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Tashkent

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, city and vicinities, satellite image LandSat-5,2010-06-30
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, city and vicinities, satellite image LandSat-5,2010-06-30

It sits in the northeastern part of the country. This city is a huge center for people in Central Asia. As of July 1, 2025, more than 3.1 million people live there. It plays a very important role in the country's growth. The city is a leading spot for money, trade, and new ideas.

Tashkent Downtown
Tashkent Downtown

The name Tashkent has a very old meaning. Many people believe it comes from Turkic and Persian words. These words mean "Stone City" or "City of Stones."

Tashkent street view
Tashkent street view

Long ago, the area was known as Chach. Some scholars think the name Chach meant an area of water or a lake. The city has been a key stop on the Silk Road for centuries. This was a famous network of paths for trade between the East and West. Travelers used these paths to share goods and different cultures.

Tashkent has a very long and changing history. In the early days, the Burgulik people lived in the area. They lived in huts shaped like basements or in caves.

Chach. Uncertain ruler. Circa AD 625-725
Chach. Uncertain ruler. Circa AD 625-725

Later, the city was part of many different groups. Genghis Khan destroyed the city in 1219. After that, the city grew again under the Timurid dynasty. During the time of Amir Timur, it became a strong center for learning and trade. The city even saw the building of the Zangiata mausoleum for a famous saint.

Many different empires have ruled the city over time. In the 8th century, the Umayyad Caliphate took control. Later, the Russian Empire took the city in 1865. This made Tashkent the capital of Russian Turkestan. During Soviet times, the city grew even more. However, a large earthquake hit the city in 1966. Much of the city was destroyed by the shaking ground.

Tashkent. Courage monument. USSR stamp. 1979
Tashkent. Courage monument. USSR stamp. 1979

People worked hard to rebuild it as a modern city.

Today, Tashkent is a leader in many important ways. A 2023 report showed it is the best region in Uzbekistan for many things. It leads in healthcare, schools, and the environment.

Bread Vendor (220641945)
Bread Vendor (220641945)

It also helps the national economy very much. In the first half of 2024, it provided 19% of the country's GDP. The city is working on new projects to stay a modern hub. Even with many changes, many different ethnic groups still live there together.

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🖼️ Images & Media (37)
File:Chach. Uncertain ruler. Circa AD 625-725.jpg
Chach. Uncertain ruler. Circa AD 625-725.jpg
File:Ambassadors from Chaganian (central figure, inscription of the neck), and Chach (modern Tashkent) to king Varkhuman of Samarkand. 648-651 CE, Afrasiyab, Samarkand.jpg
Ambassadors from Chaganian (central...
File:M10 Abassides AH190 (8011579793).jpg
M10 Abassides AH190 (8011579793).jpg
File:Mausoleum Zangiata 15-12.JPG
Mausoleum Zangiata 15-12.JPG
File:Barakhan Madrasah Tashkent.jpg
Barakhan Madrasah Tashkent.jpg
File:Храм Александра Невского (Ташкент).png
Храм Александра Невского (Ташкент).png
File:Taskent city coat 1909.gif
Taskent city coat 1909.gif
File:Ташкент пассаж Ариф-Ходжи.jpg
Ташкент пассаж Ариф-Ходжи.jpg
File:Tashkent the building of town council 02.jpg
Tashkent the building of town council 02.jpg
File:Tashkent. Courage monument. USSR stamp. 1979.jpg
Tashkent. Courage monument. USSR stamp. 1979.jpg
File:Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre, Tashkent.jpg
Alisher Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre,...
File:Tashkent Japanese Gardens, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.jpg
Tashkent Japanese Gardens, Tashkent,...

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