Things to do in Uzbekistan

The history of the Silk Road is a fascinating and multi-faceted tale which, as you begin to unravel it, will explain the mystery of the myth-laden road, and inspire yet more questions. Uzbekistan’s artistic influences, architecture, and the stories of the cultures that put those there will grip history buffs and enchant those who never even knew they had an interest. Between the 9th and 16th centuries it was common for even the smaller cities along the Silk Road route to house over 200 mosques, and Uzbekistan’s skylines are peppered with dozens of bright azure, onion-shaped domes.

Samarkand, for example, is synonymous with the Silk Road, and a UNESCO World Heritage city as a result. Its architecture dates back to the 7th century and captures its history as a crossroads of world cultures, becoming particularly prominent during the Timurid period of 14th and 15th centuries. Highlights here include Registan Mosque and Madrasas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble, as well as Ulugh-Beg's Observatory. It is all gleamingly gorgeous, like the Taj Mahal on steroids.

In Samarkand there is a fair smattering of concrete constructions to fit in with Soviet style. Such as the state university, University Boulevard or random public sculptures and tower blocks that can be seen from the top of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. In Bukhara, the Samanid Mausoleum was unearthed by Soviets in the 1930s, and although it was thankfully protected, it is surrounded by a typical Soviet style park. And then, of course, everywhere you go, you have Muslim culture juxtaposed with samovars and vodka.