A huge (2.5 million people) city is located on a plain in the valley of the Chirchik River. Now it is the largest city in the CIS. From a bird's eye view, you will see stone houses drowning in greenery. In Tashkent, every inhabitant has 69 square meters of greenery. The history of this city goes deep into antiquity, where the first farmers sowed barley, and kilometer-long caravans traveled from China to Europe along the Silk Road.
Capital of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a republic in Central Asia, once part of the USSR. Mostly Uzbeks live here, but there are also Russians. The religion of the majority of the inhabitants is Islam. Now it is an independent state with its own characteristics. The modern territory of Uzbekistan has a 10,000-year history! Today, about 33 million people live in Uzbekistan. The territory of the state is vast, but most of it is not suitable for living. The terrain is desert and mountains. There are 7 large cities in the country, the most populated is Tashkent, it beganhistory of the state.
Ancient Tashkent
The capital of Uzbekistan - Tashkent, was originally an oasis in the desert, a transit point for all travelers of the famous Silk Road. The city grew rapidly and changed its owners. The Chinese called him Yuni, the Persians - Chach, the Arabs - Shash. But the Turks gave the city its usual name in the 9th century. Until now, the remains of ancient cities are found on the territory of modern Tashkent. Most of them were located in the Yun River valley. The history of Tashkent as a trading city made it recognizable in the East. Rich merchants and artisans lived in it.
The history of Tashkent from ancient times was filled with wars and conquests:
- In the 14th-15th centuries the city was part of Timur's empire. Samarkand was the capital of the empire.
- In the 16th century, Tashkent passed to the Uzbek ruling Sheibanid dynasty.
- In 1586 the Kazakhs conquered the city.
- From 1557 to 1598 Tashkent was again subordinated to the Uzbek dynasty of Sheibanids, ruler Abdul. At this time, the first coins appear.
- From 1598 to 1604, power passes to Keldi Muhammad, who also issues his own coins.
- Since 1630, the city has passed to the Kazakh Khanate.
- In 1784, an independent Tashkent state was created under the leadership of Yunus Khoja. However, after his death, this territory was conquered by the Kokand Khanate in 1807
- In 1865, Tashkent passes the Russian Empire after the battle.
History of the city
Tashkent became the capital of Uzbekistan only in 1930. Prior to that, the history of the city of Tashkent was connected with the royalmode. The Russian Empire tried to seize all spheres of the life of the settlement, up to its religious component, which caused a justified protest from the local population. Already in Soviet times, Leninist ideology fell upon Tashkent.
During the Great Patriotic War, many Soviet citizens were evacuated to the city, as well as factories, cinemas and entire plants. Soviet civilization was mixed with traditional Muslim culture. The thousand-year history of the Asian oasis was filled with the modern ideals of communism. Tashkent lived a mixed life, and when it became the capital of independent Uzbekistan in 1991, the city began a new round of history.
Cultural Tashkent
There are many educational institutions, scientific institutions, as well as theaters, cinemas and parks in Tashkent. Everything has been created in the city for a decent education and cultural pastime. There are more than 30 higher educational institutions alone, including 7 scientific academies, 7 military institutes. But I would like to focus on theaters, there are 12 of them in the city. They are cultural centers, architectural monuments and have their own unique stories.
- One of the most beautiful theaters is the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater named after Alisher Navoi. Was built in 1939. Its uniqueness lies in its architectural structure. The six halls of the theater have their own style, each of which reflects the amazing culture of Uzbekistan.
- Uzbek National Academic Theatre. The oldest hall, with 540 seats, was founded in 1914year. Now it has been completely renovated, it has a huge dome with a blue sky image, glass chandeliers give it a majestic and luxurious look.
- The Russian Drama Theatre, founded in 1934, was also reconstructed in 2001. It has taken on a more modern look with a mirrored façade.
- Dramatic "Ilkhom" is the first independent theater in Uzbekistan. It was created as an experimental studio for Uzbek youth and is not a government project.
Museums
Today there are 22 museums in Tashkent. Consider the most interesting of them:
Museum of History. The State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan in Tashkent is the most interesting and oldest museum in Central Asia. More than 250 thousand exhibits will tell you about the rich history of the state! Here are collected the rarest objects of architecture, numismatics, household items of ancient civilizations. The Museum of the History of Tashkent today is the largest in Uzbekistan. It is often visited by guests of this wonderful country
- The State Museum of Timurid History in Tashkent. This is a young museum, opened in honor of Amir Temur, who played an important role in the development of Uzbekistan. The whole era of the outstanding ruler is displayed here, the building itself is presented in the form of oriental architecture of that time.
