Things to see and do Route de la soie

The Zico House ("Zico's house") is a unique place where Lebanese and international artists, actors, performers, visual artists, come here to share their creations. Created in 1999 in his family home by Moustapha Yamout, known as Zico, this art center is open to all. If some exhibit their works only for a short time, others have set up residencies here, and it is therefore possible to observe them working. Many events are also organized there, which can be discovered on their Facebook page

It offers exhibitions of contemporary art as well as photographs and old postcards from the Middle East. The gallery is housed in a warm and welcoming space, and also boasts a framing studio, winter garden and archive space. The owner, Dr Moussa Kobeissi, is a passionate collector with over 10,000 old photos and postcards. The gallery regularly organizes exhibitions by local and international artists. Past exhibitions have included oil paintings, photographs and sculptures. Galerie Zamaan is a must for art lovers in Beirut.

Espace Kettaneh Kunigk is an art gallery located in Beirut. It is an exhibition space and cultural center that showcases contemporary artists. The gallery holds regular exhibitions and presents a variety of artworks. Espace Kettaneh Kunigk is a must for art lovers in Beirut.

Opened in 1990 not far from the American university, Agial is one of the most popular contemporary art galleries in the Lebanese capital. Coming from all over the Middle East, artists of international reputation are regularly exhibited there, such as Jean Boghossian, Muatasim Al Kubaisy, or Ginane Makki Bacho. Visual artists, painters and sculptors are thus honoured, as well as some new young talents to be discovered. To celebrate Agial's 25th anniversary, a new gallery (Saleh Barakat) has been opened in the former Clemenceau cinema.

Further along the Corniche, after passing the Movempick Hotel, you can see in the distance the only real public beach in Beirut. This sandy beach is 1 km long. Although the beach is relatively well maintained and there is little plastic waste, swimming is not recommended. Ramlet el-Baida remains therefore a pleasant and friendly place where families come in large numbers to stroll. At the end of the afternoon, the young people of the district start playing football or volleyball.

In the direction of Manara, the cornice runs along the campus of the American University of Beirut, then the International College School, before arriving at the Riviera Hotel. After the Manara area with its new lighthouse, the cornice is less attractive. One follows the private beaches of the Military Bath, Long Beach and Sporting. Created in the 1930s and 1950s, these addresses are very well known, but also old. Not very welcoming, old-fashioned and with rudimentary service, some of them deserve a facelift! Founded in 1955, Le Sporting is very vintage. Manara has one of the most picturesque cafés in the city, Café Raouda. The new lighthouse adjoining the Military Bath beach has replaced the old lighthouse that can be seen between two buildings on the hill overlooking the area.

In order to guide the increasing number of boats coming to Beirut, Daoud Pasha (the first mustassarif appointed in Lebanon during the Ottoman occupation) had decided, in 1863, to entrust the construction of the lighthouse to French engineers. This old lighthouse was extinguished from 1977 to 1994, then the construction of a building below it in the early 2000s was fatal to it. Unable to light it properly, it was closed and a new lighthouse was built. At the foot of this lighthouse, one can admire the "pink house", a splendid Lebanese house. Built in 1882, it dominates the area of Ras Beirut. Although classified, the house occupies a remarkable site that attracts the attention of real estate developers.

Dominating the west bank of the river, the hill of Solomon's throne was called until the 15th century "Bara Kukh", the "Wonderful Mountain". A sacred water source flowed there until the beginning of the last century. Solomon, the mythical founder of Osh, is said to have been enthroned on top of this hill and is also said to be buried there. The legends surrounding the life and death of King Solomon are as numerous as they are contradictory, but have not prevented the hill from becoming one of the most famous holy places in Central Asia over the centuries. And if the mosque built on the hill reminds us that Mohammed himself would have come to worship there, the site was sacred long before the Islamic period, as the rites of the pilgrims, largely tinged with shamanism, still testify. According to archaeological findings on the site, the oldest construction dates back to the Pre-Mongolian period. A mausoleum, erected by Sultan Makhmudkhan, became a high place of pilgrimage until its destruction in the middle of the 20th century. The last Timurid khan, Babur, also had a khoudj built in the 15th century: a small prayer hall with an iwan, probably destroyed by the Soviets (an accidental explosion for which no investigation was able to establish responsibility) and rebuilt after independence. A French woman, Marie Bourdon, who went to Osh in 1877, tells how pilgrims, in order to cure their illnesses, had to stick their heads three times through a crevice in the rock next to the mosque erected by Babur. The hill itself, whose shape evokes the silhouette of a pregnant woman, has become the object of a ritual by all newlyweds (and their mothers) praying for the rapid arrival of a first child. On the left side of the path, during the ascent, you will see a large stone completely smooth: this is where women expecting a child let themselves slide to promote their fertility. Even today, pilgrims still come to Osh every day to climb the hill, rubbing shoulders with tourists for whom the main motivation remains the panoramic view of the city. There is a small mausoleum on the observation platform at the top, where an imam recites continuous prayers. Below, a large Muslim cemetery seems to have partly burned down: the earth is burnt on a good half of the ground. Finally, at the bottom of the hill are the Assaf Boukhia mausoleum and the Jami Ravat Abdullah Khan mosque, which has become a place of worship again since independence.

