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The main national holiday of the Republik of Uzbekistan is the Day Independence.

In 1999 majestic Square of Memory has been opened in capital of Uzbekistan on 9th May and since then Day of memory and honor on May, 9th is celebrated.

The most ancient national holiday Navruz ("Holiday Navruz"), in translation with Persian Navruz designates "new day".

Uzbekistan is located in the zone of high seismic activity, with a power of earthquake shock reaching more than 8 points on Richter scale. Small earthquakes are rather often here. It is considered that serious shocks of earthquake happen in the city once in a hundred years. 

Coordinates of Tashkent are: latitude 41° 00" North, longitude 64° 00" East. Total area of its territory is 32,790 hectares. The city surrounded by fruit gardens, plantations and vineyards, is stretching on foothill valley with fertilize loess soils.  

Sharp continental climate, which is common to Uzbekistan, is softened in Tashkent by proximity of mountain areas and numerous canals that cross the city. This land was always considered to be an area with wonderful water supply and healthy climate. 

Address: Yunus Radjabi street, 20
Telephone: 256 34 01
Working hours: 10:00-17:00
Day-off: Monday, Sunday.
Entrance: free of charge
Guided tours in Uzbek and Russian are free of charge. A tour should be requested in advance.
 

Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Address: Sharaf Rashidov avenue, 3 (Mustakillik maydoni metro station)  
Telephone: 239 10 83
Fax: 239 10 83
Working hours: 9:30 – 18:00
Day off: Monday
Guided tours in Russian and Uzbek languages. Guided tour in English should be requested in advance.  

Ministry of culture and sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Address: Mavaraunnakhr street, 16
Telephone: 236 74 36; 236 74 29
Working hours: 10:00 – 17:00; Mondays – 10:00 – 14:00
Day off: Tuesday
Guided tours: in Uzbek, Russian and English.  

Ministry of culture and sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Address: Rakatboshi street, 15
Telephone: 256 40 42; 256 39 43
Web-site: www.artmuseum.uz
E-mail: info@artmuseum.uz
Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Day off: open every day.
Guided tours in Uzbek, Russian, English, German and French.  

LITERARY MUSEUM
Address: Leo Tolstoy blind alley, 20
Telephone: 237 11 79
Working hours: from 9:00 to 17:00
Day off: Sunday
Entrance: free of charge
Guided tours in Russian are free of charge. Group should be not less than 12 people. A guided tour should be requested in advance.  

Address: Yunusabad memorial complex
Telephone: 212 36 85; 212 42 46
Working hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Day-off: Monday
Guided tours in Uzbek, Russian and English.
 

Academy of sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Address: Amir Temur street, 1
Telephone: 232 02 12; 132 02 13
Fax: 232 02 13
Working hours: 10:00 – 17:00
Day off: Monday
 

It has already been 13 years as Uzbekistan is an independent country. During this time fine arts of the country became brighter, more interesting and diverse. Having preserved the continuity and traditional art schools, it became richer in new styles and trends – from realism to various kinds of vanguard. These tendencies reflect the idea of cultural self-establishment of people, comprehension of their historical destiny, and a search of new heroes and guiding lines.

(Direction of art exhibitions of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan)
Address: Akhunbabaev street, 4
Telephone: 233 67 28, 233 80 51
Fax: 233 69 02
Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Day off: Monday

Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan
Address: Sharaf Rashidov avenue, 40
Telephone: 252 26 50; 256 64 95  
Fax: 252 26 50
Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Day off: Monday

By January 1, 2008 population of Tashkent was more than 2,200,000 people.

Uzbek belongs to Turkic languages, has many loan words from Farsi and Arabic. Until 1929 written language was based on Arabic script, in 1929-1943 – in Roman letters, later – in Cyrillic. Nowadays there are two options of writing Uzbek alphabet – in Cyrillic and in Roman letters.  

In Uzbekistan religion is separated from the state; all citizen are equal before the law not regarding of his or her religious affiliations. Any missionary activities are prohibited; political parties and public movements cannot be established on the basis of religion. Religious organizations can conduct their activities after registration at the Ministry of Justice or its local representative offices. Committee on religious affairs is coordinating relationships between state structures and religious organizations. 

This hall was built in 1981 specially for holding concerts and other festive events. After recent repairs and improvement the hall has a capacity to accommodate up to 3900 people.
 

