Uzbekistan Airways, Tashkent

National GeographicJul 31

The surprising detour of the Silk Road, the world’s original superhighway

Tourism is booming along the former trade routes of the ancient Uzbekistan. To understand its recent transformation, Gary Shteyngart took to the caravan trail.

14 things in this story

Chorsu BazaarMarketSoviet-era pavilion covers a site that's been a market for 2,000 years.
Uzbekistan AirwaysAirportExperience Tashkent Airport, a world-class service icon and destination in itself.
AfrosiyobNeighborhoodHigh-speed train named for an ancient settlement of Silk Road merchants.
Elsewhere
Silk RoadRestaurantUzbekistanThe country is leaning hard on this brand for tourism.
RegistanSightSamarkand, UzbekistanFamed public square flanked by three ornate madrassas.
Gur-e-AmirSightSamarkand, UzbekistanA cascading complex of mausoleums where Ulugh Beg is buried.
Silk Road MuseumMuseumSamarkand, UzbekistanNew museum planned near Gur-e-Amir, showcasing finds and crafts.
Silk Road SamarkandAttractionSamarkand, UzbekistanA four-year-old resort development on the eastern edge of town.
Eternal CityAttractionSamarkand, UzbekistanReplica Silk Road oasis town with restaurants and boutiques.
HiltonHotelSamarkand, UzbekistanSkyscraper hotel part of the Eternal City development.
Silk Road WaterlandSightSamarkand, UzbekistanWater park with 18 waterslides, part of the Eternal City.
Ark of BukharaAttractionBukhara, UzbekistanThe Platonic ideal of a fortress, its interior a city-within-a-city.
Kalon MosquePlace of worshipBukhara, UzbekistanOne of Central Asia's largest mosques with an impressive minaret.
Eternal BukharaPlaceBukhara, UzbekistanTourism development with hotels, replica architecture, and cafes.

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Uzbekistan Airways

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The surprising detour of the Silk Road, the world’s original superhighway