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Embark on a journey through Uzbekistan, a land steeped in the history of the fabled Silk Road, adorned with majestic forts and ancient tombs along its path, the oldest trade route in human history.
Unveil the mysteries of Uzbekistan, the heart of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan amazes visitors not only with its diverse landscapes of mountains, deserts, and vast plains but also with its ancient cities like Rome and Babylon, once great centers of science and culture. Here are some intriguing facts about Uzbekistan.
1. The Legend of the Silk Road
Situated along the mythical Silk Road connecting China to the mysterious lands of Western Asia, Uzbekistan boasts ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, adorned with architectural wonders reflecting the rich Islamic heritage. These are UNESCO-recognized treasures meticulously preserved through the ages.
Ancient culture of the Far East at its finest.
Uzbekistan stands out as one of the oldest and most vibrant cultural hubs in the Far East due to the intersections along the Silk Road. Its architectural marvels, artistic masterpieces, paintings, dances, and traditional attire all bear distinct characteristics that are unmatched anywhere else.
Termez – Where remoteness meets history.
Termez, a secluded city in the less-explored southern region, holds a rich history dating back to the Hellenistic period of Bactria under Alexander the Great. The city boasts the Fayaz Tepa monastery, a marvel of Buddhism, adorned with walls covered in straw, featuring vaulted ceilings and impressive wall paintings. Besides Buddhism, the cultures of Zoroastrianism and Hellenism flourished in Termez before fading into obscurity under Islamic culture.
Samarkand – Paradise amidst earthly realms.
Samarkand, a 3,000-year-old ancient city situated at the crossroads of cultural exchange along the legendary Silk Road. Dubbed as a paradise on earth, it experienced unprecedented growth during the Timurid era. The heart of the city lies in the Registan Square, adorned with magnificent Islamic mosques boasting azure domes, intricate jade-inlaid wall mosaics, and vibrant artistic motifs that have endured the vicissitudes of history.
5. Shah-i Zinda – the most mystical mausoleum in the world
Shah-i-Zinda translates to 'the living king' based on the legend of Kusam-ibn-Abbas, the cousin of the prophet Muhammad. It is one of the most famous mausoleums in Central Asia, located in the northeast of Uzbekistan. Shah-i-Zinda is an architectural marvel connected by vaulted arches, initially built in the 11th-12th centuries and completed over the following two centuries.
6. Kazakhstan's Nomadic Adventure
Kazakhstan is the ultimate destination in Central Asia with endless tulip fields, vast grasslands, and a unique nomadic culture. If you enjoy winter entertainment, head to the majestic Tian Shan mountains, visit the world's highest outdoor ice rink Medeo.
7. Museum of Forbidden Art
The Nukus Museum of Art, also known as the Museum of Forbidden Art, houses a premier collection from the 20th century, featuring significant works by Sokolov, Komarovskiy, and the Amaravella group. The story of this museum has been adapted into the film 'Mystery Art in the Desert,' screened nationwide in Uzbekistan.
8. The Cleanest Metro System in the World
The Alisher Navoi Metro System in Tashkent is renowned as one of the cleanest and most efficient metro systems globally.
Alisher Navoi, one of the three main vaults of Uzbekistan's metro system, showcases intricate metal-clad vaults, echoing Islamic architectural styles.
9. Uzbekistan's Culinary Delights
Uzbekistan not only boasts magnificent architectural wonders but also offers a rich and diverse culinary experience. Traditional Uzbek cuisine is characterized by flavors of grilled meats, soups, and plov (pilaf or biryani). Additionally, Uzbekistan is a major producer of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, making it a haven for food enthusiasts.
10. Tourist Visa Valid for 30 Days
In a bid to attract tourists, the Uzbekistan government has extended the visa validity for visitors to 30 days instead of the previous 7 or 15 days. The decision to extend the visa was approved by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 4, 2017. Additionally, the visa fee has been reduced from 60 USD to 40 USD. The number of individuals eligible for group tourist visas has also been reduced from 10 to 5 people.
According to Zing News
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJanuary 26, 2018
