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Tashkent

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Tashkent is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It is located in the northeastern part of the country.

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

As of July 1, 2025, the city's population exceeds 3.1 million people. This makes it the most populous city in Central Asia. Tashkent serves as a vital center for human and economic development. It acts as a major financial and commercial hub for the region.

Tashkent Downtown
Tashkent Downtown

The name Tashkent has deep linguistic roots. The name likely comes from the Turkic word *tash* and the Persian word *kent*. Together, these words translate to "Stone City" or "City of Stones."

Tashkent street view
Tashkent street view

Some scholars suggest an older name, Chach, has different origins. One theory links Chach to an Old Iranian word meaning an "area of water" or "lake." Another theory proposes the name comes from a Proto-Turkic word for "stone." These different names reflect the many cultures that have passed through the region.

The history of the Tashkent oasis began with the Burgulik culture. This was an ancient pastoral society during the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages.

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

The Burgulik era is split into two periods: Burgulik I and Burgulik II. During Burgulik I, people lived in basement-shaped huts or cave dwellings. They practiced animal husbandry and possibly used irrigation for agriculture. The hill fort of Shashtepa was a large village during this time. It thrived because of running water from the Dzhun Aryk, a branch of the Chirchik River.

As time passed, the Kaunchin culture replaced the Burgulik. This group is linked to the Kangju state, which existed from 140 BC to 500 AD.

Some historians believe a "Stone Tower" mentioned by Ptolemy was located here. This tower might have marked the midway point between Europe and China. Later, the region became known as Chach. By the 7th century AD, Chach included over 30 towns and 50 canals. It served as a major trade center between Sogdians and Turkic nomads.

Many powerful empires have shaped the city's political landscape. The Umayyad Caliphate conquered Chach in the early 8th century. During this time, the city was divided into a citadel, an inner city, and two suburbs.

M10 Abassides AH190 (8011579793)
M10 Abassides AH190 (8011579793)

In 1219, Genghis Khan destroyed the city during his conquest. However, the city was later restored under the Timurid dynasty. Amir Timur viewed Tashkent as a strategic center for commerce. He even ordered the construction of the Zangiata mausoleum to honor a famous saint.

Mausoleum Zangiata 15-12
Mausoleum Zangiata 15-12

The 19th and 20th centuries brought significant political changes. In 1865, the Russian Empire captured Tashkent. This made the city the capital of Russian Turkestan. During the Soviet era, the city grew through forced deportations from across the Soviet Union. In 1966, a massive earthquake destroyed much of the city.

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

The city was quickly rebuilt as a model Soviet city. At that time, it was the fourth-largest city in the Soviet Union.

Today, Tashkent is an economic powerhouse for Uzbekistan. In the first half of 2024, it accounted for 19% of the national GDP.

Bread Vendor (220641945)
Bread Vendor (220641945)

A 2023 report by the Center for Progressive Reforms ranked it first in Uzbekistan. It topped five categories: healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, and environment. The city is currently working on a master plan that extends to the year 2045. This plan focuses on urban modernization and sustainable investment. Tashkent remains a multiethnic city where many different cultures live 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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