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Alisher Navoi Avenue, Tashkent
Alisher Navoi Avenue is one of Tashkent's oldest and most significant thoroughfares, steeped in history and culture. Originally known as Toshkocha and Kattakocha before 1893, and later as Shaikhontohur, the avenue has evolved from a modest connection between the city proper and artisans' neighborhoods into a bustling central artery of the Uzbek capital.
The avenue traces its origins to an era when it served primarily as a link to local craftsmen's quarters. Notable relics of its early history include the 15th-century mausoleum of Sheikh Khavandi Tohur and the 19th-century Eshonquli Dodkhoh Madrasah. During the Russian colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Navoi Avenue became a critical connector between Tashkent’s old city and its new Russian-built district. This transformation brought modern amenities, such as Tashkent's first Russian school in 1884, its first tram line, and the city’s first kerosene lanterns in 1908.
In 1938, the avenue was renamed to honor Alisher Navoi, a celebrated poet and thinker who championed vernacular language in Uzbek literature. Statues of Navoi, installed in 1949 and 1991, stand as tributes to his enduring legacy, with the latter marking his 550th anniversary in the "Alley of Poets."
Navoi Avenue's current look reflects the 1930s–1970s Stalinist Empire architecture with Central Asian influences. Key landmarks include the Ministry of Agriculture (1930), "Vatan" Cinema (1937–1940), and the Palace of Culture (1940), now housing the Navoi Museum and Young Spectators’ Theater. Residential buildings near the Anhor Canal, though aged, retain a hint of their former grandeur.
Today, Navoi Avenue is not just a historical and architectural marvel but also a vibrant shopping destination. The stretch between Independence Square and Circus is dotted with boutiques, stores, and markets offering everything from clothing and accessories to organic foods and souvenirs. To complement the shopping experience, numerous cafes and restaurants along the avenue provide a relaxing respite.
The avenue traces its origins to an era when it served primarily as a link to local craftsmen's quarters. Notable relics of its early history include the 15th-century mausoleum of Sheikh Khavandi Tohur and the 19th-century Eshonquli Dodkhoh Madrasah. During the Russian colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Navoi Avenue became a critical connector between Tashkent’s old city and its new Russian-built district. This transformation brought modern amenities, such as Tashkent's first Russian school in 1884, its first tram line, and the city’s first kerosene lanterns in 1908.
In 1938, the avenue was renamed to honor Alisher Navoi, a celebrated poet and thinker who championed vernacular language in Uzbek literature. Statues of Navoi, installed in 1949 and 1991, stand as tributes to his enduring legacy, with the latter marking his 550th anniversary in the "Alley of Poets."
Navoi Avenue's current look reflects the 1930s–1970s Stalinist Empire architecture with Central Asian influences. Key landmarks include the Ministry of Agriculture (1930), "Vatan" Cinema (1937–1940), and the Palace of Culture (1940), now housing the Navoi Museum and Young Spectators’ Theater. Residential buildings near the Anhor Canal, though aged, retain a hint of their former grandeur.
Today, Navoi Avenue is not just a historical and architectural marvel but also a vibrant shopping destination. The stretch between Independence Square and Circus is dotted with boutiques, stores, and markets offering everything from clothing and accessories to organic foods and souvenirs. To complement the shopping experience, numerous cafes and restaurants along the avenue provide a relaxing respite.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tashkent. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
Alisher Navoi Avenue on Map
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Sight Name: Alisher Navoi Avenue
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Tashkent)
Sight Type: Shopping
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.
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
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