The district of Tashkent is in northeast region of Uzbekistan, between the west ridges of Tian-Shan mountains and Syr-Darya river. It has a continental climate with mild winters and dry and hot summers; and a population of 2.5 million people. Tashkent city is the administrative center of the district, where more than 2 million people live. Tashkent is the political, business, scientific, and cultural center of Uzbekistan, and it aspires to rank one of the beautiful cities in Central Asia.

History. Tashkent is more than 2,000 years old. Its name has been changed many times during its: Chach, Shash, Binkent. All of these names could be related to the Turkish word “Tash” (stone) that gave a name to the city Tashkent (means “stone settlement”). Actually, the city rose on a place with a similar name, located on the mountain crossroads that played an important role in trade between East and West. At that time, Tashkent was a citadel that repulsed attacks of nomad tribes. But Tashkent was also, and remains to be, an important international transport center.

Despite the fact that many of historical monuments were destroyed after the revolution of 1917 and others in an earthquake in 1966, unique historical monuments including the Kukeldash and Barak Khana madrassas erected in 16th century survive to this day.

During the years of independence, the capital of the Uzbek state has completely changed: many beautiful fountains have been constructed to decorate squares and parks of the city; newly constructed buildings decorated in national style look very impressive; and international airports and railway stations have been reconstructed to provide passengers with top service on the ground and in the sky.

Culture. Today Tashkent is famous as one of the world's science and cultural centers. The Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is truly unique in its architecture and interior design. Theatrical Square with a splendid fountain adjoining the theatre is a favorite place of recreation for Tashkenters and guests of the capital.

There are 20 museums in Tashkent including the Uzbek Museum of Fine Arts one of the largest in Central Asia. Collections in the museum, would do honor to any capital city. The Tashkent metro, faced with marble, granite, and ceramic tiles, leaves an impression on the guests of the Republic. Decorated in an eastern style, it is considered one of the most beautiful and spacious metro networks in the world.