Old Town (Eski Shahar)

Overview

The Old Town (Eski Shahar) is the surviving traditional mahalla quarter around Chorsu Bazaar and Khast Imam — a maze of narrow lanes, mud-brick houses, and tea houses that predates the Soviet-era reconstruction of the rest of Tashkent.

Highlights

• Mahalla Lanes: Narrow, winding residential streets lined with clay walls and heavy wooden doors hiding interior courtyards.
• Traditional Tea Houses (Chaikhana): Outdoor seating on tapchans (raised wooden platforms) where locals gather for green tea.
• Artisan Workshops: Blacksmiths, coppersmiths, and woodcarvers working in traditional workshops.

History

While the 1966 earthquake and Soviet redevelopment obliterated most of historic Tashkent, the Old Town around Chorsu was partially spared. This area retains the layout and atmosphere of a pre-modern Central Asian city, with its mahalla (neighborhood) social structure still functioning. Parts are being restored, while others face pressure from modernization.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Wander without a fixed route — the charm is in getting pleasantly lost.
• Tip 2: Best combined with Chorsu Bazaar and Khast Imam in a half-day walking tour.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.