Tashkent, the famous Central Asian city has been existing for over two thousand years at the border of agricultural oases of Central Asia and vast Eurasian steppes. Named “Chach” in the ancient times, present-day capital of Uzbekistan was not so large and historically significant in comparison with its southern neighbors - Samarkand and Bukhara.

The site of present Tashkent has been populated for many thousand years. Divine greenery of Tashkent oasis, spreading along the bank of small but full-water river Chirchik, attracted people since Lithic age. Chirchik flows out of Chimgan mountains (western spurs of Tien-Shan mountain land; in fair weather they can be clearly seen from Tashkent) into great Central Asian river Syrdarya.

In ancient times in order to expand lands irrigated by Chirchik, its upper flow was diverged into numerous water channels. They have been functioning up to day; natural rivers running through modern city in fact are irrigation facilities constructed two and half thousand years ago. If you look at Tashkent from board of a plane, you will clearly see the city located near foot of high mountains on trenched hilly plain smoothly descending from north-east to south-west. The highest altitude within the city border - 511,7 m, the lowest - 381,1 m.

Таshkent was typical medieval oriental earthen city. Solemn wall with twelve-gates and watch towers protected city dwellers from invasions from outside. Nowadays almost nothing left from many-kilometer fortified construction except modern ornamental imitation of Samarkand gates. Inside city walls one-storey mudbrick buildings, covered by flat earthy roofs, formed small neighborhoods - makhallya, surrounded by narrow streets. By the beginning of 20th century the old town had counted 21 thousand dwelling houses, forming almost 280 makhallya. Makhallya merged into large sections - dakha, managed by their own elective administration. Tashkent had 4 dakhas, their names remained up to now: Sheihantaur - to the east, Beshagach -to the south, Кukcha - to the west and Sibzar-to the north of the old town. Dakhas met in the center, near the foot of main town hill (shakhristan) - the location of central market - the nuclear of social life of that time.

«Noisy, miscellaneous crowd of different races, plenty of various exotic fruits, spots of unusually vivid-colored dresses, even more bright tints of Asian goods, bulged out along aisles of shops and stalls, majestic white-bearded riders on horses, mules and camels, making their way in all directions through many-voiced passages and squares - that’s all floating in sparkling generous southern sun-like in hot oil», - the way an eyewitness described wonderful Tashkent bazaar of the beginning of 20th century. Main Tashkent market has been located in one and the same place for more than ten centuries. Once upon a time it used to be the place to announce and spread news, to hold performances by singers-hafizes, preachers-maddahs, clowns-maskarobozes and wisecrackers. Circus actors-darvazes performed in special booths. Here one could meet strolling dervish-qalandars wearing peculiar varycolored patched dresses. Each dervish put on his head sharp-pointed hat (kulah), on his belt there was a special charity box, made of coconut.
And, of course, at the bazaar one could find various handcraft, Tashkent had been most famous from time immemorial. Among them, first of all, Shash ceramics, with its outstanding artistic features - jars, bowls, dishes, children’s toys and specially processed green shagreen leather.

Bazaar housings, like mahallya, consisted of framed wattle and daub houses. Only somewhere in town, over unvaried yellow house walls having no windows to street side, there were monumental public premises with burnt bricked domes-mosques, madrasas and mausoleums of honored Islam ascetic. Only their small part remained up-to-now.

Geographic conditions.
The capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan is situated in the north-eastern part of the country. Exact coordinates of the city - 41° 00" northern latitude, 64° 00" eastern longitude. City square equals 334,8 sq.km. Almost half of the city territory is green open space. As the result of survey, conducted by city administration, after planting program implementation, every city dweller enjoys 69 sq.m of green space. During years of independence total square of green territories increased by 45%.

Climat.
Climat in Tashkent is dry, moderately continental. Precipitation level here, comparing with low-lying semi-desert and desert regions, quite significant, due to the proximity of the mountains. Heavy frosts are rare and short-time but in fair weather temperature sometimes drops to -20 °C and lower, summertime temperature often reaches 35 °C - 40 °C in shade. Winter of 2008 turned to be an unexpected and not very pleasant surprise making people feel themselves in cold northern country instead of usual warm moderate climate.

Water system.
Tashkent lies in the valley of Chirchik river - main river of the city. Nowadays, Chirchik runs within the borders of modern city in Kuilyuk area of Bektemir district.
Chirchik - right inflow of Syrdarya. Length of river is 155 km, square of water basin - 14,9 thousand sq.km. Chirchik is mainly supplied by snow flows. Charvak water storage is located in the upper reaches of Chirchik. In Chirchik valley, there are Gazalkent, Chirchik, Tashkent cities as well as Charvak, Iskandar, Bektemir and Almazar settlements. Only in 16th century river got the name “Chirchik”, before it had been called Parak (or Farak) Among other small water basins of the city are:
Bozsu - main water channel of the city, supplying majority of smaller channels of Tashkent. Bozsu springs from Chirchik river, in a few kilometers to the north of Tashkent and Chirchik town around Gazalkent settlement. In the 30s of 20th century on Bozsu channel was built Bozsu hydrostation- the first one in Chirchik-Bozsu cascade. Its water-storage basin at first was used as man-made lake, designed as recreation zone - so called «Hydra». At present, this water-storage basin is a part of Tashkent water-supply network.

