Tashkent history

The history of Tashkent spans over 2,200 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The first written mentions of a settlement in this oasis appear in Chinese chronicles from the 2nd century BC, where it is referred to as Yuni or Shi. In ancient times, this territory was known as the Chach (or Shash) oasis, and archaeological findings confirm the existence of an urban settlement here as early as the 4th–5th centuries. The modern name Tashkent, which translates from Turkic languages as "Stone City," first appears in the works of scholars Al-Biruni and Mahmud al-Kashgari in the 11th century. This name may have reflected both the use of stone in construction and symbolized the resilience of its defenders. Prior to this, in the early Middle Ages, the city was known by the Arab name Binkent.

The development of Tashkent was facilitated by a unique combination of several factors. Firstly, its geographical location in a fertile oasis irrigated by the Chirchik River created favourable conditions for agriculture since ancient times. Secondly, the city was one of the key nodes on the routes of the Great Silk Road, connecting the East and the West. It served not merely as a transit point but also produced goods for export itself. Over the centuries, the city also held significant strategic importance, being part of powerful states such as the Turkic Khaganate, the Abbasid Caliphate, and the empire of Amir Temur (Tamerlane), where it acquired the status of an important military fortress.

Since ancient times, Tashkent has been a major centre of craftsmanship. Pottery and glassblowing, metalworking, and the production of textiles and leather goods flourished here. Active trade ensured economic prosperity and cultural exchange with other regions. With the arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century, Islam spread throughout the region, and the Arabic language became the language of science and literature. The period of the 9th–10th centuries in the city's history is often called the "Muslim Renaissance" due to the rapid development of science and culture. In subsequent eras, especially during the rule of the Timurids and Sheybanids, Tashkent strengthened its status as an important scientific and educational hub.

Key Milestones in the History of Tashkent

The history of Tashkent is a kaleidoscope of eras and events, reflecting the rich past of one of the main centres of the Great Silk Road. From ancient settlements to a modern capital, the city has traversed a long and eventful path.

• 2nd Century BC — The first written mentions of the urban settlement of Yuni in the Chach oasis, where modern Tashkent is located, appear in Chinese chronicles.
• 8th Century (713) — Arab forces first enter the Shash region, marking the beginning of the spread of Islam and Arab culture in the region.
• 9th–10th Centuries — The city, then known as Binkent, becomes a major trade and craft centre within the Samanid state, experiencing a cultural and economic flourishing.
• 11th Century — The name "Tashkent," translating as "Stone City," is first encountered in the works of scholars Al-Biruni and Mahmud al-Kashgari.
• 1220 — The city was conquered and destroyed by the troops of Genghis Khan, leading to a temporary decline.
• 14th–15th Centuries — Tashkent becomes part of the empire of Amir Temur (Tamerlane) and his descendants, restoring its significance as an important fortress and trading post.
• 16th Century — The city becomes part of the Sheybanid state; during this period, iconic architectural monuments are erected, including the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Hazrati Imam complex.
• 1784 — Ruler Yunus Khoja unites the four parts of the city, creating the independent State of Tashkent, which existed until the beginning of the 19th century.
• 1865 — Tashkent was conquered by the troops of the Russian Empire under the command of General Chernyaev and soon became the centre of the Turkestan Governor-Generalship.
• 1930 — Tashkent definitively becomes the capital of the Uzbek SSR, regaining this status after its temporary transfer to Samarkand.
• 26 April 1966 — A devastating earthquake occurred, leading to massive reconstruction and the emergence of a new, modern appearance for the city centre.
• 1991 — Following the proclamation of Uzbekistan's independence, Tashkent becomes the capital of a sovereign state.

Stages of Tashkent's Transformation

The development of Tashkent is a story of continuous transformations that have shaped its unique appearance. From an ancient trading post to a modern metropolis, the city has passed through several key stages, each leaving a noticeable mark on its architecture, economy, and culture.

