Travel Guide Tashkent

Tashkent is an unexpected, heterogeneous and cosmopolitan universe. The very Soviet reconstruction that followed the 1966 earthquake rubs shoulders with the old historic districts of Chorsu, punctuated by prestigious new buildings, all in marble and gold, which are intended to showcase the country's wealth. Between the two is a city within the city, Tashkent city, reserved for the oligarchs and the wealthiest section of the population, like the arks or citadels, the ancient cities of Sogdiana. The city continues to be the economic locomotive of Uzbekistan, together with the Ferghana Valley. Already in Soviet times, Tashkent was the "darling" of Moscow, which had made it its base in the region. Subway, international airport, universities, metallurgical, aeronautical, chemical, textile industries... There is nothing touristic about it and, of course, the city is only a short stop on most organized tourist tours.At first glance, one of the oldest stages on the Silk Road hardly seems to deserve more than a short day. However, Tashkent is a city that in the long run can be tamed and proves to be very pleasant to live in. The new addresses of bars and restaurants, which are multiplying thanks to the small wind of freedom blowing over the country since the death of President Karimov, have given the Uzbek capital the modern and pleasant dimension that it has lacked until now. This has been coupled in recent years with the emergence of a young, open and dynamic cultural scene that offers a contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional way of life. Also, this hitherto neglected stage should convince more and more curious people, ready to rub shoulders with a different image of the country.