Itchan Kala is the inner town of the old Khiva oasis. It was the last resting place of caravaneers before crossing the desert to Iran.
Bukhara, which is situated on the Silk Route, is more than 2,000 years old. It is the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia, with an urban fabric that has remained largely intact. Monuments of particular interest include the famous tomb of Ismail Samani, a masterpiece of 10th-century Muslim architecture, and a large number of 17th-century madrasas.
Shakhrisyabz is famous as the home city of Tamerlane, born there in 1336.
Site of one of the oldest settlements in central Asia, founded in the 7th century BC as ancient Afrasiab. It was captured by Alexander the Great in 329 BC, ruled by Turks (6th cen. AD), Arabs (8th cen.) & Samanids of Iran (9th cen.). Its most significant development was in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries.
This joint listing consists of 13 parks and nature reserves, divided over Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Located in one of the largest mountain ranges in the world, the Western Tien-Shan ranges in altitude from 700 to 4,503 m. It is known for its plant biodiversity. Especially its wild fruit and walnut forest which are among the largest remaining in the world.
See joint listing with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakstan.
Joint listing with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
The Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor is a key section of the Silk Roads in Central Asia that connects other corridors from all directions. Located in rugged mountains, fertile river valleys, and uninhabitable desert, the 866-kilometre corridor runs from east to west along the Zarafshan River and further southwest following the ancient caravan roads crossing the Karakum Desert to the Merv Oasis.
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Last updated: September 20, 2023