• Centre of the Great Silk Road. Its location in a fertile oasis at the crossroads of caravan routes made Tashkent an important economic and cultural hub. This fostered the development of crafts, trade, and the exchange of knowledge, laying the foundation for its centuries-old prosperity.
• Incorporation into the Russian Empire (1865). This period was marked by radical urban planning reform. A new city was built next to the old one — with European planning, straight streets, and administrative buildings. The arrival of the railway integrated Tashkent into the empire's economy and gave a powerful impetus to its industrial development.
• Capital of the Uzbek SSR (from 1930). In the Soviet era, Tashkent established itself as the political, scientific, and industrial centre of the region. Large factories, universities, and theatres were built. This status led to significant population growth and the expansion of the city's territory.
• Recovery after the 1966 Earthquake. The devastating earthquake of 26 April 1966 became a turning point in the city's modern history. Massive reconstruction, involving specialists from all over the USSR, did not just restore the city but created its new image. Wide avenues, new residential areas, and unique public buildings combining Soviet modernism with Oriental motifs appeared.
• Construction of the Metro (from 1977). The opening of the first metro in Central Asia was a landmark event. The Tashkent Metro is not only an important transport project but also a cultural phenomenon. Each station features unique artistic design using marble, granite, and national ornaments, turning the metro into a veritable underground gallery.
• Capital of Independent Uzbekistan (from 1991). With the attainment of independence, a new stage of development began. Modern business centres, parks, sports complexes, and mosques have been erected in the city. Active restoration of historical monuments and modernization of infrastructure are underway, shaping the image of Tashkent as the dynamic capital of a sovereign state.

The architecture of Tashkent represents a unique blend of eras and styles, where traditional Central Asian architecture sits alongside European colonial-era buildings, monumental Soviet modernism, and the contemporary structures of independent Uzbekistan. Each era has left its inimitable mark on the city's appearance.

Traditional Architecture (until the mid-19th century)

The historical look of Tashkent was formed within the Old City, consisting of a labyrinth of narrow streets and mahalla neighbourhoods. The basis of the development was mud-brick houses with windowless external walls and cosy inner courtyards hidden from prying eyes. This period left behind iconic monuments of Islamic architecture, which define the spiritual centre of the city to this day.

• Hazrati Imam Ensemble (Hast-Imam) — a complex including mausoleums, mosques, and madrasahs, formed around the grave of one of the first Imams of Tashkent, Abubekr Kaffal ash-Shashi.
• Kukeldash Madrasah (16th century) — one of the largest madrasahs of its time, built of baked brick, with a high entrance portal and a traditional courtyard surrounded by student cells (hujras).
• Sheykhantaur Ensemble — a complex of mausoleums built in honour of a local Sufi Sheikh, serving as an important historical and architectural monument.

Architecture of the Russian Empire (1865 – early 20th century)

After becoming part of the Russian Empire in 1865, the city was divided into two parts: the Old City and the New City, built according to a European model. The New City was characterized by a radial-ring layout, straight wide streets, and public buildings in the style of eclecticism and "Turkestan Modern," which combined European forms with Oriental motifs.

• Palace of Prince Romanov (1891) — the former residence of Grand Duke Nicholas Constantinovich, executed in the Art Nouveau style by architect A.L. Benois. The building, made of baked brick with decorative towers and carved lattices, is a striking example of the architecture of that period.
• Buildings of the Men's and Women's Gymnasiums (late 19th century) — monumental brick structures that laid the foundation for the future university campus.

Soviet Period: From Neoclassicism to Modernism (1930s – 1991)

In the Soviet era, Tashkent's architecture went through several stages. In the 1930s–1950s, Stalinist neoclassicism dominated, represented by buildings such as the Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre. However, the most distinctive architectural style formed after the devastating earthquake of 1966. The city became a platform for bold experiments, resulting in a phenomenon known as "Seismic Modernism." Architects from all over the USSR created unique projects, combining functionality and seismic resistance with local colour — mosaic panels, sun-protection lattices (panjara), and ornaments.

• Hotel Uzbekistan — one of the most recognizable buildings in the city with a facade resembling an open book, adorned with sun-protection elements.
• Palace of Friendship of Peoples (now "Istiklol") — a monumental building, the architecture of which hints at motifs of ancient settlements, built in 1980.
• Tashkent Metro (since 1977) — each station is a unique work of art, richly decorated with marble, granite, ceramics, and metal.
• Chorsu Bazaar — the famous market covered by a huge blue dome, a vivid example of the synthesis of modern engineering thought and traditional forms.