Аnkhor - left channel, started after splitting of Bozsu channel into two channels;

Аktepe - flows out of Burjar channel in the area of National Park named after Alisher Navoi. Аktepe runs along historical site of Aktepe town;

Burjar (rus. - «Wolf Ravine») - left channel, after splitting of Ankhor Channel in the center of the city near «Pakhtakor» central stadium. Right channel (smaller one) keeps the name of Ankhor. Burjar, a section of the channel, starts from the center of modern city and runs through its southern part. The channel was named «Ravine» for its steep banks, in former times probably serving as wolfs’ refuge;

Salar is a man-made channel, perhaps appeared on the territory of Uzbekistan one thousand years ago. The channel starts from Bozsu channel flowing out of Chirchik. Today, along the whole-length of Salar in Tashkent there are concrete embankments. Recently, Salar has noticeably shoaled, became less-watered and turned to be one of the dirtiest channels in Tashkent according the data by State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on conservation of natural resources;

Каlkauz runs through historical center of Tashkent. Historical references prove this channel to be one of the most ancient channels of Tashkent. Its age comes to 1000 years, probably more. On the bank of the channel there is historical complex «Khastimam».

Other channels: Karasu and Karakamysh.

Origin of name.
Many years ago, when land of modern Tashkent did not expect once to become the capital of the Central Asian Republic, in the place of today’s capital there was a settlement named Shash-tepa or Chach-tepa. Shash-tepa can be translated from ancient language as «Six Hills». In the 8th century when fire-worshipping Tashkent was conquered by Arabs, the city represented quite large settlement, named Chach. Conquerors failed to pronounce its name correctly, as in Arabian language there’s no sound «ch», so Chach gradually turned to «аsh-Shash».
Then, in 819 year, young emir Yahya ibn Asad ordered to build a new city, instead of one destroyed by Arabs, and name it Madina ash-Shash. In the language of Turkic tribes it sounded as «Shashkent». Later Shashkent transformed into Tashkent that means «Stone city».

Population.
Population size in Tashkent according to 2009 year statistics data reached 2 206 300 people. But that’s official data. As to unofficial record, taking into account illegal migrants, population vary from 2,6 tо 3,2 mln people.
Таshkent is famous for its multinational environment, representing more than one hundred nationalities. But, in spite of such differences of national and as result religious aspect, absolutely all dwellers in Tashkent co-exist in peace and accordance because they all have one and the same hometown and motherland-where they were born and raised. As a rule, land never differentiates people by nationalities. The most important thing is demonstration of peoples’ respect and tolerance to each other and their hometown.

By the way, in 1982 population reached 1902 thousand people and territory- 256 sq.km. That time Tashkent already took 4th position of population rating in USSR (following Moscow, St. Peterburg and Kiev).

Religion.
Таshkent today is also polyconfessional capital. There have been constructed and are under construction mosques, restored and operating orthodox churches, kostel, Lutheran church and other cultural objects.

Тransportation.
In the capital of Uzbekistan, there are two railway stations, two airports, bus station, 5 car stations, the biggest in Central Asia Tashkent airport is of important international significance. Flights to New York, Deli, London, Frankfort on the Main, Tel Aviv, Beijing, Amsterdam, Sharjah, Kuala Lumpur, Теheran, Аthens, Hongkong and many other cities of the world, conducted from here.

Important highways run from the capital, biggest ones are Big Uzbekistan Highway and Tashkent Ring. City dwellers and guests enjoy 6 kinds of transportation: buses, shuttle buses, taxis, trams, subway and trolleybuses. Park of public transport mainly consists of modern passenger cars, produced by world leading suppliers. The only subway in the Central Asia has 3 lines-«Chilanzarskaya», «Uzbekistanskaya» и «Yunusabadskaya» (their total length is 36,1 km, number of stations - 29). Needs to be mentioned, Yunusabadskaya line of Tashkent subway has been built during the years of independence.
Every day transportation network operates 182 routes, carrying more than 1,5 million passengers.

Таshkent today.
Present-day Tashkent holds status of official capital of independent Republic of Uzbekistan, administrative center of Tashkent region, most populated city in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, center of Tashkent city agglomeration, most important aircraft, railway and automotive node. Besides, Tashkent today is a big political, economical, cultural and scientific center of the country.

