A journey across Uzbekistan through the eyes of the editor-in-chief of The Independent
2026-05-01 12:20:00 / News

The visit became a significant event in the context of promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and expanding international media cooperation.
Geordie Greig presents the country as one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in Central Asia. The central symbol of this journey is Samarkand — a city where the majestic Registan Square, with its three madrasahs adorned with blue mosaics, embodies the scale and ambition of great empires. It is also home to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum — the resting place of Amir Timur, whose architectural legacy even influenced the creation of the Taj Mahal.
The journey continues to Bukhara — a city with the atmosphere of living history. Its narrow streets, trading domes, and courtyards have preserved the spirit of the medieval East. The heart of the city is the Poi Kalyan Complex, with its magnificent minaret that has served as a landmark for travelers for nearly a thousand years.
Further west lies Khiva — a true open-air museum. The inner city of Itchan Kala has been preserved almost unchanged. Here, local life unfolds among ancient walls, mosques, and madrasahs, while the unfinished Kalta Minor Minaret has become a recognizable symbol of the city.
Modern Tashkent reveals another side of the country — dynamic and rapidly developing. Wide avenues, modern glass-and-steel buildings, and a unique metro system decorated with mosaics and chandeliers create the atmosphere of a European capital with an Eastern flavor. The city is actively developing its cultural scene, with new museums, galleries, and concert halls opening and attracting world-class artists.
In Tashkent, Geordie Greig visited the Islamic Civilization Center, the Rakhimov ceramics studio, the “Okhun Guzar” tourist street, and the “Namunа” art residence, and also took part in cultural events.
An essential part of the experience is Uzbek cuisine and hospitality. The main dish remains plov — a hearty combination of rice, meat, and vegetables, served with special grandeur. Traditional bread “non” is considered sacred, and meals turn into long and warm rituals of communication. Hospitality is evident in everything — from generous treats to the friendliness of local residents.
According to Geordie Greig, traveling along the Samarkand — Bukhara — Khiva route is not just a journey, but a true immersion into a world where history, culture, and art continue to live and inspire, making Uzbekistan a powerful magnet for travelers from around the globe.
