Historical monuments of uzbekistan

HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF UZBEKISTAN

Few countries on earth are blessed with the historic, cultural and architectural treasures of Uzbekistan. Home to three of the region’s most exceptional cities in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the quantity and quality of the Silk Road era mosques, mausoleums and madrasahs, bazaars, citadels and tombs are not only phenomenal but also astonishing. With so many different things to see and do, here are 21 of the most incredible landmarks to see in Uzbekistan.

1. Registan Square, Samarkand

Few places epitomise Uzbekistan more than Registan Square and it is unquestionably the country’s most recognisable landmark. Sitting at the ancient epicentre of the Silk Road city of Samarkand, this beautifully proportioned square is flanked by three historic madrasahs, the oldest of which dates to the early 15th century. For centuries Registan Square was the centre of Samarkand’s public life – it was here that announcements were made, executions took place, markets were held and festivals celebrated but a decline in trade saw the buildings deteriorate until 20th century renovations. UNESCO protected, today the structures are dazzling – the madrasahs intricately decorated with multi-coloured mosaics and the towering domes resplendent with vibrant azure tiles.

2. Po-i-Kalyan and the Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara

The foremost Islamic religious complex in Bukhara, the Po-i-Kalyan lies at the heart of what is Central Asia’s holiest city. Best known for the towering Kalyan Minaret, which was spared destruction by the invading forces of Genghis Khan, the buildings here have changed little over the centuries. The compound also houses a 500 year old mosque and grand madrasah however the Kalyan Minaret is the highlight. Dating to 1127 AD, the minaret is nearly 50 metres in height and was most probably the tallest structure in the region at the time of its construction.

3. Kalta Minor Minaret, Khiva

The squat, highly decorative Kalta Minor Minaret is one of Khiva’s most distinctive sites. Its massive circumference but stunted height has fuelled many rumours since it was constructed with a popular legend being that the minaret’s foundations were originally intended to support a structure so tall that those at the top would be able to see the city of Bukhara over 400kms away. Whether there is any truth to this is unclear, however, what is certain is that the minaret was intended to be much taller than its final height but following the death of its sponsor soon after building started in 1851, construction was halted and the structure left unfinished.