Discover Beshkent: Pilgrimage Sites and Memorials

Beshkent brings together traces of history, pilgrimage sites and a strong connection to football. Local attractions offer a range of points of interest: a mausoleum and graves commemorate religious and historical figures, the Polish cemetery tells another story from the past, and the stadium highlights the local football scene today. If you’re looking for a hotel in Beshkent, these themes can help you plan your trip.

History and pilgrimage sites in Beshkent

At the beginning of the 10th century, Beshkent took shape as a permanently settled village. The Hazrati-Sulton Mausoleum dates from the 10th to 12th centuries. Beshkent is also home to the graves of Hazrat Sultan Abulkhayr Mazondaroni and Khojai Azizkhon. Together, these historic sites give the town a strong association with pilgrimage.

Another pilgrimage site lies nearby: the Abu Mu'in Nasafiy complex is in the village of Qovchin. It includes a mosque with room for 500 people. Visitors can therefore choose between the mausoleum and graves in Beshkent and a pilgrimage centre in nearby Qovchin.

A monument to the Humo bird stands in Mustaqillik Square. Beshkent’s Polish cemetery is also a historic memorial site; it was restored in 2010. According to numerous accounts, Polish military personnel and civilians were buried there. Local eyewitness accounts date the cemetery’s establishment to 1942. The restoration and the recorded accounts of the cemetery’s history are distinct aspects of its significance.

Sport and practical information

Beshkent Central Stadium was built in 2024 and is listed as the stadium of the Lochin football club. It adds a sporting dimension to the historic sites. If you’re planning to visit the stadium, check the latest fixtures and access arrangements beforehand, as both may change.

Beshkent’s attractions appeal to travellers with different interests: pilgrimage sites and historic memorials sit alongside a football stadium and the monument in Mustaqillik Square.

Qashqadaryo Province as a regional setting

For a broader geographical perspective, it’s worth looking at Qashqadaryo Province. It lies in the basin of the Qashqadaryo River, at the foothills of the Pamir-Alai Mountains. The Beshkent Depression in Qashqadaryo Region is 160 kilometres long. In the region’s foothills, pomegranates, quinces, peaches, pears, cherries and lemons are grown, along with vegetables, pistachios, peanuts and walnuts; there are also extensive grazing lands.

The region’s cultural sites also reflect a range of themes. Shahrisabz is known as the birthplace of Amir Temur, and its historic centre is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Dorut Tilovat ensemble was created between 1370 and 1371 as a memorial complex: a Friday mosque and two mausoleums enclose a shared courtyard. The ruins of Ak-Saray Palace once formed part of Amir Timur’s medieval residence. Construction began in 1380 and lasted 24 years. The restored Chubin Madrasah houses a history museum about the city.

Further historic sites can be found in Qarshi: the Qarshi Bridge, built in 1583, is considered one of the oldest bridges in Central Asia. The Odina Mosque is part of the Odina complex in the old town and measures 50 metres long and 40 metres wide. These regional sites offer a different perspective on history from Beshkent’s memorials and pilgrimage sites.

Regional cuisine is also part of the picture in Qashqadaryo Province: Shahrisabz plov is made with linseed oil, while Qashqadaryo somsa is made from layered dough. Once you’ve considered the different places and historical themes for your trip, you can search for hotels in Beshkent that suit your destination.

For a broader travel overview: Karshi District.