Overview
Country Overview
Uzbekistan is bordered by Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The south and east are dominated by the Tien-Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges and the Kyzyl Kum Desert lies to the northeast. The capital, Tashkent, lies in the valley of the River Chirchik. A massive earthquake in 1966 flattened much of the old city. The new buildings are of little architectural interest. Samarkand, founded over 5000 years ago, flourished until the 16th century. The centre of the historical town is the Registan Square, where three huge Islamic seminaries – including Shir-Dor and Tillya-Kari – built between the 15th and 17th centuries dominate the area. Bukhara lies west of Samarkand and was once a centre of learning renowned throughout the Islamic world. There are more than 350 mosques and 100 religious colleges. The centre of historical Bukhara is the Shakristan, which contains the Ark, or palace complex of the Emirs. Plov is the staple food and consists of chunks of mutton, shredded yellow turnip and rice fried in a large wok. Tashkent has a variety of theatres which show everything from European operas to traditional Uzbek dancing and music.
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