Amir Timur Square and the Museum of Timurid History

If Tashkent has a starting point, it is Amir Timur Square. The main streets radiate from here, the capital's most recognisable buildings stand around it, and at its centre the man who gives the square its name sits on a bronze horse. People arrange to meet here, newlyweds pose for photos and families take evening strolls. Next door are the Museum of Timurid History with its blue dome and a pedestrian street that locals still call Broadway.

A little history of the square

The square appeared at the end of the 19th century, when a new, European-style Tashkent began to grow up next to the old town. The round square with streets radiating out from it became the centre of the new city.

Over the following century the monument at the centre of the square was changed several times, reflecting the shifts of each era. In the 1990s an equestrian statue of Amir Timur was installed here. Timur is shown in armour with his hand raised, and the pedestal bears his famous words, "Strength lies in justice."

Around the square

Walk the circle and you will see several of the capital's landmark buildings:

• The Tashkent chiming clock. A clock tower built in the post-war years and one of the city's symbols. It strikes the hours, and the chimes can be heard all across the square.
• Hotel Uzbekistan. A 1970s high-rise whose facade is covered with a patterned oriental-style lattice. It is an example of Soviet modernism that locals love and recognise at a glance.
• The Palace of Forums. A large building with columns and a dome, used for official events and concerts.
• The historic law institute building, a pre-revolutionary red-brick structure that recalls early European Tashkent.

The square itself is a park of paths, lawns, benches and fountains. In summer it is a pleasant place to sit in the shade, and in the evening the lights come on.

The State Museum of Timurid History

The museum opened in the 1990s, and its building with a blue ribbed dome immediately became one of Tashkent's symbols. Its architecture is inspired by medieval buildings from Timur's era.

What is inside

• The main hall beneath the dome, with an enormous chandelier and monumental murals depicting scenes from the life of Timur and his age. Even if museums are not your thing, this space alone is worth a visit.
• An exhibition on the Timurid era: weapons and armour, coins, ceramics, jewellery, and copies of manuscripts and miniatures.
• Sections on Timur's successors: Ulugbek and his observatory, Babur and other members of the dynasty, and the science, poetry and architecture of the period.
• Models and images of famous buildings such as the Registan, Gur-e Amir and Ak-Saray.

An hour to an hour and a half is enough. Tickets are inexpensive, prices change from time to time, and tours in various languages can usually be arranged on site.

Broadway: a stroll along Sayilgoh

The pedestrian Sayilgoh street, informally known as Broadway, starts at the square. Here:

• artists draw portraits and sell paintings;
• you can buy souvenirs such as skullcaps, suzani, ceramics and magnets;
• there are street cafes and ice-cream stalls;
• street musicians gather in the evening.

Souvenir prices here are usually higher than at Chorsu bazaar, so bargain politely or compare prices first.

A half-day plan

The metro is the easiest way to get here: Amir Temur Hiyoboni and Yunus Rajabiy stations are close by. The metro stations themselves are worth a look too — many are decorated like underground palaces.

Tashkent as a starting point

Most travellers begin their trip to Uzbekistan in Tashkent and then head to Samarkand, home to the greatest monuments of Timur's era. It makes sense to visit the Timurid museum first to understand the context, and then see the Registan and Gur-e Amir for yourself.

Tashkent and Samarkand are about 300 km apart, roughly 4 to 4.5 hours by car. If you want a flexible departure time and a fair price, check the rides on the Tashkent — Samarkand route on Yo'ldosh: drivers post trips for every day, and you can book a single seat.

When to visit

• Morning — fewer people and good light for photos of the statue.
• Evening — illuminations, a lively Broadway and pleasant coolness in summer.
• Spring and autumn — the best seasons for walking around the square.
• Weekends — lots of families and newlyweds, with a festive atmosphere.

Tips

1. Do not miss the chimes — stand near the tower at the top of the hour.
2. Do not use flash in the museum.
3. Bring water in summer: it gets hot in the middle of the square despite the trees.
4. Take care at crossings, as traffic around the square is heavy.

Why come

Amir Timur Square is Tashkent in concentrated form: history, architecture from different eras and everyday city life. And the Timurid museum gives you the key to understanding what you will see later on your trip.

Ready to move on? Check the rides on the Tashkent — Samarkand route and other destinations under all routes.

Cover photo: Bgag, CC0, Wikimedia Commons.