Savour Club is a large wine and spirits store located in Marseille, on the edge of Parc Borély. The 300 m2 air-conditioned store offers a 700-strong selection of wines, champagnes and spirits to suit all budgets. Customers can also sample the store's favorites free of charge. Savour Club also organizes events on request. The store has a private parking lot and offers home deliveries.

The Décapotés buses of Christian Rome will lead you to discover the centre of Rome with the possibility of choosing one of the 12 strategically located judgments near the main tourist attractions. Audioguide in French!

The museum presents the evolution of the Uzbek Olympic Committee since 1992 and houses some sports treasures. Of course, Uzbekistan is not a great Olympic nation. However, the Uzbek government attaches particular importance to sport, as evidenced by the many stadiums and sports facilities built since independence. You can enjoy a walk along the Ankhor Canal to admire the facade. The museum café offers a pleasant moment on the canal.

Located in the th district, on the edge of the north-west districts, this former mill became a marshalling yard and was abandoned. Yet she hid an elegant structure, which is attributed to Gustave Eiffel. Supported by beautifully restored metal structures, this iron and glass structure retains its late th century character from pre-industrial times. In Marseilles, in the 80 s, a large campaign for the rehabilitation of former reporting buildings began. The Alexandre Station has benefited, such as the Auction, the Docks, La Wasteland Belle de Mai, the Silo Silo, etc. A safeguard in clean sites that continues with the positive will of the founder Sylvie Caulet, who is now upset by the bad image that the north quarters inspire. But Station Alexandre is also the world of outsourced culture, the business district nearby, trade, restoration, after work, etc. Enjoy contemporary facilities, this multi-tiered activity cluster welcomes employees of the company, management but also all curious visitors, small or large committees in restaurants (Bistrot Alexandre Il Barocco) or the bar bar (L'elf Café). All three have a classic homely soul, a modern post-modern charm, which often affects guests.

The Bavianov family, based in Khiva in Ichan kala, has 10 new and comfortable cars. All have air conditioning, are clean and perfectly maintained. All the men in the family have been working as drivers in the area for years and their reputation has not diminished over time. Gulam is young, dynamic and speaks some English. Above all, he knows the region like the back of his hand and will not lose you on the sometimes complicated and somewhat hidden paths of the desert fortresses. Call ahead to set a date.

To meet, go to Monte Cow, the small hill near the Campidoglio. There are few world day in the gardens. In the evening, attendance increases. Turn right after the stairs that climb to the Campidoglio. Entrance also by the grid located opposite Teatro Marcello.

The mausoleum of Mirsaid Bakhrom is located in the park behind the market. The portal of the domed mausoleum dates from the end of the 10th century. Its decoration, made with an arrangement of bare bricks, is reminiscent of that of the Samanides' mausoleum. Today the monument is endangered by the saline rises. Look at the bricks, you can see a large deposit of salt. The mausoleum is still an important place of pilgrimage, and the faithful can come there very early in the morning.

The khanaka Kasym-Sheikh is an architectural ensemble of the 16th century, consisting of a mosque with a small blue dome and a khanaka. Kasym Sheikh's grave is behind the mosque. The khanaka for pilgrim dervishes was built by Abdullah khan, a native of Karmana. There are several tombs of saints in the inner courtyard, as was customary in the khanaka. The place is quiet and rarely frequented, you will have to charter a taxi to get there and pay for the round trip plus the waiting time of the driver.

This is where the people of Ferghana come to get some coolness on the hottest days. A little higher up is the tomb of "Grandfather Satkat", on the very spot where he fought against the hordes of Genghis Khan who swept over his country. He repulsed the first attacks of the Mongols but this did not prevent them from breaking into his camp one night and killing him to end the resistance. The tomb is a small place of pilgrimage, next to which an imam prays for visitors who come to pay their respects.

The famous red buses could not be missing in the city of Christopher Columbus! The classic formula (hop on/hop off available over 24 or 48 hours) has two routes in the city. They mark 10 and 11 stops, criss-crossing all the city's key points from east to west; one passes through the Principe and Brignole railway stations, stopping near the elevators that take you up to the hills. The other goes as far as the picturesque village of Boccadasse. Multilingual audioguide on board, with detailed commentary on the city's main sights.

One of the most remarkable bridges over the Fontanka dates from the 18th century (1787) and has retained its original appearance, with its four Doric turrets in particular, the Lomonossov Bridge (Most Lomonossova), faces the square and is extended on both sides by the eponymous street. It is the best preserved of the city's turret lift bridges. Originally called the Chernyshev Bridge, it was renamed in 1948 in honour of the great man of science and founder of Moscow University.

It is perhaps the most famous and most photographed bridge in the neighborhood! It was born on a royal road, since the Anitchkov Bridge extends the Nevsky perspective by making it span the Fontanka (the left arm of the Neva). Built in 1850, it is famous and has a very proud appearance thanks to its four equestrian statues by Piotr Klodt, Nicholas I's favourite sculptor. It is named after Anitchkov, who had built the very first bridge at the same place in 1715.

