Mustakillik Maydoni (Independence Square), Tashkent (must see)
Independence Square (Uzbek: Mustaqillik Maydoni) is a central-most and largest square in Tashkent, a place where public celebrations, military parades and other special events take place. As a matter of fact, this is more like a huge park rather than a square, replete with trees and flower beds amid monuments and fountains, a showcase of modern Uzbekistan.
The history of this place goes back over a century, to 1865, when, following the capture of Turkestan by Russia, the new imperial administration began transforming Tashkent into a European-like city. The reconstruction involved, among other things, the building of residence for the Turkestan Governor-General, the so-called "White House".
The square in front of the house was named Cathedral Square, after the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, located on the opposite side. In the early 1930s, under the Soviets, the cathedral was demolished and the square was renamed Red. In 1936, they had a Lenin monument placed here. Twenty years later, Red Square became known as Lenin Square.
After the devastating earthquake of 1966, a radical reconstruction of the square was carried out in compliance with the general plan of resurrection of Tashkent. In 1967, a modern "concrete-and-glass" edifice of the Council of Ministers of the Uzbek SSR, on the south side of the square, was completed. The entire reconstruction was finished in 1974, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Uzbek SSR. That same year, the old Lenin monument was moved to Samarkand, and its place was taken by a new, bigger monument to the same Vladimir Lenin, set on top of a marble plinth that was taller than a ten-storey building.
Following Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, Lenin Square was renamed Independence Square and the bronze statue of Lenin was dismantled. Its marble plinth, however, survived and was topped with a golden globe (featuring a map of Uzbekistan), known since as the Independence Monument. Later, in front of it, another statue, of a happy mother with a child, symbolizing Motherland, was added. Installed in 2006, it marked the completion of the total reconstruction of the area.
Another notable mark, at the square's entrance, is the silver Arch of Independence, with figures of storks around the fountain. Overlooking the square from the western side there are also a number of imposing administrative buildings, such as the Council of Ministers, the Senate of Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Finance.
The history of this place goes back over a century, to 1865, when, following the capture of Turkestan by Russia, the new imperial administration began transforming Tashkent into a European-like city. The reconstruction involved, among other things, the building of residence for the Turkestan Governor-General, the so-called "White House".
The square in front of the house was named Cathedral Square, after the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, located on the opposite side. In the early 1930s, under the Soviets, the cathedral was demolished and the square was renamed Red. In 1936, they had a Lenin monument placed here. Twenty years later, Red Square became known as Lenin Square.
After the devastating earthquake of 1966, a radical reconstruction of the square was carried out in compliance with the general plan of resurrection of Tashkent. In 1967, a modern "concrete-and-glass" edifice of the Council of Ministers of the Uzbek SSR, on the south side of the square, was completed. The entire reconstruction was finished in 1974, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Uzbek SSR. That same year, the old Lenin monument was moved to Samarkand, and its place was taken by a new, bigger monument to the same Vladimir Lenin, set on top of a marble plinth that was taller than a ten-storey building.
Following Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, Lenin Square was renamed Independence Square and the bronze statue of Lenin was dismantled. Its marble plinth, however, survived and was topped with a golden globe (featuring a map of Uzbekistan), known since as the Independence Monument. Later, in front of it, another statue, of a happy mother with a child, symbolizing Motherland, was added. Installed in 2006, it marked the completion of the total reconstruction of the area.
Another notable mark, at the square's entrance, is the silver Arch of Independence, with figures of storks around the fountain. Overlooking the square from the western side there are also a number of imposing administrative buildings, such as the Council of Ministers, the Senate of Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Finance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tashkent. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Mustakillik Maydoni (Independence Square) on Map
Sight Name: Mustakillik Maydoni (Independence Square)
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Create Your Own Walk in Tashkent
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tashkent is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Tashkent Introduction Walking Tour
The capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, also historically known as Chach, is the country's cultural, industrial and administrative hub. First settled some time between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, throughout its long history the city has had various changes in political and religious affiliations. The name Tashkent comes from the Turkic tash and kent, which literally means "Stone... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Shopping in Tashkent
In the East they say, "A guest on your doorstep is happiness in your home!". Indeed, the Uzbeks, like no other people, are happy to welcome foreigners to their exotic world of aromas, tastes and cordial relationships manifested in authentic local food and products. In Tashkent you can find both of these, and in a great variety, on the street markets (bazaars), in smaller shops and big... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.0 Km or 3.7 Miles
Islamic Architecture Walking Tour
A visit to Uzbekistan is like leafing through the charred chapters of the Silk Road. Nowhere is this ambiance more exemplified than within the Islamic architecture adorning the streets of Tashkent.
One such architectural jewel is the Kukeldash Madrasah, dating back to the late 16th century. There is talk of making it into a museum, but it is currently still being used as a religious school.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
One such architectural jewel is the Kukeldash Madrasah, dating back to the late 16th century. There is talk of making it into a museum, but it is currently still being used as a religious school.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles