Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent

Architecture

Chorsu Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace in the very heart of Tashkent's Old Town, 'Eski Shahar'.

The bazaar's architecture is one of its most distinctive features. Dominating the skyline is the grand blue dome, constructed after the 1966 earthquake.

This dome, the largest in Uzbekistan with a diameter of approximately 80 meters and a height of 30 meters, is a marvel of Central Asian design, blending seamlessly with the region's architectural heritage. The bazaar unfolds across multiple terraces, housing several smaller domes in the same style, creating a labyrinthine layout that invites exploration.

Food Pavilion

The market is a sensory overload, with the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Uzbek life. The food pavilion, located under the main dome, is particularly interesting. Here, vendors offer a dizzying array of dairy products, including katyk (sour milk), kurt (salty dried cheese balls), and suzma (a type of fermented milk).

Spices are another highlight, with stalls overflowing with cinnamon, saffron, black and red pepper, nutmeg, cloves, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and dried vegetables.

Dried Fruits and Sweets

Dried fruits and nuts are abundant, with counters heaped with kishmish (raisins), dried apricots, salted apricot pits, and various nuts. The selection of oriental sweets is equally impressive, featuring navat (crystallized sugar), parvarda (sugar candy), pashmak (a type of cotton candy), halva, and kozinaki (nut and honey bars). The bazaar is also famous for its freshly baked bread, a staple of Uzbek cuisine.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Beyond food, Chorsu Bazaar offers a wide variety of goods. Shoppers can find traditional Uzbek clothing, such as skullcaps and chapan (heavy quilted cloaks), as well as handmade ceramics, colourful kurpacha (sitting mattresses), and knives. The bazaar is a treasure trove for souvenir hunters, providing a tangible connection to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Local Cuisine

One of the most delightful experiences at Chorsu Bazaar is sampling the local cuisine. The food stalls and small eateries scattered throughout the market serve a range of traditional dishes, including shish kebabs, pilaf, norin (cold noodles with horse meat), samsa (meat-filled pastries), kazy (sausage), and manti (dumplings). The aromas of these freshly cooked delicacies waft through the air, tempting even the fullest stomach to indulge.