A Week in Tashkent
where to go in the fast-changing capital of Uzbekistan plus a recipe for a piquant tomato salad
This is being sent out at a slightly earlier hour than usual but I am on a slow train through northern India for much of today and so while I have access to wifi, I am using it… I hope you’ll enjoy this instalment, and as ever do leave a comment at the end if you like.
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The Uzbek government has pushed tourism as a way to grow the economy and it is working.
According to government statistics, visitor numbers were up over 17% in the first 10 months of last year, likely the result of better infrastructure and a slew of new hotels, but also bolstered by PR and blockbuster Silk Roads shows in London and Paris that put Uzbekistan front and centre.
In addition, this September, the country will host the first Bukhara Biennial. It's getting busy and is only going to get busier.
Most travellers who’ll make the journey this year will begin their sightseeing in Tashkent and so, with that in mind, here is a brief curated guide, with some thoughts on how best to spend a week, featuring bakers, murals, flea markets, museums and more…
