Exploring the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan

Right at the heart of Central Asia, ancient Uzbekistan was a hub for Silk Road trade between China and the Mediterranean. Before the fast-forward age of the engine, being at the crossroads between East and West put this land-locked country firmly on the map. Explore Uzbekistan today, and you’ll find grand cities, dazzling architecture, bazaars you can get lost in, and a tantalizing mix of cultures, cuisines and peoples. 

Samarkand

Nothing conjures up visions of the Silk Road like uttering the name of that fabled city of Samarkand. Those merchants and traders of the distant past would have glimpsed the city from afar, shimmering like a mirage in the desert. After arduous journeys across the wind-whipped steppe and shifting desert sands, they would have gazed in awe at the glinting mosaics and fresh water fountains of this handsome city. 

The impact of a first visit to Samarkand hasn’t lost its magic today. At its heart is the monumental Registan, a huge square set on three sides with an ensemble of stately mosaic-clad edifices. These madrasahs (Islamic schools) have presided over the square for centuries, witnessing all the comings and goings of the years. During Silk Road times Registan was likely the commercial hub of the city, and would have been filled with the shouts and cries of traders bargaining over exotic goods from the Far East and West. 

Another of Samarkand’s gems, rich with indigo, turquoise and teal mosaics, is the avenue of mausoleums. The Shah-i-Zinda, meaning ‘Tomb of the Living King’, refers to the innermost mausoleum, but there are many more beautiful domed and tiled shrines to admire within this sacred space. 

Bukhara

As well as spices, precious stones and silks, ideas, religion and philosophy were readily exchanged along the Silk Road. The ancient streets of Bukhara have witnessed over two millennia of this cultural crisscrossing. From the 9th to the 16th centuries, Muslim theology, especially Sufism, was taught and discussed in over 100 madrasahs around the city and the devout were called to prayer at some 200 mosques. 

UNESCO proclaims Bukhara’s evocative historic center as the most intact example of medieval Islamic architecture in Central Asia. Wander its labyrinth of age-old streets and gaze up at intricately-carved and turquoise-tiled minarets. To go even further back in time, step through the imposing gates of the Ark. This ancient royal complex is the oldest structure in Bukhara, dating to the 5th century. 

Dominating the old town is the 11th-century Kalyan Minaret, reaching some 46m skyward. This was one of the few structures to survive the wrath of Genghis Khan intact. As you witness it illuminated with golden light at dusk, it’s easy to see why it might have been spared. 

Elsewhere in the city, the Nadir Divan-begi madrasah is lavishly decorated in typical intricate mosaic work. But what sets this building apart is its depiction of animals, including elaborate mythical birds flying high over the entranceway. Most Islamic art of this era doesn’t incorporate either animals or people, so this is quite unique. 

Tashkent

Uzbekistan’s cosmopolitan capital is a city on the move. Tashkent is where the action happens and there’s a real buzz around its nightlife and restaurant scene. Unlike many other cities in Uzbekistan, you won’t find ancient monuments or classic Silk Road architecture here. Tashkent was all but levelled by a serious earthquake in 1966 and was rebuilt in a distinctly Soviet style. It’s a leafy city with plenty of parks, wide avenues and imposing statues, as well as some impressive large-scale Brutalist buildings. 

However, the real architectural treasures of the city lie deep underground. The vaulted ceilings of Tashkent’s Metro system are a marvel. With gleaming marble, intricate mosaics, dramatic lighting and artworks on a grand scale, traveling on Tashkent’s Metro system is a must – just make sure you mind the gap.  

The city is also home to many of the top museums in the country. These include the Museum of Applied Arts, the State Fine Arts Museum, and the engaging History Museum of the People of Uzbekistan, which showcases some exquisite Buddhist icons. 

For sensory overload, the blue-domed Chorsu Bazaar beckons. Here you can feast on bountiful seasonal fruits, such as perfumed apricots, golden peaches and multi-hued cherries, then flex your bargaining muscles in the handicraft market. 

Khiva

Legend has it that Khiva was founded by the son of Noah after he discovered a well at the site. This may or may not be true, but this walled fortress city rising from the desert was certainly a center for trade as far back as the 8th century. It was during the 14th century that it became an important trading post on the Silk Road superhighway. 

Today it is a veritable open-air museum and an ode to the distant romance of the Silk Road, especially within the amazingly well-preserved old town known as Ichon Qala. Imposing 10m-high medieval walls protect a maze of exquisite, sandy-hued Islamic architecture, topped by peacock-blue and turquoise domes.

It was within this inner fortress city that the rulers and high officials resided, while most of the workers and craftspeople lived outside the walls in Dishan Kala. However, their work can be appreciated at over 50 historical monuments within the inner city. 

The splendid Kalta Minor Minaret showcases intricate mosaic works in classic blues and terracotta. The structure was actually intended to be three times as high, but the khan who commissioned it died before construction was complete. As such it appears squat, despite its 29m stature. 

Woodcarving was another specialism that flourished in Khiva, and nowhere is this more evident than at the wooden Juma Mosque. With over 200 pillars supporting its roof, Juma is highly unusual in its construction. Visitors can meander through, taking in the detail of the intricately-carved pillars dating from the 10th through to the 16th centuries. 

Tash Khauli Palace is another treat. This lavish maze of a palace was built in the 1800s and has dozens of rooms and hidden courtyards to lose yourself in. And don’t miss climbing the winding staircase of the 57m-high Islam Khoja Minaret, for a magnificent bird’s eye view across the city. 

Down through the centuries, Khiva’s craftspeople have passed on their skills to the next generation. Take your pick from hand-embroidered textiles, jewelry, pottery, musical instruments, wood carvings and more as you wander the bazaars, street stalls, and craft workshops of Ichon Qala. Choose wisely and take a little piece of Silk Road magic home with you. 

Make it happen

Discuss your travel ideas with a local expert in Uzbekistan today and start planning your Silk Road adventure.