On this private tour of Qarshi, we'll visit the Odina Mosque, the Bekmir Madrasah, the medieval Sardoba, and the Amir Temur Bridge, the oldest in Central Asia.
Tour Details
After picking you up from your hotel in Qarshi, we'll set out to explore centuries of history in this southern Uzbek city, from the era of Tamerlane to the Soviet Union.
We'll begin our private tour of Qarshi at Shuhrat Kurgan, or the Fortress of Glory, a monumental memorial commemorating World War II. Its concrete sculptures evoke the pride and sacrifice of an entire people. After this first stop, we'll visit the Qarshi Regional Museum, where we'll discover more than 2,700 years of history. The display cases reveal stories of caravans, kingdoms, and ancient trade routes that brought prosperity to the region.
Our next visit will be to the Bekmir Madrasah, notable for having been the only female Qur’anic school in Central Asia. Within its walls, the echoes of young women studying religion, poetry, and astronomy can still be felt. Next, we'll head to the Kashkadarya Craft Center, where we'll enjoy an authentic local atmosphere and have the opportunity to try on a traditional duppi cap.
We'll then marvel at the Odina Mosque, a building made of fired brick and ornate domes dating back to 1386. Many locals claim that there are tunnels leading to other parts of Qarshi, once used by the emirs of Bukhara in times of emergency centuries ago. Did you know that it was originally a palace? Its history is fascinating and its atmosphere utterly captivating!
Next, we'll visit the Qarshi Sardoba, an ancient water reservoir that ensured a supply of water amid the arid desert. Later, among the remnants of the Soviet era, we'll see the ruins of the Khuja Kurban Madrasah, destroyed during the anti-religious campaigns of the 20th century, a reminder of the challenges faced by Uzbekistan's cultural heritage.
We'll continue to the Qilichbay Madrasah, which will transport us back to the reign of Said Alim Khan. Then we'll make a brief stop at Tutak Darvoza, a small Soviet-era gate that symbolizes the city's entry into a new era.
Lastly, we'll cross the Amir Temur Bridge, built in 1583 by order of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane. It is considered the oldest bridge in use in Central Asia, and walking on its stones is like crossing a threshold in time.
Finally, from here, we'll return to your hotel, concluding our private tour of approximately 4 to 5 hours.