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Chorsu Bazaar
Photo: Theklan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Chorsu Bazaar

Under its blue dome in the heart of Tashkent's old town, Chorsu Bazaar is a lively market where everything from vegetables to spices, nuts and bread is sold. It is a good stop for anyone who wants to see everyday city life and a distinctive piece of late Soviet modernist architecture.

History

"Chorsu" comes from Persian and means "crossroads" or "four streams". In Central Asia the name was used for a type of covered market with four exits, built where main streets met. The bazaar is described as known since the Middle Ages and as important along the Silk Road. In Soviet times it was also called the October Bazaar.

The present domed building was designed in the 1980s by architects Vladimir Azimov and Sabir Adylov, and the domed structures were completed in the early 1990s. It is regarded as a late example of Soviet Modernism. The Chorsu metro station was built during the same reconstruction and opened in 1989.

What to see

The main sight is the large blue dome covering the market, surrounded by smaller domes. Inside, stalls are grouped by type of goods: vegetables, fruit, nuts, Eastern sweets, spices and grains. Clothing and household goods are sold in separate pavilions.

At the edge of the bazaar stands Kukeldash Madrasah, built around 1570, so the market can easily be combined with a look at this historic building. The bazaar has also been reported as designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with other modernist sites in Tashkent; check the current status before you go.

Visiting tips

The bazaar is directly across the street from Chorsu station on the Tashkent Metro, so it is easy to reach by metro. It can get crowded, so keep valuables secure and your bag close.

Opening days and hours can change, so check before you go. It is polite to ask vendors before photographing them. Being offered a taste is common, and carrying some cash usually makes shopping easier.

Map

Places to see

Amir Timur Museum Amir Timur MuseumA blue-domed round building in the centre of Tashkent brings the world of Timur and the Timurid dynasty under one roof. Its collection of miniatures, manuscripts, coins and weapons makes a compact, rich introduction to Central Asian history.

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