Tashkent: Museums, Bazaar and Historic Ensembles

You can focus your hotel stay in Tashkent in different ways: historic buildings, museums, a bazaar known since the Middle Ages and a Botanical Garden each reveal a different side of the city. When looking for a hotel, consider which of these themes interest you most during your stay. The sights range from the history of the Timurids to religious heritage ensembles and collections on the region’s nature and history.

History and historic buildings

The State Museum of the Timurids was opened in Tashkent on October 18, 1996. It displays archaeological, ethnographic and numismatic materials. Here, different approaches to history come together: archaeological finds, ethnographic themes and numismatic evidence. Individual exhibits may change; the three collection focuses can help you decide whether the museum suits your cultural interests.

The Hazrati Imam Complex, also known as Hast-Imam, is a religious heritage ensemble. It includes the Tillashaykh Mosque, the mausoleum of Abu Bakr Kaffol Shoshiy, the Baroqxon Madrasa and the Imam al-Bukhari Islamic Institute. Eastern manuscripts are kept in the visitors’ library, including a Quran associated with Caliph Uthman. The different components make the complex a place where buildings and written heritage can be explored together.

The Ko‘kaldosh Madrasa is also one of the city’s notable architectural sights. It was built in the 16th century; its entrance portal is almost 20 metres high and flanked by corner towers. The large Shaykhontohur Ensemble, which includes the mausoleum of Shaykh Hovandi at-Tahur, is also located in the old part of Tashkent. The Abulqosim-shayx Madrasa adds to this historical perspective: it was built in the first half of the 19th century in the style of the Eastern Renaissance.

Museums and city history

The Tashkent Museum focuses on the city’s ancient history and the customs of its residents, as well as examples of the art and culture of the ancient region. More than 1,000 ancient objects are kept there. For your visit, this means the museum connects local city history with a broader view of the region’s past culture, rather than focusing on just one building or period.

The exhibitions “History of Bread” and “Journey to Old Tashkent” are located in the Gulbozor mahalla, in the historic district. Check before your visit whether they are showing on your chosen date. The G‘afur G‘ulom House Museum offers another way to explore the city’s history: on the second floor, a memorial area has been set up with G‘afur G‘ulom’s study, reception room and rest room.

At Chorsu Bazaar, a sight in the old town that has been known since the Middle Ages, the focus is on the range of goods. These include ceramics and pottery, skullcaps, traditional clothing, oriental sweets, spices, fruit and vegetables, handmade souvenirs, books, gifts and scarves made from traditional fabrics. The variety of goods sets the bazaar apart from museums and historic ensembles: here, the focus is on products and craftsmanship.

Nature and other activities

The State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan is one of the oldest museums in Central Asia. Its exhibitions are divided into four sections and cover animal and plant life. The Tashkent Botanical Garden offers a different focus, with a collection of more than 6,000 plant species. Visitors can take part in educational tours there; if interested, check the dates and options for your visit.

For a different kind of activity, Anhor Lokomotiv Park offers go-karting on an area of more than 12,000 square metres. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check that the activity is available before your visit. This way, you can choose what to experience in Tashkent during your stay—from collections and architecture to nature or go-karting.

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