Modern Architecture (since 1991)

After gaining independence, a new stage began in Tashkent's architecture, aimed at shaping national identity. Modern buildings are characterized by the use of traditional elements — domes, portals, and ornaments — in combination with the latest materials such as glass and metal. Large administrative and public complexes have been erected in the city, reflecting its status as the capital of a sovereign state.

• Palace of International Forums "Uzbekistan" — a grandiose structure with a huge dome, decorated with white marble and gold leaf.
• Minor Mosque (2014) — a new snow-white mosque that has become one of the modern symbols of the city, combining the canons of Islamic architecture with modern technologies.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Tashkent

Tashkent, being one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, has been the birthplace or an important centre of activity for many outstanding scholars, artists, politicians, and athletes. Their contributions have left a noticeable mark not only on the history of the city but also on world cultural and scientific heritage.

• Abu Bakr Kaffal ash-Shashi (904–976) — an Islamic theologian, jurist, linguist, and poet. One of the first Imams of Tashkent, he received immense recognition in the Muslim world for his deep knowledge. His nickname "Kaffal" means "Locksmith," indicating his skill in making complex locks. The Mausoleum of Kaffal ash-Shashi is today the core of the historical-religious complex Hazrati Imam in Tashkent.
• Yunus Khoja (?—1805) — the ruler of Tashkent and founder of the independent State of Tashkent, which existed in the late 18th – early 19th centuries. He united the four disparate parts of the city (daha), created a strong army, and established the minting of his own coins. During his reign, Tashkent significantly strengthened its trade and political positions in the region, including developing relations with the Russian Empire.
• Alexander Volkov (1886–1957) — a painter and one of the founders of modern art in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Although not born in Tashkent, he lived and worked in this city for most of his life, leading the "Masters of the New East" art association. His works, such as the famous "Pomegranate Teahouse," are distinguished by vivid colour and a distinctive style combining avant-garde trends with Oriental motifs.
• Gafur Gulyam (1903–1966) — People's Poet of the Uzbek SSR, writer, publicist, and academician. Born in Tashkent, he became one of the founders of modern Uzbek poetry. His work, including the famous novella "The Mischievous Boy" (Shum Bola), deeply reflects the life, culture, and spirit of the Uzbek people. Gafur Gulyam is also known as an outstanding translator who introduced Uzbek readers to the works of Pushkin, Shakespeare, and Dante.
• Zulfiya (1915–1996) — an outstanding Uzbek poetess, journalist, and public figure. Born in Tashkent into a craftsman's family. Her lyrical and patriotic poems, praising the Motherland, love, and the resilience of the human spirit, brought her nationwide love and the title of People's Poetess of the Uzbek SSR. Zulfiya became a symbol of the creative and strong woman of the East.
• Anna Akhmatova (1889–1966) — a great Russian poetess. She lived in Tashkent in evacuation during the Second World War from 1941 to 1944. This period had a significant influence on her work. Here she worked on "Poem Without a Hero" and created the famous lyrical cycle "The Moon at Zenith," which reflected her impressions of the city and the nature of Central Asia.
• Suleiman Yudakov (1916–1990) — a Soviet composer and People's Artist of the Uzbek SSR. Although born in Kokand, his life and work are inextricably linked with Tashkent. He is the author of the first Uzbek comic opera "Maysara's Tricks" and the music for the State Anthem of the Tajik SSR. His music, combining national colour and European traditions, has become a classic of Uzbek art.
• Elyor Ishmukhamedov (born 1942) — a Soviet and Uzbek film director and screenwriter. His debut feature film "Tenderness" (1966), filmed in Tashkent, became a cult film for an entire generation and a poetic declaration of love to his native city. This picture and the director's subsequent works, such as "Lovers," cemented his reputation as one of the most subtle and lyrical directors of his time.
• Rustam Kasimdzhanov (born 1979) — an Uzbek chess player and Grandmaster. Born in Tashkent. In 2004, he became the FIDE World Chess Champion, inscribing his name in the history of world sports and bringing glory to the modern chess school of Uzbekistan.