State music conservatory of Uzbekistan holds four concert halls – Grand Hall, Organ Hall, Small Hall, and Chamber Hall, in which the music of various styles, schools and epochs is performed – everything from classical to modern music.
 

Makoms were a favorite form of classical music making in Central Asia. There were performed in the houses of aristocracy and at the courts of khan-rulers. Listening to makoms were not only a sign of good form and an indicator of material welfare, but also a higher degree of aesthetic pleasure.
 

Major concert hall of the republic has both winter and summer pavilions. The winter hall accommodates up to 896 people. Its stage is mainly used for official events and concerts.

This concert hall is located in a building of large entertainment complex and an unusual concert auditorium. Tables and soft-seated sofas and armchairs are situated on several levels and on a terrace. It is not really comfortable to be seated, but this gives an opportunity to combine spiritual and earthy food.

Amulets have come on the scene among people, known to have resided on the territory of the contemporary Uzbekistan yet during the Neolithic period. They were widely used during the times of fire-worshippers. Islam, which came to the area in the 8th century had grasped the local traditions, but with a sharp proviso: “The effect is not from a piece of paper or magic symbols, numbers, and supplications drawn on it, for such are the blasphemy. Only the All-Mighty Allah has created and granted people these symbols, shaped in the form of an amulet. With His permission only they may influence upon human affairs”.  

This holiday owes its name to beshik – a traditional Uzbek rocking crib. Its appearance in the house demonstrates the birth of child – significant even in the family. Uzbeks get exceptionally upset with childlessness and this almost excludes them from the circle of family and social relations, since all rhythm of people’s life is directly linked with children. People first ask each other about children when they meet; successes of children in many respects defines the authority of person. Children ensure both well-provided old age full of care and serve a guarantee for adequate passing away.  

Ruza Khait is celebrated right after the end of 40-day fast during the month of Ramadan. 76 days after Ruza Khait another holiday – Kurban Khait – is celebrated.

(Party of friends or relatives)
Literally this brief word means “talk”. The notes by the renowned Oriental poet of the 16th century Zain ad-Deen Vasifi from Herat, who has resided in Tashkent almost for 40 years, shed light on public gatherings of city dwellers – gyap or majlis. They were held in Sebzar area of the city, in a large park, where various philosophic issues were tackled. Famous Sebzar gardens, as much as the court literary society, now have gone into the past. The gyap has seen much change, and is still around in Uzbek society.
 

Auditorium of this chamber theatre provides only 150 seats, that is why it is advised to book the tickets in advance. Plays are performed in Russian. However, the expressiveness of such plays as “Happy beggars”, “Bourgeois wedding”, “Imitation of Koran”, “White, white black stork” make them comprehensible to spectators of any nationality, which was proved by successful tours of Ilkhom theatre to Germany, USA, Yugoslavia and other countries.
 

The word Khudoye means devoted to God, made in the name of God. Roots of this rite lie in ancient times. Yet in the epoch of Zoroastrianism local people had a rite of offering a sacrifice to Ahuramazda – God of the Sun. Later this rite was easily assimilated into Islam as a ceremony of offering sheep as a sacrifice (V1). This is done in commemoration of act of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who agreed to offer his son, Iskhak (Isaac), as a sacrifice to express his love to Allah. 

Blood of many peoples who replaced each other on this earth for many thousands of years flows in veins of local inhabitants. Probably, it is a long mutual influence of different cultures and civilizations that defined peculiarities of Uzbek national character. One of its major features is a very tolerant treatment of people of other nationalities, religious beliefs and way of living. That appears to be a reason why European people who live in Tashkent for several generations still do not demonstrate profound knowledge of Uzbek language and local customs.  

The theatre is comfortably located in a shady square on one of the central streets of the city, near to a metro station (Navoi and Pakhtakor stations). This theatre hall provides 347 seats. Tickets can be purchased in advance or directly before beginning of the play.
 

Wedding party takes its place in the house of the bridegroom or in restaurant. Only female friends and relatives represent the bride’s party. Her father, brothers and other male relatives very rarely show up during such function – it is not appropriate.  

