Uzbekistan - The Ancient Heart of Central Asia

Uzbekistan is home to some of the oldest cities incheck out, such as the Magoki-Attari, the Kalyan,
the world. As it is situated between two rivers,and the Djami mosques and the Samanids, the
the Amu-Darya and the Sir-Darya, it wasChashma-Ayub mausoleums.
considered as the crossroads of the famed SilkKhiva is unique in that the entire town was
Road, a lucrative trading route that ran throughdeclared as a "historical monument of world
the center of Uzbekistan. The area has alwayssignificance" by UNESCO. Every building and
been a haven for culture and for religion. In fact,attraction in this town has been preserved in the
Zoroastrianism, which predates Christianity andstyle that was in use when the town was
Islam, began in what is now called Uzbekistan, andestablished 2500 years ago. Khiva can boast of
this religion is still practiced worldwide.having more minarets in all of Asia.
Quite a bit of technology existed early inShakhrisabz includes the historic Kok Gumbaz
civilization, and the people of Uzbekistan weremosque, built in 1437, and the Gumbaz Seyidan
involved in building and improving irrigationmausoleum, built in 1438.
systems, weaving silk, maintaining an armory,Termez, which is located on the left bank of the
growing and cultivation cotton and various typesAmudarya River, has the Kokildor-Ota
of grain, grapes, and other fruits. Those who hadmausoleum, and the Karatepa, a Buddhist center
knowledge of these cultural achievements werewhich is constructed on three hills. There are
held in high regard.temples and monasteries that were here during
Uzbekistan is once again a popular destination forthe 2nd century A.D.
travelers to Central Asia. There are so manyThe city of Nurata has the distinction of being
interesting places to go and things to see thatfounded by Alexander the Great in 327 B.C. He
you may have a difficult time choosing whatalso installed a water supply system that is still
attractions to visit. Uzbekistan travel is a lot likeused today. What is left of the fortress used by
stepping into another world.Alexander and his men remains here, as well as
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, presents anthe Djuma mosque.
awesome mix of ancient and modern architecture:Baysun is a highly interesting place to visit. In this
from centuries old Zangiota mausoleum and Khasttown, the customs and culture of the locals has
Imam ensemble to Tashkent metro, thenot changed for many thousands of years. Cave
magnificent underground artwork in itself, and theTeshiktash, where the remains of Neanderthal
TV Tower, the tallest building in Central Asia.people have been found, and rock paintings from
Samarkand has the Afrasiab Museum, which isthe Mesolite era can be seen in the Kohitang
filled with archeological items that were foundMountains.
during the time between the 4th and the 13thUzbekistan travel is an experience you won't soon
centuries, A.C.forget!
Bukhara has many mosques and mausoleums to