- The State Museum of Art is no less unique, starting with a magical Oriental-style building. Here is a huge collection of works of the Foreign East: China, Japan, India, Korea, Iran. Alsothere is also a Russian hall with a unique collection of 15-20 centuries.
- Museums of Tashkent will satisfy every taste. Readers will discover the we alth of Uzbek literature at the Museum of Literature named after Alisher Navoi. Here are collected unique compositions of the material and spiritual culture of the people.
- The Scientific and Educational Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan will tell its visitors about the flora and fauna of the country, guide them through the geographical landscapes of the republic and make them shudder from the plots of mammoth hunting.
- Also in Tashkent there is a museum of astronomy, armed forces, cinematography, Olympic glory, a planetarium and a museum of railway equipment.
Religious Tashkent
Given a thousand-year history, many cultures, a mixture of eras and authorities, it is impossible not to say about the amazing religious architectural monuments born in these historical confrontations. The largest of them:
The Khazret Imam complex was built in parts at different times: the Barakkhan madrasah - in 1532, and the Muslim temple - in 2007. The complex can rightly be called the hallmark of the entire Muslim world of Tashkent
- An equally significant architectural monument is the Sheikhantaur Complex. Today it is a memorial complex where the remains of the great rulers of Uzbekistan rest in mausoleums.
- In the past, an educational institution, a fortress and a caravanserai, Kukeldash Madrasah is now the cultural center of Tashkent.
- The modern snow-white Minor Mosque was built in 2007, it fascinates with its fragility and orientalcolor. Now it is the largest prayer hall, designed for 2400 people.
- In tsarist times, the Assumption Cathedral was erected in Tashkent. The pale blue church was completely renovated in the 90s.
- Catholic Church - The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a historical monument. This Gothic cathedral is very different from the fragility of Oriental architecture.
Attractions
In addition to religious monuments of architecture, as well as museums and theaters, the city has unique places that are interesting to visit. One of them is Independence Square. In the very center of the city, on an unusual arch, the Independence Monument sparkles, surrounded by cool fountains.
The neat Amir Temur Square looks more like a giant park with fountains, monuments and green lawns.
The Palace of Prince Romanov is another attraction in the heart of Tashkent. The palace was built in the 19th century, the Art Nouveau style is clearly out of the habitual architecture of the city. The building is surrounded by greenery, it is impossible not to notice it.
Alisher Navoi National Park was opened during the Soviet era. At the entrance to the park you will be met by Stella with a typical blue dome, under which a monument of the same name has been erected. The park was created for cultural leisure and recreation of citizens, it can rightly be considered a cultural landmark of the city.
Modern Tashkent
In addition to the ancient and historical buildings of the tsarist, Soviet past and very early historical eras,Tashkent cannot be called ancient. The city keeps up with the times. One of the main means of transportation is the Tashkent metro. One of the most beautiful subways in the Soviet Union can rightfully be called a local landmark.
It is impossible to imagine the center of oriental culture without a bazaar. The Chorsu market has acquired a modern frame, while retaining the uniqueness of oriental architecture.
We can't imagine our life without TV for a long time, and the Tashkent TV Tower reminds us of this. The tower is 375 meters high and houses an observation deck and a two-level restaurant.
Water parks are another feature of the city. There are more than ten of them in the city. In modern Tashkent, it is now possible to cope with the constant heat in a pleasant way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to say about the hard fate of the city, which, in spite of everything, continues to develop and delight its citizens with green parks, restored mosques and cathedrals, restored streets. Residents of the city will never forget the terrible earthquake of 1966, which severely destroyed the central part of the city, then it took 3.5 years to restore. Also not forgotten is the terrorist attack in 1999, when 5 explosions caused great damage to the city and the peace of the population. People remember the demolitions of architectural monuments in 2009, where modern monuments now stand, paying tribute to their predecessors. Through the ages the city has risen from ruins,becoming even more beautiful and interesting.
This is a city worth visiting at least once in your life. To learn the history of Tashkent, you should come here for a long time.
