Tashkent - Capital of Uzbekistan General information about Tashkent Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and is a metropolis of over 2.5 million people. The city is set out as a grid of straight, wide streets and avenues, interspersed with many green areas (parks, squares, and gardens) and fountains. This marvelous city embodies the modern elegance of many other capitals of the world; at the same time, as an eastern city, Tashkent has its own unique flavour. It tastefully combines medieval buildings that look like they're from the pages of ancient oriental tales, with elegant European architecture from the time of the Turkestan governorship, concrete 'blocks' from the Soviet era and, finally, sparkling high-rise commercial buildings made of glass and concrete that represent a new era of independent Uzbekistan. Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Picture
Amir Temur Museum More pictures of Tashkent, Uzbekistan History of Tashkent Tashkent is one of the oldest cities on the Great Silk Road between China and Europe. The earliest references to Tashkent as a city settlement appeared in written sources in the 2nd century BC. In the Chinese annals the city is called Yueni or Shi; in the records of the Persian king, Shampur, it appears as Chach; and in other Arabic sources, Shash. The name Tashkent first appeared in Turkish documents of the 9th to 12th centuries. From ancient times, a favourable geographical position and mild climate made Tashkent one of the main Silk Road cities. In the 14-15th centuries it was the part of the Timurid Empire, and in the 16th century it was under the control of the Sheibanids dynasty. In 1865, after the conquest of Mikhail Chernyaev, Russian military leader, the city became under the rule of the Russian Empire and Russian government was established here. In 1930 Tashkent was declared the capital of Uzbekistan, former Uzbek SSR. Tashkent
What to do in Tashkent Tashkent sights Many of Tashkent's tourist sights are concentrated in the Old City, which is one of the few districts that has preserved its traditional culture in the rapidly-changing metropolis. The spirit of old Tashkent lives here, in the cozy courtyards of the hospitable mahallahs, the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, and the blue domes of the Khast Imam complex. In this part of the city there are artisans, teahouses, and bakeries. Other Tashkent sights worth visiting include the Tashkent TV Tower, the German Church, the Polish Church, Amir Temur Square with the famous Tashkent astronomical clock, Independence Square, and the former residence of Prince Romanov, which was designed by architects
Prepeared by Imam Bukhari Tashkent Islamic Institute , Department of languages , English teacher Kadirov Farrukh
The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan has been receiving letters of appreciation and cooperation from leaders of foreign countries, prestigious international organizations, academic institutions, and participants of international conferences, further demonstrating the Center’s steadily growing reputation and influence on the global stage.
In particular, in a letter of appreciation addressed to Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, expressed her sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and cordial reception extended during her official visit to Uzbekistan. The Queen also emphasized that her visit to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan left a lasting impression on her. She highly praised the Center’s exhibitions for their vivid and compelling presentation, through modern museum technologies, of the rich history and cultural heritage of Central Asia, as well as the scientific and spiritual legacy of the great scholars who made invaluable contributions to the development of Islamic civilization. In particular, she noted that the spiritual atmosphere of the Qur’an Hall and its unique heritage artifacts inspired in her profound respect and admiration.
The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, along with the First International Islamic Civilization Forum held in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Termez from July 7 to 11, 2026, continues to receive widespread international recognition. Following the conclusion of the forum, numerous letters of appreciation and proposals for further cooperation were received from prominent international organizations, academic institutions, and public figures.
In his letter, Professor Shukran Abdul Rahman, Head of the Office of Strategic Institution Transformation at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), emphasized the international significance of the First International Islamic Civilization Forum. According to him, the forum, which brought together scholars, statesmen, and representatives of international organizations from more than 40 countries, played an important role in promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment embodied in Islamic civilization, as well as in strengthening scientific dialogue and academic cooperation among nations. He also commended the high level of organization of the forum, the excellent conditions provided for participants, and the dignified presentation of Uzbekistan’s rich scientific and spiritual heritage to the international community.
The Forum and the activities of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan were also highly praised in two separate letters sent by Russia’s Strategic Vision Group “Russia – Islamic World.” In particular, the letters described the establishment of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan as one of the largest humanitarian and cultural-educational projects in the Islamic world of the twenty-first century. They also highlighted the leading role of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in implementing this initiative and acknowledged his efforts to develop the Center into a hub of science, peace, enlightenment, humanism, and creativity.
At the same time, confidence was expressed that the Center would become a prestigious academic and educational institution for scholars, researchers, and students from around the world in the future. The letters also conveyed readiness to implement joint scientific and cultural projects in the fields of museology, history, archaeology, education, bibliography, and publishing.
In his letter, Professor Nidal Al-Ahmad, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, also emphasized that the First International Islamic Civilization Forum was organized at the highest level, noting that the event once again demonstrated to the international community the tremendous contribution of Islamic civilization to the progress of humanity. He further highlighted that the forum, which brought together scholars, statesmen, and religious leaders from various countries, had become an important international platform for dialogue promoting the values of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment.
As another practical manifestation of the high level of international confidence in the Center’s activities, the regional office of ICESCO in Baku extended an official invitation to the Center’s leadership to participate in the Global Foresight Focal Points Initiative international event, held on July 27–28, 2026. The invitation emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation among ICESCO member states in the fields of strategic foresight, the introduction of innovative approaches to public administration, and future planning.
These expressions of recognition from foreign leaders, distinguished scholars, and international organizations once again confirm that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan has, within a short period of time, become one of the leading platforms for international academic and educational cooperation. They also serve as clear evidence that the Center’s efforts to study, preserve, and promote the rich scientific and cultural heritage of Islamic civilization to the global community are receiving high international acclaim.