Central Asia: Uzbekistan - Things to See/Do in Tashkent Part 1

We had 2 full days in Tashkent but due to some unforeseen errands, it took a large chunk of the day one but here are what we did. As the errand was done in the modern part of Tashkent, I'll start with that.

Modern Tashkent

1. Amir Timur Maydoni
It is technically a big park with intention to 'beautify' the city. There is a statue of Timur on horseback in the middle of the square cuts.

2. Mustaqillik maydoni (Independence Square)
I read that it is a favourite place of recreation for residents in Tashkent. I suppose there must be some truth in it. We were there on a very scorching hot day and there were groups of students visiting this place. Oh - and we found that there really isn't any school uniform so to speak but most wear a white shirt/blouse and paired with black or dark blue skirt. If we brought along a white shirt and black or blue skirt we would've play along. We reckon without a camera, cap/hat and a smaller bag, with our Asian looking face we probably dont look too much like a tourist and would bypass the metro checks :P

Previous construction has been destroyed in 1865 and during the Soviet period, the area was renamed Lenin Square, complete with a monument to Lenin. The square was renamed Mustaqilik Maydoni in 1992 following independence in 1991. Lenin monument was dismantled and an Independence Monument, in the form of a globe was placed there.

This is Ezgulik Arch - it is the entrance to the square if one enters via Sharaf Rashidov Avenue. It appears that the arch is considered as the arch of the good and noble aspiration. It is one of the most original monuments in the square. Fountains are found both side of this walkway.

We wanted to go and see the Crying Mother Monument which was at the north of Mustaqillik maydoni as well but for some reason even after walking for a bit we couldn't find this monument. = =""

The monument is located on the territory of Independence Square. Fronted by an eternal flame, it was constructed in 1999 to honour of the 400,000 Uzbek soldiers who died during the World War II. The niches along its two corridors house their names are written. I thought it is a very apt monument for this memorial. Just so you can see what I meant, below is a photo I found online from www.traveler.uz

Photo credit: Traveler.uz

3. Art Gallery of Uzbekistan
This modern building is located in the center of Tashkent near the Independence Square. It started open its door to public in 2004. We didn't go in to see the exhibitions but saw this on the way to the Independence Square. One of a fellow traveller we met suggested that this is a good place to spend some time if you are running out of place to visit in Tashkent with reasonable entrance fee, air con to escape the heat and of course some art exhibits :)

4. Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre
This Opera and Ballet Theatre was named after Alisher Navoi and is the largest theatre in the territory of Central and Southeast Asia.

This building was build following a state competition for the creation of the project. The construction started in 1939 but was interrupted in 1942 due to the World War 2. The construction was resumed in 1945. The theatre was officially opened in November 1947.

Side note: Am addicted to jelly this summer!