In Uzbek society people usually call each other using You (“thee and thou” are used only by young people in their circle of contacts), but address each other using only first names. But pay attention here! It is necessary to add a so-called “prefix of respect” to the name. It depends on the age of person you are addressing to, whether it»s a man or a woman, and whether you address in official or friendly manner. Only a few “advanced” citizens prefer to be addressed in a western manner, using only their first name without any prefix. But still majority of people perceive calling their name without “a prefix of respect” as impolite. 

The hall of Alisher Navoi State Academic Grand Theatre has 860 seats. Repertoire of the theatre includes classical plays and plays based on national Uzbek history, traditions and dance culture.
 

Next morning before the sunrise just-wed-husband leaves the house. This day is meant to be spared with friends, they will cook plov and he will come back home only in the night. 

Death does not leave anybody being pococurante, but particularly among Uzbeks it is accepted to sensitively response to such dismal ending. To attend the funeral, commemoration functions or memorial service in the memory of anyone irrespectively of religion and ethnicity is believed to be Savob (righteous and welcomed by God). If in the Tashkent city and other Uzbek towns the wedding parties will not be attended with no prior invitation, then to commiserate and condole with the family of a departed will be welcomed anyone even by people who found out that by chance. It is preferred to pay a visit to the family in grief during the first three days. The burial itself will be held on the same day as an individual has passed away, or at least next day after death. Uzbeks launch Maraka (memorial rituals) from the day of death. 

Auditorium of this theatre provides 600 seats. It is located in the very center of the city, which is comfortable for spectators, so the tickets for the best seats should be purchased in advance. The plays are staged in Russian language.

These rituals do not involve the couple to be wed, since it is the meeting of the High parties. Matchmakers again visit the family of future in-laws. This visit is Ок urar (ок stands for white), since the girl’s mother gifts them with the white or any other bright, comely colour fabric as a symbol of agreement to get her daughter married with this particular family. Fotigha – engagement – can take place on the same day or any other designated date. 

This is an only one, very small but a very subtle detail, which characterizes diligence of Uzbeks. Upon meeting a person at work, any work, they always say Khormang – Shall you not get tired. Only after that they greet each other: Assalom aleykum. 

A warm, tender autumn had finished after harvesting and wedding festivities. Wonderful silence and peace come to replace hue-and-cry of the autumn. Weddings are over, with their karnais and surnais (national musical instruments). Noisy and hurried departures of migrant bird – storks, cranes and rooks – are over, too. Suddenly it is unusually quiet, and in the air there are white weightless flocks swirling. It is a snow, first snow.  

A boy, who was born in Islam, must go through sunnat – a ceremony of circumcision. This is considered to be a pre-Islam tradition and it was held since the times of Avesta. No prohibitions and atheistic persecutions over religious ceremonies could abolish this rite – it was held secretly. 

Wedding of children is a special event in the course of life of an Uzbek man. An Uzbek man should deliver four things to his children: to arrange Sunnat-toy for son (gaudy on the occasion of circumcision), to have available separate house/residential facility for son, to undertake Nickogh-toy -- wedding arrangements for son and daughter and Beshique-toy arrangements on the occasion of the grandchild delivered by daughter. Entire family life rhythm is designed in wait for the future happy events, «may God give us life to live to see them». 

Establishing a new family is impregnated with the matchmaking arrangements. If young people met by chance and decided to get married provided parents “no objection” obtained apriori, then matchmaking arrangements implemented in two-three stages result in the wedding party. In other case if a young man has not been prompted by destiny as to whom to get married to, his parents launch the bride-search activities. 

Uzbeks go on a visit. The telephone and television were not able to replace for them the live communication with parents, neighbors, and friends. Regardless of any worries, labor, natural, political, and economic cataclysms – Uzbeks go on a visit. 

This specific tradition can be explained by the hot climate and local lifestyle when in the past the primary occupation was agriculture. Highly nutritional food in early morning before the sizzling sun is awake empowered farmers enough to spend whole day in fields. The Osh is only-men activity served and waited by young men. Hosts, their closest relatives and friends do not sit at the table, but meet, welcome and arrange seating for arriving guests. 

Everyone who comes to Uzbekistan is shortly invited to somebody’s home. Hospitality is in the blood of all the people who live on this land, including representatives of not indigenous peoples. People who depart from these places cannot get used to the closeness and exclusion of their new environment.   

