Uzbekistan – The Ancient Heart of Central Asia By Julia Feydman At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Uzbekistan is home to some of the oldest cities in the world. As it is situated between two rivers, the Amu-Darya and the Sir-Darya, it was considered as the crossroads of the famed Silk Road, a lucrative trading route that ran through the center of Uzbekistan. The area has always been a haven for culture and for religion. In fact, Zoroastrianism, which predates Christianity and Islam, began in what is now called Uzbekistan, and this religion is still practiced worldwide.

Quite a bit of technology existed early in civilization, and the people of Uzbekistan were involved in building and improving irrigation systems, weaving silk, maintaining an armory, growing and cultivation cotton and various types of grain, grapes, and other fruits. Those who had knowledge of these cultural achievements were held in high regard.

Uzbekistan is once again a popular destination for travelers to Central Asia. There are so many interesting places to go and things to see that you may have a difficult time choosing what attractions to visit. Uzbekistan travel is a lot like stepping into another world.

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, presents an awesome mix of ancient and modern architecture: from centuries old Zangiota mausoleum and Khast Imam ensemble to Tashkent metro, the magnificent underground artwork in itself, and the TV Tower, the tallest building in Central Asia.

Samarkand has the Afrasiab Museum, which is filled with archeological items that were found during the time between the 4th and the 13th centuries, A.C.

Bukhara has many mosques and mausoleums to check out, such as the Magoki-Attari, the Kalyan, and the Djami mosques and the Samanids, the Chashma-Ayub mausoleums.

Khiva is unique in that the entire town was declared as a “historical monument of world significance” by UNESCO. Every building and attraction in this town has been preserved in the style that was in use when the town was established 2500 years ago. Khiva can boast of having more minarets in all of Asia.

Shakhrisabz includes the historic Kok Gumbaz mosque, built in 1437, and the Gumbaz Seyidan mausoleum, built in 1438.

Termez, which is located on the left bank of the Amudarya River, has the Kokildor-Ota mausoleum, and the Karatepa, a Buddhist center which is constructed on three hills. There are temples and monasteries that were here during the 2nd century A.D.

The city of Nurata has the distinction of being founded by Alexander the Great in 327 B.C. He also installed a water supply system that is still used today. What is left of the fortress used by Alexander and his men remains here, as well as the Djuma mosque.

Baysun is a highly interesting place to visit. In this town, the customs and culture of the locals has not changed for many thousands of years. Cave Teshiktash, where the remains of Neanderthal people have been found, and rock paintings from the Mesolite era can be seen in the Kohitang Mountains.

Uzbekistan travel is an experience you won't soon forget!

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