Area: 256 sq km Population: 2,9 million people 73% Uzbek, 18% Russian, 5% Tatars and 4% other nationalities Time zone

Tashkent - Capital of Uzbekistan



Geographical coordinates: 41°18'00"N 69°16'00"E
Area: 256 sq.km
Population: 2,9 million people (73% Uzbek, 18% Russian, 5% Tatars and 4% other nationalities
Time zone: UTC+5
Zip code: 100000
Telephone code: (+998 71)
Automobile codes: 01 and 02
Tashkent City Khokymiyat Address: 100000, Tashkent, Mirabad district, 3, Movarounnakhr Str. Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan's largest city (population 2,400,000) is also Central Asia's largest city and its main transportation hub. At present, Tashkent is one of the most important business centers in Central Asia. Present-day Tashkent is one of the most beautiful cities in Asia, and its architecture is unique; the hospitality and friendliness of Tashkent people is amazing. The city is more than 2200 years old, and has evolved from a small ancient settlement to the one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region. Many remarkable events, both in peace and war, have taken place during the history of Tashkent, including many periods of rise and decline. The city is host to Embassies and consulates of many countries of the world, and is known among travelers as a great place to stay and arrange visa and trips throughout the region; Tashkent lies right on the border with Kazakhstan and also is known as the main "gates of the Orient" on international air routes from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China to Europe. The Tashkent Metro, currently the only subway in Central Asia, is fantastically designed in a unique, monumental Uzbek-Soviet style. It is never crowded, and the easiest and cheapest way to quickly transit the city. Tashkent is simply bursting with interesting museums, ancient historical sites, lush parks, and a diverse selection of high-quality restaurants, night clubs and shops.

The city of Tashkent is located within Tashkent Region, which lies in the far northeastern corner of Uzbekistan, near the border with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Its area covers 15,300 sq km; 10% percent of the total population of Uzbekistan lives in the Tashkent Region. The majority are Uzbeks, but more than 90 other nationalities also live here, primarily Russians, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, and ethnic Koreans. The average population density is more than 146 persons per sq. km. The Tashkent Region consists of 15 districts, 16 towns, 17 settlement, and 147 kishlak (villages) councils. It is situated between the western slopes of the Tien Shan Mountains and the Syrdarya river. The Tashkent Region ranks second in Uzbekistan in industrial development. Over 260 enterprises representing 160 industrial branches produce twenty percent of the country's gross output. Principal industries are power generation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, footwear, and cotton processing and agricultural production.

Tashkent is a city which is famous for its exceptionally valuable architectural heritage. There are many interesting monuments which have been preserved from the Middle Ages; buildings of 19^th c. erected by the architects such as A. Benoua, V. Gueintselman and A. Makarov according to European traditions; imposing Soviet era administative and apartment structures; and modern buildings which combine the latest architectural achievements with national style, local picturesque decore and Asian architectural traditions. The most important monuments date back to the 16^th c., the "golden age" of the city's history. Among these are: the Kukeldash Madrassah, the Barak-Khan Madrassah complex, the Suyunige-Khan and Khaffal Shashi Mausoleums, and the Yunus-Khan and Kaldyrgach-Biya Mausoleums. Among the buildings of the late 19^th c. - early 20^th c. is the Palace of Grand Duke Nickolas Konstantinovich Romanov, Girls' and Boys' Schools, the Technical High School and the Government Building, the Kirche.

The Chorsu Tourist Complex, the Istiqlol Palace, the Exhibition Hall of the Union of Artists of Uzbekistan, and the lavishly decorated Tashkent metro stations are among the modern landmarks of the city. The Tashkent fountains, an intricate element of its architectural style, add to the uniqueness of the city. The residents of Tashkent are especially proud of the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. It has become famous because of such outstanding performers as Tamara Khanum, Bernara Karieva, Mukhtar Ashrafi.

Zangi-Ata: Uzbekistan's Mecca Zangi-Ata's mausoleum was constructed by Amir Temur in 1397. It is the oldest surviving example of a Timurid structure in Tashkent. Also at the complex are a madrasah, a cemetery and a smaller mausoleum to Zangi-Ata's wife and mother in law, the Anbar Ona Bibi mausoleum. For Central Asian Moslems, Zangi-Ata is one of three destinations for their Hadj, or life's pilgrimage. The most devout Moslems will first make a trip to Zangi-Ata; next to Ahmad Yassavy mausoleum in Kazakhstan; and finally, to Mecca. Its popularity and importance at some times has turned Zangi-Ata into a carnival with its own amusements - sometimes providing plov, tea, fortune tellers and even dervishes. Today, though, the complex is a quiet spot for prayer and Islamic studies.

