Uzbek National Holidays

UNESCO Sites in Uzbekistan:
Historic Center of Bukhara
Bukhara is one of the oldest cities located on the Great Silk Road, which 
is approximately 2 thousand years old. The layout of the city has not changed 
much since the Middle Ages - today Bukhara is the most complete example of the 
medieval city of Central Asia. Bukhara is truly a holy city not only for the Uzbek 
people but also for the entire Islamic world. 
The whole centre of Bukhara is one big historical monument, which is 
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a huge historical and 
architectural complex consisting of about 150 sights: mosques, madrasas 
(religious schools), minarets and markets, caravanserais, as well as old one-storey 

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houses made of sun-dried bricks. One of the brightest and unique attractions of this 
city are the covered street intersections which have become kind of market. The 
oldest monument in Bukhara is the Ark citadel, the construction of which dates 
back to the early feudal period of the 5
th
– 7
th
centuries. Another precious 
monument that reached us from the era of Samanids (IX-X centuries), is the 
mausoleum of Ismail Samani - one of the classic works of Central Asian 
architecture. High artistic effect of the facades of the mausoleum has been 
achieved through the use of backed brick and combined masonry technology. All 
in all, Bukhara is considered the hallmark of Uzbekistan with vibrant streets full of 
tourists, souvenir shops, cafes and chaykhanas with an Asian flavour. 
UNESCO Sites in Uzbekistan: Samarkand
Samarkand was founded in the 7th century BC and since then was 
considered to be the pearl of Central Asia. Like Bukhara, Samarkand was one of 
the most important cities in the region thanks to being situated on the Grand Silk 
Way. Samarkand was most developed and flourished during the reign of Amir 
Temur and the Timurids dynasty. The main attractions of Samarkand are the 
Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum and the 
Gur-Emir complex. The historic centre of Samarkand was included in the 
UNESCO world heritage list in 2001. 
Along with fantastic architectural and magnificent historical sights, there are 
numerous places to see and to experience including noisy souvenir workshops of 
artisans and craftsmen who produce fine fabrics or different national-flavored 
souvenirs.