The history of the current capital of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent, began more than 2000 years ago. The first mentions in written sources are found among the Chinese, who called the city Shi, Zhem, and Yuni. Also, during the 2nd — 1st centuries BC, the name Shash-tepa (Chach-tepa) is encountered. In the early Middle Ages, the city was called Binkent. But already from the 11th century, the city received its current name – Tashkent, which can be translated as “stone city” (from Uzbek “tosh” – stone).
In the 4th-5th centuries, the first urban settlement appeared here. In the burial mounds dated to that time, bronze mirrors and coins of different states existing in the first centuries AD were found.
In the 6th century, the Chach region (as the city was called at that time) came under the control of the Turkic Khaganate, which by the 7th century had disintegrated into small possessions.
The next rulers of Tashkent were the Arabs, who captured all of Central Asia. They renamed the city to Binkent and began to forcibly introduce Islam, destroying the local culture. After two centuries of Arab oppression, in the 9th century, Tashkent became part of the Samanid state. In the 10th-13th centuries, it was ruled by the Karakhanids and the Qara Khitai.
Explore Tashkent’s historic landmarks
Wander through Bukhara’s Old City
Visit Gijduvan ceramic workshops
Stay with a local family
Discover Samarkand’s majestic Registan
Stroll vibrant Silk Road bazaars