Many travelers dream of discovering the East and its attractions. Uzbekistan is exactly the country where this can be done. This is a real treasure chest that will gladly share with you its secrets and unexpected discoveries!
Uzbekistan - a white spot on the tourist map of the world
Want to see original and unusual sights? Uzbekistan in this case is exactly what you need! This country is a huge treasury of historical monuments, ancient cities and amazing architecture. In addition, the rest here is very inexpensive, hotel accommodation and lunch in Uzbek restaurants are not very affordable.
A visa to enter Uzbekistan for citizens of Russia (as well as Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus) is not needed. A valid passport is enough. Unfortunately, tourists have not yet seen through the charm of this wonderful and interesting country.
The most interesting historical and cultural monuments of Uzbekistan are concentrated in such cities as Samarkand, Khiva, Termez, Bukhara. The Republic of Karakalpakstan may be interesting for travelers .
It should be noted that Uzbekistan is not only mosques, ancient cities, mausoleums and museums. The country is famous for its national cuisine. The main Uzbek dish, of course, is pilaf. Delicious desserts are also made here. Of the drinks, you should definitely try the local tea. However, in Uzbekistan not a single meal can do without it.
The most famous monuments of Uzbekistan
What is interesting about a state that was once one of the centers of the legendary Silk Road? What monuments should be examined in the first place?
Traveling to Uzbekistan will reveal the culture and ancient history of this country. This is truly one of the most interesting states in Asia. Monuments of history and culture are preserved in many of its cities. This is Khiva with sharp high minarets, and Samarkand with the sky-blue domes of its mosques, and the sacred medieval Bukhara.
From Samarkand you can go to Shakhrisabz - a city with the remains of the gigantic gates of Ak-Saray, the Kok-Gumbaz mosque and the mausoleum of Sheikh Shamseddin Kulal.
Samarkand and its main attractions
It is impossible to know Uzbekistan without visiting Samarkand - the “crossroads of cultures”. This oldest city was founded in the VIII century BC. Today, its many historical, architectural and archaeological sites are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Scientists got a lot of new facts about the history of Samarkand after they carefully studied the local settlement Afrosiab. It was on the site of these ancient ruins that the city of Samarkand existed until 1220. After its destruction by the army of Genghis Khan, residents began to settle at the foot of Afrosiab. During the excavations of the settlement, numerous antiques were found. Scientists have found that the streets of the ancient city were straight and paved, and the buildings were decorated with highly artistic painting.
Khoja Ziemurod Mosque is an object in Samarkand that attracts a large number of tourists. Especially those who carry in their hearts some cherished dream. The construction of this cult object began in the 10th century. According to legend, it was near this mosque that Tamerlan buried the relics of St. Geogrgy. And so here all the dreams and desires of people are fulfilled. The main thing is that they be good.
Monuments of Khiva
Khiva is another ancient city of Uzbekistan, which dates back to the VI century BC. Experts call it an important center in the development of world civilization.
Most of the monuments of Khiva are located in the historical core of the city - Ichan-Kale. This is a kind of city in the city, surrounded by powerful and high defensive walls. A beautiful view does not open for him from the Ak-Sheikh-Bobo tower.
In Ichan-Kale is the beautiful palace of Muhammad-Rahim Khan with magnificent interiors. The local madrasah school also impresses tourists with its unusual architecture. The Juma Mosque is another unique creation of human hands. The roof of the structure is supported by 210 carved columns dating from the 12th-15th centuries.
Outside the walls of Ichak-Kala, there are also many ancient buildings and interesting sights.
Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub (Bukhara)
This mausoleum is located in the center of Bukhara and dates from the 14th century. It was erected by masters from Khorezm under Tamerlan.
The mausoleum consists of four adjacent rooms, each of which is crowned by a dome. The building also houses the holy spring, on the basis of which the water museum today operates.
Tourists are often told one legend associated with this building. The preacher Ayub, according to legend, once passed through Bukhara. The locals, dying of thirst, asked him for help. And then Ayub raised his staff and hit him hard on the ground. In that place, a spring with cool and clear water immediately appeared, which exists in the mausoleum to this day.
Khoja Nasreddin - the national symbol of Uzbekistan
Khoja Nasreddin is the legendary character of oriental folklore, which in an amazing way combines naivety and profound wisdom. The hero of numerous tales, jokes and legends. The question of the reality of this person remains controversial, although some historians claim that such a person really existed and lived in Turkey.
Today, the wandering philosopher Nasreddin is immortalized in five states - Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkey and, of course, in Uzbekistan.
A bronze monument to Khoja Nasreddin in Bukhara was erected in 1979. The sage is depicted sitting on a donkey. At the same time, he holds a coin with the fingers of his right hand, and greets all passers-by with his left. A smile on Hoja’s face will be called good-natured by some, while others will be called cunning. Tourists love to plant their young children on the donkey Nasreddin in Bukhara. According to legend, this will provide the child with luck in adulthood.
Finally…
For those who want to learn the secrets of the East, explore its sights, Uzbekistan will be a real discovery. This Central Asian state has tremendous tourism potential. Khiva, Samarkand, Bukhara, Termez and other cities of the country boast a solid set of historical and architectural monuments.
Uzbekistan is not only traditional tourist attractions, but also an amazing distinctive culture and very interesting national cuisine.