khodja Minaret
- Juma Mosque
- Walls of Itchan Kala
- Tash Hauli Palace
- Mahmud Pahlavan Mausoleum
- Watchtower of Kunya Ark Citadel
- Allakuli Khan Madrasah
Top Tips:
Travel from city to city by train and book 45 days beforehand (Khiva tickets are available approximately 16 days before). The trains are cheap, clean and safe! The Sharq train is older, and the modern ones are called Afrosiyob.
Prepare to pay an entrance fee for almost every monument, building, and area of interest you visit throughout Uzbekistan. What can I say – art comes at a price.
Overall Rating: Mind-blown
Crossing Continents 