Shahrisabz is one of the ancient and beautiful cities of Uzbekistan. Its historical centre is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The great commander Amir Temur was born in this city.
The city with its green trees and flowers rightfully got its name “Green City”.
Popular landmarks
What to see in Shahrisabz?
Arriving to Shahrisabz, you should definitely see the ruins of the ancient Ak-Saray Palace, the Kok-Gumbaz mosque, the Dor-ut Tilovat memorial complex, and the mausoleums of Dor-us Saodat, Shamsad-Din Kulala, Gumbazi-Seyidan.
Interesting fact: The main highway – the large Uzbek highway, repeating the route of the great Italian traveler Marco Polo, passes through Shahrisabz.
Climate
The climate in Shakhrisabz is almost the same as in Samarkand. It also has a pronounced seasonality. Winter is mild and not cold, but it is better to have a woolen sweater in your luggage, because it is cool at night. Summer is usually very hot. Sometimes the daytime temperature lasts until midnight.
Gifts and souvenirs
Walking in the centre of Shahrisabz, you can see many souvenir shops located in the old madrassas or just along the road. Masters are ready to offer a huge variety of crafts, such as clay figures of good-natured grandfathers with watermelons, carved caskets and many fabrics. The magnets depicting the city, which can be found everywhere, dominate most of this. In addition to the usual clay and ceramics products, there are works made of wood, paper, leather and even marble.
Сuisine
Having visited Shahrisabz, do not forget to taste the local cuisine! The tandoor-kebab takes the second place in the list of the most delicious dishes after pilaf. Historically, the best tandoor-kebab is cooked in the Kashkadarya region! This dish came to us from the ancient times, when most of the inhabitants of Central Asia were nomads. Because people were constantly on the road, the cooks had to invent the new, faster and more convenient ways of cooking. Then a special method was invented for the preparation of tandoor-kebab. First, a hole is dug in the ground with a depth of not more than 1 meter and the same diameter. Then the firewood is put there. While the wood burns to the coals, the cook cuts the lamb into large pieces and flavours them with salt and special spices. Further, the meat pieces are sticked on skewers and are lowered into the hot pit. A plate made of felt is placed on top of the pit and sprinkled with a thick layer of ground. The main feature of this cooking method is the juniper branches, which are placed in the hearth for aroma and added as spices. You will not confuse this delicious taste with anything! Having tasted it once, you will never forget it! Follow the link to read more about Uzbek cuisine.
Celebrations of the ECO Tourism Capital in 2024
The city hosted to a grand international event “Shahrisabz, Economic Cooperation Organization Tourism Capital for 2024” from April 25th to 27th, welcoming delegates from across the ECO member states to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and burgeoning tourism industry. The event included a modest fashion show, folklore dance and concerts.
The official opening ceremony of the program showcased Uzbekistan’s cultural diversity and hospitality, on April 26. Welcoming the guests, H.E. Mr. Muradjon Azmov, the Governor of Kashkadarya region, expressed his gratefulness to the ECO Member countries for supporting the nomination of Shahrisabz city as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024.
H.E. Mr. Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, stated that recognition of Shahrisabz city as the Tourism Capital of the ECO region is a great honour and pride for Uzbekistan. Historically, Shahrisabz was one of the main centers of the Great Silk Road, serving as a crossroads of trade relations, cultures, beliefs and ideas, he added.
ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri highlighted Shahrisabz’s tourism potential, while also underlining the rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty and captivating allure of Uzbekistan. “The city shines as a beacon of excellence in our organization’s tourism landscape. From its legendary past to its stunning landscapes, Shahrisabz exemplifies the charm of Uzbekistan’s tourism,” he added. Ambassador Khusrav Noziri also presented a certificate to the Mayor of Shahrisabz Mr. Sherzod Boriyev officially declaring Shahrisabz City as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024.
In the framework of the celebratory events of the official designation of Shahrisabz city of Uzbekistan as the ECO Tourism Capital 2024, the ECO Member States Cooking Competition took place on 25 April 2024.
Culinary chefs from different Member States prepared traditional dishes of their respective countries. The guests and delegates attending the festivities in Shahrisabz had a chance to taste the food at the stands of each ECO Member State.
The inaugural ECO International Ethno Sport Games took place as part of the festivities commemorating Shahrisabz’s designation as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2024, on April 26, 2024.
A forum was also organized for sharing experience and practices on development of the tourism sector across the ECO region, on the sidelines of the Shahrisabz ECO Tourism Capital 2024 inauguration ceremony.024.
