UZBEKISTAN: THE COUNTRY MADE FOR INSTAGRAM
What makes the perfect Instagram location? Thousands of influencers are no doubt pontificating on that very question as we speak, but quirky sites, vibrant colours, and the ability to get there before anyone else will certainly feature high on the list.
Ceramics, Bukhara.
The Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan is no doubt a wild card suggestion, but if you’re looking for stunning backdrops where you can pose to your heart’s content, you’d have to go a long way to beat it. You won’t find tropical beaches or swanky hotels, but the glittering UNESCO sites of the Silk Road — not to mention the fantastic Soviet architecture, some jaw dropping landscapes, and thriving local culture — are just begging to be snapped for the ‘gram.
Here is Fused’s round up of the sites that confirm Uzbekistan is a country just made for Instagram.
The Registan
Samarkand’s Registan is the poster child for Uzbekistan’s tourism industry. Three medieval madrassas surround the city’s central square, and each one is more exquisitely decorated than the last. Whether you’re inspired by the star-clad facade of the Ulugbeg Madrassa, built by one of the greatest astronomers of the Islamic world; the orthodoxy-challenging Sher Dor Madrassa with its tigers and pre-Islamic sun gods; or the magnificent gilded mosque of the Tilya Kori Madrassa, every surface, every angle, is exquisite.
The Shah-i Zinda
Don’t laugh if we suggest doing a photo shoot in a necropolis. The Shah-i Zinda was built for royalty; it’s not a film set for Halloween.
This huge collections of tombs dates from the 9th to the 14th century, and the mausoleums dazzle with their decorative tiles. Blue and turquoise are the dominant colours, combined in every conceivable way and, in the most part, beautifully restored.
Women at Naqshbandi Mausoleum, Bukhara
Bukhara’s Old Town
The entirety of Bukhara is your oyster; the Old Town is an open air museum. From the Ark fortress to the Bolo Hauz Mosque, the soaring mud brick minaret of the Poi Kalyon to the scenic pool at the centre of Lyabi Hauz, Bukhara’s scenic locations are uncountable. The city is also a major centre of handicrafts production, so be sure to snap the hand-painted ceramics, silk carpets, and woven ikat textiles as well.
Tashkent Metro
Let’s face it, London’s not going to make the grade amongst the world’s most beautiful undergrounds, but Tashkent Metro is a whole different matter. Built in the 1970s, every station is a work of public art: the Soviets believed in bringing culture to the masses.
Photographing the metro was banned for security reasons until summer 2018, but thankfully the restrictions have now been lifted. From the mosque inspired Alisher Navoi to the mosaics of Paxtakor and the fantastic space themed Kosmonaut, choose your backdrops carefully and start shooting an Instagram story.
Sitorai Mokhi Khosa
Every princess needs a palace; every Instagrammer needs one, too. Sitorai Mokhi Khosa is just outside Bukhara, and it was the summer palace of Bukhara’s last Emir. Here, he combined architectural influences from imperial Russia with traditional Bukharan styles, creating a remarkable complex that encapsulates the meeting of different cultures and eras.
The main courtyard is dominated by two buildings: the turquoise wooden verandas of historic Uzbekistan, and the white stucco Russian palace. Wandering the grounds you’ll also find the harem, orchards, and reflection pools. There are some pretty epic painted ceilings and stained glass indoors.
Aidar Yurt Camp
The Silk Road was not just about cities: it was also about the journeys in between. Is there anything more evocative than a camel traversing desert sands?
The Aidar Yurt Camp is in the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can indulge your inner nomad, sleeping in a felt yurt or beneath the stars. The two humped Bactrian camels are comfortable, if somewhat grumpy, steeds, and there’s a certain magic to sitting, eating, and singing around the campfire.
Uzbekistan Airways flies direct from London to Tashkent twice a week from £432 return. Explore’s 12 day Golden Road to Samarkand itinerary includes the UNESCO highlights of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, plus a yurt stay in the desert.