One of the largest and most beautiful bridges in the city connects Petrogradskaya Island and the Champ-de-Mars to the city centre. Spanning the Neva since 1903, the Troïtsky Bridge is worth a visit if only for the incomparable view of the city you will discover there. On one side, the Summer Garden, the St. Petersburg Hotel, Petrovskaya Quay, on the other - the Peter and Paul Fortress, the tip of Vasilyevsky Island, the Dvortsovaya Quay bordered by the succession of wings of the Hermitage.

Close to the Mariinsky, the small triangular island of New Holland at the end of the Moska Canal and bounded by the other Admiralty and Kryukova canals, has undergone a complete metamorphosis. This island used by the army has become a new eco-district of contemporary cultural life in St Petersburg. Created in the 18th century by the national navy, which used it as a warehouse area, the island of Novaya Hollandiya was also used as a storage area and water reservoir during the Soviet period. The complex had been somewhat abandoned since the beginning of the 21st century.
The official launch of the project took place on 27 August 2016 with many concerts and performances on the main stage of the park. Many historic buildings have been renovated, but the most interesting and lively of them is certainly the former prison, now called Boutilka (the bottle). This round-shaped building houses a dozen cafes on the ground floor, shops and showrooms on the ^first floor and a health and beauty area on the ^third floor. In winter, the green park is transformed into a beautiful skating rink. Free concerts, lectures, masterclasses and charity vinyl markets frequently take place on the main stage and in the inner courtyard of the Boutilka. The ^2nd floor houses Imagine, a beautiful vinyl record shop that also houses the studio of the official New Holland radio station: nhi.fm. To be visited without hesitation!

The largest mosque in Uzbekistan was inaugurated in autumn 2014. Desired by the president, Islam Karimov, it was inaugurated with great pomp and ceremony and can accommodate 2,400 people. Made of white marble and taking up the classical architecture of the country, its mosaics represent the sky. The gold-covered mirhab is based on writings from the Qur'an and the central building is flanked by two high minarets. The ensemble is not yet very patinated and in this sense still lacks a bit of charm, but all around have been created pleasant green spaces along the Ankhor canal.

Babur Park offers a pleasant stopover in the north of the Yakkasaray district. It is divided into several spaces with very distinct atmospheres, each of which we like in its own way.

At the corner of the main streets of Babur and Rustaveli, Pushkin Square is organized around the statue of the Russian poet. The layout has been very successful here, with pleasant paths, benches and fountains under the shade of large plane trees. During the day, you can meet with family and friends, while in the evening, lovers come to coo in the dark. In a corner of the square you can find a small bookshop dedicated to Pushkin's works.

The largest part of the park is occupied by old-fashioned attractions: merry-go-rounds, shooting galleries, Ferris wheel, etc. It's a retro and good-natured atmosphere that we find there. There are a few cafes to refresh your throat or eat on the go.

The Seoul Park was inaugurated in 2014 to celebrate the friendship between the Uzbek and Korean peoples. You can stroll around a traditional pavilion and typical Korean vegetation.

Seattle Peace Park: Babur Park is a reminder of a historic twinning between Tashkent and Seattle in 1973. When the Cold War was at its height and relations between the USSR and the United States were far from ideal, Tashkent and Seattle signed the first twinning decree between the two opposing blocs. The Seattle Peace Park is a reminder of this rapprochement. More prosaically, a barbecue restaurant, the Seattle, adjoins Pushkin Square.

This gallery is dedicated to contemporary Uzbek photography. The exhibition space is spread over two floors, a ground floor and an anti-atomic bunker in the basement. It is also home to a studio and a photography school. An opportunity to meet the country's creative youth and their work on images. It is a dynamic and modern space where creativity is at its best to propose original and inspired works. There are regular concerts, seminars and painting exhibitions which further diversify the cultural action of the place.

The Tashkent House of Photography is located in a 1934 building, imitating the main lines of the oriental style. Since 2005, this exhibition space has been dedicated to contemporary photography, confirmed artists as emerging talents. These are artists working or coming from the sphere of the former USSR. You will discover the Uzbek photography scene and artists from neighbouring countries, but few Anglo-Saxon or European. A unique avant-garde place in the country.

The old mosque in iwan and the adjoining madrasah in the Jewish quarter have been converted into a crafts centre under the aegis of Unesco. It is a learning centre specializing in weaving, both rugs and suzani, embroidered on site. A few master craftsmen pass on their knowledge to a dozen apprentices. The colours used to dye 100% silk yarns are natural. It is a very beautiful and peaceful place, around a hundred-year-old mulberry tree.

This is the popular name given to the narrow gorges of the Sanzar River, a passage between Tashkent and Samarkand that winds between the Nourata Mountains and the foothills of the Turkestan Mountains. Literally, it means "where the serpent has gone". It is also known as the "gates of Tamerlan". It sells the best apples of Uzbekistan grown in the region, which are spread out along the roads during the harvest season. Hundreds of crates follow one another along the road, but each driver claims to know the best salesman..