In 1991 Uzbekistan, and relatively Tashkent, faced new historical period. Years of independence transformed image of country and its fascinating capital. In 1992 Uzbekistan joined United Nations Organization, becoming a part of world community. At present, the Republic has been acknowledged by 165 countries; with 118 states have been established diplomatic relations. Independent state-equal member of authorized international organizations: Shanghai Organization of Cooperation, Organization of Collective Security, Islamic Conference Organization and many other authoritative economic and financial institutes.

At present Uzbekistan carries out active international policy, interacting with UNO in order to establish nuclear weapon-free zone in Central Asia.

The capital of independent state became the center of cardinal political and economic reforms conducted by initiative and under the supervision of the President of the country. Here are the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s residence, House of Parliament (Senate and Legislative Ward of Oliy Majlis), government of the country, central authorities of parties and public organizations.

Beside all mentioned, international prestige of the capital has also increased. It deserved to be named «Gates of the Orient». Таshkent hosts more than 40 embassies of different foreign countries of both the near and far abroad. Here are many other diplomatic missions and representatives of various international organizations. Tashkent occasionally holds meetings between heads of Central Asian States, CIS, regularly holds various international symposiums, congresses, seminars. Recent years Shanghai Organization of Cooperation has taken more and more important part in supporting stability in Central Asia and providing strong growth. Regional antiterrorist structure of SOC, operating in Tashkent, became an effective link in the system of terrorism, religious extremism and separatism counteraction.

Special attention should be paid to the present look of the city. On central avenues there have been reconstructed old and built new green squares, reshaped small architectural forms, in line with modern design. Land improvement services have planted thousands of decorative and coniferous trees; every year a few hundred thousand species of flowers are planted in the parks, squares and central streets of the capital. About 200 thousand sq.m of pavement and foot walks, 50 km of irrigation networks have been capitally repaired, area over 5 thousand hectares has been turned into green space. At present, there are 17 green zones, areas and squares in Tashkent. In total, city dwellers and guests enjoy visiting 16 parks (the National Park of Uzbekistan and Park named after Abdulla Kodyriy have been fully reconstructed), Zoo, planetarium, 9 palaces and 64 leisure centers, 16 museums. All libraries have been transformed into modern information centers.

Architecture of Tashkent, facing its 2200-year jubilee, managed to preserve its historical attractiveness meanwhile renewed and enriched with new humanistic and esthetic content. Magnificent skyscrapers of business-centers, modern hotels, museums, sport complexes, leisure centers have been built in last architectural trends. As well as modern bridges and roads, two-level overhead roads, convenient passages. Total length of Tashkent subway had considerably increased, new routes and about 10 new stations put into operation, allowing to unload traffic flow. Tashkent today - it’s not only political center of strategic significance but also important economic megalopolis, big industrial and transportation junction in whole Central Asian region.
Nowadays, here you can find more than 5 000 industrial enterprises, 4814 or 95, 5% of them are small-scale business entities. Over 160 basic large-scale industrial enterprises comprise about 70% of city industrial output. Remarkable place among them take: «Coca Cola», «Marmax», «Deutsche Kabel», «Таshkent varnish and paint factory», «Uzcabel», «ТТZ», «DJF International», «Tashkent Aicraft factory named after Chkalov», «Farm Glass», «Таshkent fat and oil factory», «Zenith electronics», «Таshkent pipe plant», «Таshkent -Tuitepa textile», whose annual output in 2006 exceeded 500 billion soum. Since 2006, new enterprises have contributed to industrial potential of Tashkent: «Baytex Tijorat », «Electroizolit», «Wimm Bill Dann», «Ayi Demir Textile», «Monomet», «Таshtextile», «Моtorkinder», «Huawei Tech Investment Tashkent», «Saffat Techivix», «Таshstyleservice», «Standard Auto», «Rose Fashion». Мany of them are joint ventures with foreign investments. There are approximately 1500 joint ventures and firms run with companies from over 80 countries of the world. Almost 30% of industrial goods in the Republic are produced in Tashkent. Leading industries are energetic, machine and aircraft construction, metal working, construction materials, light and food industry. Tashkent aircraft factory produces world-standard planes - Il-76, Il-114. Таshkent textile factory is the main manufacturer of textile in the Republic; «Uzplastital» is another well-known supplier.
During transition to market relations, republican government put into effect a number of measures to encourage business development, entrepreneurship, introduction of foreign investments. 3 business-incubators, 11 training centers, about 15 firms at 8 local information centers provide services related to training and retraining staff for private entrepreneurships. During 2006 they trained and retrained over 2300 entrepreneurs and provided consulting services to the amount of 40 million sum. As a result of these and other measures, now share of goods production in private sector exceeds 80%.

