I am not going to do a ‘first impressions’ for Tash as I am only staying one full day and technically I’ve already been here before. Instead, I’ll spend this precious time wandering the old streets and visiting a site that I didn’t have the wherewithal for last time. I also stop in at the humongous Chorsu Bazaar, not once but twice to see everything. Spend the day with me exploring Tashkent Uzbekistan and let me show you what this city has to offer.
Eski Shahar (Old Town)
One of my favourite ways to discover a destination is to slowly explore its oldest parts. Here in Tashkent that area is called Eski Shahar. Unfortunately, much of it has been manicured, redesigned and spruced up. This seems to be a common theme in places that are beginning to see their tourist numbers increase at a rapid rate.
In an attempt to make the area appealing, it has a negative impact for me personally. I would prefer to see the authentic scene, as much as that might be old, worn and not in pristine condition. It is far more interesting than this. I digress, if you are here for a few hours, this area will be somewhere you might want to walk through to. There are some beautiful architectural details to see, souvenir shops and picturesque streets.
Hazrati Imam Complex
This is one of the places I was hoping to see while in Tashkent on this visit. The complex consists of two incredible madrassas (Islamic schools), a mosque and a mausoleum. The earliest of these structures was built in the 16th century and the latest dates from the 20th. Built near the grave of Hazrati Imam who was one of the first preachers in Tashkent.
Such a scholar was he, that he could speak 72 languages and translated the Old Testament into Arabic. Walking around this historic square located in the Old Town, it’s a marvel to see these beautiful buildings. The Islamic architecture is something that is common across Uzbekistan. Every time I see a new complex such as this, I have to stand in wonder and awe at its sheer size and stunning detail.
Islamic Civilization Centre
Right across the street from Hazrati Imam is a brand new and massive building, the Islamic Civilization Centre. It is the largest cultural and educational complex in all of Uzbekistan and only opened in March, 2026. Housed here is a museum, libraries, laboratories and centres for understanding and preserving the arts.
The museum showcases Uzbekistan from ancient times to current day. For the past five years, the centre has been purchasing antiques from dealers, private collections and international auction houses. Next time I visit Tashkent, this will be the place I choose to pay the entry fee to visit. For now, I am completely enthralled by the grandeur and detail of the building itself.
Old Streets
I was lucky to find some authentic streets that have not been altered, and to be fair there are still a lot of areas like this remaining. The old architectural style of mud bricks and straw plaster can be seen and admired. This is something that will disappear quickly I fear, as the city evolves, grows and develops.
One thing I find interesting in many countries are the organization of streets that sell all one kind of product. For example, in Hong Kong I found streets that were lined only with bathroom fixtures on both sides of the street, or kitchenware for example. Here in Tashkent, I walk one street with shop after shop of metal workers. Creating anything and everything out of sheet metal and completely by hand. Another street is full with stores selling traditional baby cribs and beds! Made of wood spools, the cradles are absolutely charming as is the lace bedding.
Chorsu Bazaar
I can’t resist this place and lucky for me, it’s within close walking distance to my hotel. I wrote a blog post completely dedicated to Chorsu Bazaar on my previous visit, but I just have to show you more. The large dome I did not enter this time, for it is mostly raw meat on the ground level and dried nuts and candy on the upper levels.
What I focused on instead was the wholesale market taking place very early in the morning at the parking lot near the bus station. With no other tourists in sight, it is marvellous to walk around and watch as small businesses and restaurants purchased their produce in relatively large quantities.
Most of Chorsu is currently filled with seasonal autumnal produce. Loads of beautiful pumpkins and gourds, grapes and more grapes, and the largest melons you have ever seen. Big buckets of ripe red raspberries and huge bowls of stone fruit line the produce stalls and I am sorely tempted to spend all of my Uzbek som. 😂
Alas, knowing I will be on a flight soon, I hold off and simply admire everything I see. Tashkent is a huge and sprawling capital city. There is more to see here than I could ever have time for. If you are going to be visiting Tashkent you will have no shortage of places to explore to keep you not only occupied but enchanted.
