Tashkent, Uzbekistan was an interesting place to visit, as it was my first destination within Central Asia and is a traditionally closed-off area that is not so prepared to receive tourists. You can only get a visit visa by invitation from the government (which some travel agencies there can arrange), local currency is highly regulated, and typical tourist attractions have restricted entry. I was fortunate to have a local friend as a guide (and translator, since hardly anyone speaks English).
Tashkent has lots of history from past Islamic empires as well as some more recent Soviet history. Th traditional architecture is quite stunning (especially in mosques and some government buildings) and the museums contain some rare Islamic art. The food is also amazing! My visit in Sept. 2013 coincided with the Independence Day celebrations there, so the streets were quiet as people were off work and families gathered in public squares to watch firework displays.
(hover to see photo captions, click to enlarge)
Related video: http://youtu.be/rHkkY7Jm9RM
One of biggest hotel rooms I ever stayed in! (Miran Hotel)
The very spacious hotel room
This much cash is only change for $100!
1000 is the highest cash denomination, and it’s worth only about 45 cents!
The TV tower offering views from above
Art inside the tower
Art inside the tower
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
An impressive mosque gate
Towers in comparison
Views from the tower top
Islamic scriptures in the museum
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
Mosque entrance
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
crafts made by hand
Mosque gardens interior
Views from the tower top
Views from the tower top
I likes this auto-wrapping toilet seat!
An outdoor tea lounge
Mosque interior
An outdoor tea lounge
Mosque interior
An outdoor tea lounge
Modern shopping mall
The subway system
Mante, the famous meat dumpling
Plov and Narin dishes–made with lamb, quail egg and horse meat
Goods at the central market
Goods at the central market
Gov’t building
Home of the central market
Goods at the central market
Goods at the central market
Street bazaar
Street bazaar
The House of Parliament and fountains
The House of Parliament and fountains
The House of Parliament and fountains
The House of Parliament and fountains
The House of Parliament and fountains
Sculptures of national heroes
Sculptures of national heroes
Amir Temur statue at the square
Gates of the main square
Gates of the main square
Gates of the main square
The old lady mourning dead warriors by the fire
The old lady mourning dead warriors by the fire
The old lady mourning dead warriors by the fire
Amazing “Sharshara” (waterfall) restaurant
Amazing “Sharshara” (waterfall) restaurant
Amazing “Sharshara” (waterfall) restaurant
Dancefloor at the restaurant
Dancefloor at the restaurant
Traditional soup
Dancefloor at the restaurant, water gushing by
Shishlik kebabs
Dancefloor at the restaurant
Shishlik kebabs
Museum
Historic monuments and gardens
Historic monuments and gardens
Historic monuments and gardens
Historic monuments and gardens
Historic monuments and gardens
Historic monuments and gardens
Mosque facade
Mosque interior
Mosque interior
Mosque interior
Mosque tower
Related video: http://youtu.be/rHkkY7Jm9RM