The word mazar has two meanings in Uzbek language. It stands for both a cemetery and a burial-vault of the respected saint, which is also considered to be a holy place. Saints were oftentimes buried in the territories of madrasahs or mosques where they used to work and live. People who are not accustomed with the East often cannot understand how we can give a name of burial-vault to a decent brick oblong hill, standing among many other similar ones. However, shortly after they feel the energy of this place, which attracts to itself. 

Uchrashuv – introduction of youngsters – is an outstanding Uzbek tradition. Usually takes its place on the “buffer”, neutral zone: in the parks, at the monuments or other open place. According to the tradition the young people (who haven’t seen each other until this moment) are accompanied to the introduction site by their respective female relatives. After being duly introduced they both they walk around to learn each other better. 

The Tashkent district of Chilanzar is abound in monuments of the past – even among contemporary buildings hither and thither one can notice low hills – tepa.  As a rule, they cover the remains of ancient civilizations.  The Chilanzar hills drew attention of archaeologists yet in late 19th and early 20th centuries.
 

FOREFATHER OF TASHKENT 
Location: between the squares Khadra, Eski Djuva and Chorsu. 
Reference point: madrasah Kukeldash, Chorsu metro station. 

ABU BAKR KAFFAL
(The mausoleum, 16th century)
The mausoleum over the grave of Abu Bakr Kaffal, built soon after his death, came quickly into ruin. The second one also fell victim to the times and frequent earthquakes. Only the sites, dating back 16th century, which the inscription on the facade serves witness for, were preserved up to date.   

THE AROMA OF ANTIQUITY
Tashkent was a typical oriental city. Two colors were dominant in the city – yellow, the color of clay, and blue, the color of fathomless Asian sky, which medieval foremen tried to transform into the cupola of their madrasah and mosques. Certainly, even a passer-by may enjoy colorful mosaics of calligraphy inscriptions on their facades, as well as the silver green crowns of poplars and variety of colors of oriental market. But anyway, old Tashkent is, above all, the yellow kingdom of clay, the ordinary loess clay, the beginning of all beginnings of the most ancient civilizations on Earth. 

ABU ALI IBN SINA
(Avicenna)
(980 - 1037)
Abu Ali Khuseyn ibn Abdallakh ibn Ali ibn Sina was born in a small settlement called Afshana, located near Bukhara. His father was an educated and wealthy man and gave his son good education. The boy was particularly interested in medicine. When he was 16 years old, famous doctors were already asking for his advice and once he even cured a badly sick Emir of Bukhara – Nukh ibn-Mansur. As an award the young man got an access to the famous Samanids library of Bukhara – one of the largest collections of books at that time. 

Blessed greens of Tashkent oasis, stretching on the banks of river Chirchik, was attracting people back in Stone Age. If you look at Tashkent from the airplane, it is clearly seen that the city is located at the foot of high mountains on a hilly plain, churned up by numerous water canals. These water canals have shape of natural rivers, decorating the capital of Uzbekistan (modern names are Ankhor, Boz-su and Salar). Indeed there are irrigation constructions that are over 2-2.5 thousand years old. Many hills, discovered among city buildings, are the remains of settlements established nearby the old irrigation canals.  

HISTORY OF TASHKENT
Chronological table
(2nd century BC- Year 1741)
2nd century BC
The initial records of the area of Tashkent in oriental historical writings (the Chinese history of senior house of Han) as Yuni domains (the future Shi). 

THE ARAB CONQUEST
(8th century AD)
The Arabs could reach Central Asia, only by crossing the broad and full-flowing river at that time – Amudarya. As such they called this land – Maveranakhr (“which is across the river”). In cruel and lasting wars of the 8th century the Arab Muslims invaded Central Asia. One by one they have crashed troops led by rulers of the ancient Central Asian states and steppe chieftains, while introducing the new religion – Islam. The ancient town of fire-worshippers in the area of Ming O’rik Tepa has been totally burnt, destroyed and restored no more. The same fate has befallen upon the castles and temples.

EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE
(End of XIX – beginning of ХХ century)
In 1867 Tashkent became a capital of Turkestan General Governorship of the Russian Empire. Shortly after that, all adobe living quarters on the right bank of canal Anchor were named “old town”, because on the left bank Urdah was demolished – a fortress, which was built by Kokand rulers of Tashkent, and later construction of so-called “new town” started.