Tashkent has a new point of attraction, and it is not a skyscraper or a shopping mall. It is Zarkaynar Street in the old town, transformed into a living quarter in national style: carved facades, artisan workshops, teahouses and the atmosphere of a Silk Road city. Here is what to see and how to plan your walk.

What Is Zarkaynar?

Zarkaynar sits in the Almazar district, in the historic Hastimom mahalla, stretching from the Hast Imam complex toward Navoi Street. It is part of a larger old town development project covering 447 hectares and 15 mahallas. On the street itself, 576 houses have been restored: traditional facades, carved wooden elements and oriental ornaments recreate the look of old Tashkent.

The street name comes with its own legend. Zarkaynar means "boiling gold," and according to local lore the street earned its name after a story involving a cunning sheikh mocked by the neighborhood. Locals will happily tell you the details.

Things to Do on Zarkaynar

Walk and take photos. The restored quarters with carved doors and aivans are now one of the most atmospheric spots in the city for strolls and photo shoots.

Watch artisans at work. Workshops and folk craft centers have opened along the street, where you can see the process and buy handmade pieces directly from the makers.

Try Uzbek cuisine. National cuisine restaurants and teahouses have opened right inside the restored houses.

Step into nearby historic sites. The street begins at the Hast Imam complex, home to one of the oldest Qurans in the world, the Uthman Quran. The Barak Khan madrasah is next door.

A Ready Walking Route

Start at Hast Imam square in the morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Then walk along Zarkaynar, ducking into workshops and courtyards. Finish the day at Chorsu Bazaar, which you can reach on foot through the old town. The route takes half a day and shows you a Tashkent you cannot see from a car window.

Where to Stay

To explore the old town on foot, choose hotels near Hast Imam, Chorsu and the Gafur Gulyam metro station. Book Tashkent hotels on hurma.uz and pay with Visa, Mastercard, Uzcard or Humo.

hurma.uz Tip

Come to Zarkaynar twice: in the morning for quiet photos and in the evening, when the lights come on and the teahouses open. And leave some room in your suitcase: walking out of the craft shops empty handed is nearly impossible.

Photo: Sputnik Uzbekistan