Things to see and do Andijan

On two floors, classic presentation of the history and specialities of Andijan. On the ^first floor: stuffed animals, fruits, seismic measuring devices used during the earthquake, drilling equipment... The second floor is a little more interesting, with some archaeological finds from various sites in the area: Kurgan Tepa, Erchi, Kuva... At the back of the room, a 3D model and a trompe l'oeil painting present the city of Andijan in the 14th and 15th centuries: its gigantic walls and monumental entrance.

The Babur Memorial was built in 1993, on the very spot where, according to legend, the last Timurid ruler turned to take a last look at his city before leaving for Afghanistan. On the entrance walls, a fresco illustrates the great events in Babur's life, from his accession to the throne at the age of 12 to his death in 1530, including his exile in Afghanistan and the creation of his empire in India. Babur was originally buried in Agra, India, before his grave was moved to Kabul, Afghanistan.

This gigantic complex comprising a madrasah and a mosque and capable of accommodating 10,000 worshippers, was built between 1885 and 1892 by a wealthy inhabitant of Andijan. The madrasa has two domes, a 123 m long façade and 122 cells and was largely preserved during the 1902 earthquake. It underwent renovation work between 1970 and 1975, before being transformed into a Literary Museum in 1997. Inside, one can access the roof and the two domes, which offer a bird's eye view of the nearby Jumi Mosque and its minaret.

Andijan's bazaar is reputed to be one of the largest and busiest in the region, especially on Sundays. It is only during the cotton harvest that its alleys remain deserted. The best thing to do is to come by late morning. You will then have plenty of time to get lost in the miles of stands. You will find absolutely everything you can imagine but it is especially the fabrics section that is worth the detour for those of you who wish to bring back adras and atlases at a good price. Here, as elsewhere, we negotiate dry.

Dedicated to the often overlooked face of the founder of the Mughal Empire, the emperor writer and poet, this museum does not, however, offer any particularly interesting pieces, apart from a few biographies in Russian devoted to the last Timurid in Uzbekistan. On the other hand, it is located in a madrasa built in the 18th century on the very site of the royal residence of Babur. It's a quiet place with the charm of yesteryear, which is good for the modern city that Andijan has become. You will be able to spend a pleasant moment in the inner courtyard, in the coolness.

The Navoi Park is a heap of rides and small fountains with brackish water that hardly manage to distil a sensation of freshness. At the end of the park, a gigantic amphitheatre, built in 1999, with a stage mounted on a basin, hosts major events, in particular the celebration of Navrouz, the spring festival, on 21 March. You can have a drink in the shade of the wings of a gigantic hawk, symbol of the kitsch of the Soviet era. The park comes alive a little more in the evening, family atmosphere good child.