In 2006 - 2007 President of Uzbekistan took initiative and directly supervised construction and restoration works in cultic-memorial complex Khazrati Imam. As a result, the capital restored historical monuments and built new architectural ensemble in the best traditions of national architecture.

Capital of culture and science.
Таshkent - the largest cultural and scientific center, not only in the country but also in whole Central Asia. Incommensurable with previous period, achievements enriched culture, science and education fields. Thus, after independence declaration, traditional handcrafts of Tashkent received real considerable both official and public support and attention. Started by famous craftsman-ceramist Mukhit Rakhimov, revival of Tashkent school of ceramics has been successfully continued by his son Akbar Rahimov and grandson Alisher. School of ceramics in Tashkent, founded by them, carries out theoretical and practical works on tradition revival, not only of local school but also other disappearing schools of ceramics. Creative works by artists-miniaturists successfully applied in monumental art. In 1996, painting miniatures in the interior of the Museum of Temurids’ History by “Sanoi Nafis” art group, were highly commended by specialists and the audience.
The art of Uzbekistan of 90s, featured by wide spectrum of style models, mainly related to obtaining independence, emerging spirit of creativity freedom. In 1997 foundation of Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, headquartered in Tashkent, stimulated development of visual and applied arts in new historical conditions and breakthrough of Uzbek national art to international cultural environment. Foreign exhibition projects by Uzbek artists were of particular significance as well as holding international visual arts biannual in Tashkent. During years of independence, Таshkent became even more lively center of musical - drama and choreographic arts. Uzbek State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Alisher Navoi, Musical Theater named after Mukimiy, Theater of Operetta, new original theater of dance «Оfarin» presenting music-choreographic shows, «Ilhom» theater named by Mark Vayle also received new creative stimulus. The palette of theater life has been enriched by original-styled theaters as National Academic Drama Theater, Academic Russian Drama Theater, Youth Drama Theater named after Abror Khidoyatov, Children’s theater, Theater of Satire, Republican Puppet Theater and others. In total, there are 13 theaters in Tashkent. In 1990s cinematography faced renewal of genre- and style repertoire and technical facilities meeting new screen mentality. Appeal to history, national traditions, folk motives, creating artworks in-line with people’s mentality became of prior importance. In 2004 government of Uzbekistan took an important decision related to financial support of national cinematography making big progress in discovering national history, traditions and culture. Suffice it to say, in 2007 film director Kamalova K. received State Prize for one of the best national films «Pul bulsin». Meanwhile in Tashkent there are numerous commercial studios producing up to 50 films per year. Mass media infrastructure is also dynamically boosting, including TV centers, radio stations, 4 information agencies, publishing houses, 19 republican, 2 regional, 2 urban, 44 large-circulated newspapers, more than 60 magazines. Таshkent takes the first place in the sphere of science and education. There are: the Academy of Sciences, including more than 40 scientific research institutions and 3 regional divisions, the Аcademy of State and Public construction, supervised by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Medicine, Banking & Finances, Tax Academies, National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo-Ulugbek, economic, Technical University named after Abu Raikhon Beruniy. Tashkent Islam University was established in 1999 by President’s decree. Foreign departments of MSU, University of Oil and Gas named after Gubkin I.M., International Westminster University and Singapore Institute of Business Development have been opened during last 6 years in Tashkent. In total, more than 30 universities represented in Tashkent.
Besides, 338 secondary schools, 514 nursery schools, 30 music and art schools, 25 sport schools teaching more than 400 thousand children and teenagers. 6 kindergartens provide education by UNICEF, UNESCO programs as well as “Integration” program by “Falak Nuri” international center. More than 130 thousand students are learning 180 professions in 79 colleges and 37 academic lyceums.
The President of Uzbekistan, Islam A. Karimov, pays great attention to moral and physical education of young generation, arranging good conditions for sports activities. He initiated construction of “Yunusobod” Sports palace, besides sports activities, this is a place to hold various international tournaments, location of Olympic reserve school. Year 2006 was the year of construction of roofed swimming pool (50x25) with 150-seat tribune on the territory of National University in Sabir-Rakhimovskiy district. The reconstruction and building of premises and facilities for Republican Tennis School of Olympic reserve was completed in 2008. Total sport infrastructure includes 15 stadiums, 608 gyms, 43 swimming pools, 646 sport clubs, 1468 sports grounds, 8 shooting galleries. Also a hippodrome and 3 field houses.

Аdministrative structure.
Tashkent city is divided into 11 big districts:
1. Bektemir;
2. Mirzo-Ulugbek;
3. Мirabad;
4. Sabir-Rakhimov;
5. Sergeli;
6. Uchtepa;
7. Khamza;
8. Chilanzar;
9. Shaikhantaur;
10. Yunusabad;
11. Yakkasarai.

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