Tashkent – 2200 anniversary. Tashkent is a city of magnificent beauty, sunny and welcoming, the city of harmony of ancient architecture and modern urban planning. Tashkent has such epithets as “The City of Friendship”, “The City of Peace”, The City of Bread”. In 2007 it gained a new one – “The Capital of Islamic Culture”. In 2009, by  The  Decree  of UNESCO Tashkent celebrated its 2200-year anniversary. It is an important event, not only for Uzbekistan but for the whole world. During the years of Independence much attention was given to renaissance of national values and preservation of architectural monuments. Tashkent has made a huge contribution to development of world civilization.

City of Tashkent has the highest in the republic  economic and scientific-cultural potential.Tashkent is a political and economic center of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Residence of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, the Senate of Oliy Majlis, Cabinet of Ministers, foreign embassies, public organizations, as well as the main control of all ministries and departments of the Republic of Uzbekistan are located here.

Location of Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital and the largest city of the Republic of Uzbekistan which has a central location in Central Asia. The territory of the Republic – 447.5 km². The population is about 25 millions of people. 10% of the whole population live in the capital – 2.5 millions. Here there are more than 100 nations and peoples of the world. Tashkent is situated in the branch of Western Tien Shan, at a height of 420-280 meters above sea level. The city is situated in the same latitude with Madrid, New-York and Beijing. The city lies in the middle course of the Chirchiq river valley, in a flat-hilled terrain and covers the territory of 320 km².  

Climate in Tashkent 

The average climate in Uzbekistan is sharply continental with a short winter and a long hot summer. But the climate in Tashkent is milder due to its neighborhood to the mountains and a large number of canals and greens. The summer temperature is about +40 degrees, the winter temperature is about 0 degrees. March is the rainiest month of the year.

Demography of Tashkent

The resident population of Tashkent on 1 January 2008 amounted to 2.18 million people. Of these, 76% Uzbeks, 15% Russian, 5% Tatars, Kazakhs 1.6% and 2,4% other nationalities. Over one third of residents (33.5%) - less than 15 years, 61,7% - at the age of 15 to 64 years and 4,8% - from 65 years and older. Average age - 22.36 years. Middle life expectancy - 64.19 years. Experts note that even with the existing rates of natural increase by 2020 the population of Uzbekistan may reach 40 million people. Official language - Uzbek.

Architecture of Tashkent

Over  the 2200 years  history of its existence, the city survived both ups and downs, but always remained at the crossroads of international trade, and was a center of culture and art. Many histoical monuments  were preserved and restored such as mosques, mausoleums (one of the best - Mausoleum of Yunus Khan), madrassahs - Barak-Khan  and  Abdul Kasim-Eshon (XVI cent.), Scenic Jami Mosque (XVIc), Mirza-Yusuf (XIXc) and Hayrabat-Eshon (XVIII-XIXc). Functioning Kukeldash madrasah (XV c.) was recently renovated.  There are also Orthodox churches, nunnery, Polish church and some other temples. 

History of Tashkent

The exact time of founding of the city is unknown. For the first time, the area coinciding with the area of Tashkent is mentioned in the Chinese primary sources of II century BC under the name of Yuini. In the later sources the same area was called Zheshi, Chach, Shash or Shi. The sign corresponding to the last sound combination is used in the meaning of “stone” that often compares with a Turkic name tash «stone» + kend «settlement».
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Internet resources on Tashkent and Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Tours - Private and guaranteed group tours in Uzbekistan

Tashkent - Sights of Interest

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  Amir Temur Square
  
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  Chorsu Market
  
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  Juma Mosque
  
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  Kukeldash Madrassah
  
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  Medrese of Abulkosim-sheikh
  
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  Monument of Alisher Navoi
  
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  Monument of Courage
  
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  Museum of Applied Art of Uzbekistan
  
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  Mustakillik (Independence) square
  
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  Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre
  
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  Prince Romanov Residence
  
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  Square Bunyodkor - Friendship of Peoples
  
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  Tashkent TV Tower
  
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  The Shohidlar Khotirasi - Memorial to Repressions Victims