Taskent
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, lies on the Chirchiq River at the foot of the Tian Shan. It is the country's largest city and serves as the industrial, cultural and academic centre of Central Asia. The history of Tashkent reaches back to the 2nd century BC, and in the 8th century the city was Islamised. In 1966 it was thoroughly rebuilt after an earthquake. Today it impresses with modern architecture and numerous museums. Its continental climate makes spring and autumn the best time to visit, when temperatures are milder.