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.
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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