Tashkent (Toshkent or Тошкент in Uzbek), the current capital of Uzbekistan, has in the past been called Chach, Shash and Binkent. For centuries it was an important stop on the trade route (the Silk Road) from Asia into Europe.
Due to the destruction of many of its historical buildings after the 1917 revolution and, later, to the strong earthquake in 1966, much of Tashkent's architectural heritage is now lost. Still in existence, however, the 16th century Kukeldash Madrassa, which is currently being restored as a museum. It dates back to the reign of Abdullachan (1557-1598) and now is administered by the provincial Religious Board of Mawarannahr Moslemss. The building is currently being used as a mosque. Quite near Tashkent is the tomb of Amir Temur, better known as Tamerlane, whose rule extended from India to the Mediterranean Sea.
The city boasts of:
- A modern subway system, the only one in Central Asia, in addition to buses and other means of public transportation.
- Many institutions of higher learning, including the State University of Foreign Languages, the Conservatory of Music and the Institute of Oriental Studies.
- Several cinemas and concert halls.
- Modern computer facilities, including IBM, Unisys, Apple Computer, Packard Bell and access to the Internet.
- Government, trade union and private medical and dental facilities
- Offices of several American and European consulting firms like Arthur Andersen Ltd, Deloitte & Touche and PricewaterhouseCoopers
- 9 Uzbek language newspapers, 4 in English and 9 publications in Russian
- Several television and cable television facilities
