From ancient fortresses to modern palaces and futuristic structures — we tell about the most interesting and beautiful architectural designs in the countries of Central Asia.
Kazakhstan
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
A majestic mausoleum of the 14th century, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of Islamic architecture of Central Asia.
Ascension Cathedral
The cathedral in Almaty is a unique architectural solution of the early 20th century and one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. It impresses with its beauty both outside and inside.
Caravan Saray in Turkistan
A modern complex in the style of centuries-old architectural traditions of the East, combined with contemporary solutions.
Hotel Kazakhstan
An architectural symbol of Almaty and a vivid example of Soviet modernism, this building still attracts the attention of residents and visitors of the city.
Baiterek
The symbol of modern Kazakhstan — a monumental tower 97 meters high, whose architectural idea goes back to ancient legends.
Central Mosque of Astana
The largest mosque in Kazakhstan which has become an architectural symbol of modern Astana.
Sphere Nur-Alem
A unique architectural object and symbol of Expo-2017. It is a giant glass dome in a futuristic style, 80 meters in diameter and 100 meters high.
Kyrgyzstan
Burana Tower
The Burana Tower is an ancient minaret of the 10th–11th centuries, located near the city of Tokmok. It is one of the few preserved structures of the city of Balasagun, an important cultural and trade center of the Karakhanid state. The tower, built of baked brick, served as a religious and defensive structure. Next to the minaret are remains of mausoleums, balbals, and archaeological excavations that allow one to imagine the life and architecture of the medieval city. The Burana Tower is considered one of the main historical symbols of Kyrgyzstan and a popular tourist attraction.
Uzgen Architectural Complex
The complex includes a minaret and three mausoleums, which are vivid examples of Karakhanid architecture of the 11th–12th centuries. The structures are distinguished by refined brickwork, characteristic arched portals, and decorative elements reflecting the culture and art of Central Asia of that time. The Uzgen complex is considered an important historical and religious site, preserving unique features of medieval architecture and attracting tourists and researchers.
Caravanserai Tash-Rabat
The caravanserai Tash-Rabat is a historical complex of the 15th century located on the ancient trade route in the Naryn region. Built of stone, it served as a safe refuge for travelers and caravans. The square-shaped building with an inner courtyard and living quarters demonstrates the thoughtful architecture of that time. Today, Tash-Rabat is one of the most recognizable monuments of Kyrgyzstan and the region as a whole.
Cultural Center Rukh-Ordo
The largest memorial and cultural complex on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. It includes museums, exhibition halls, and monuments reflecting the history, culture, and spiritual traditions of Kyrgyzstan. The center also serves as a venue for festivals, concerts, and educational events.
Uzbekistan
Minor Mosque
One of the landmarks of modern Tashkent is located on the bank of the Ankhor Canal. The mosque is faced with white marble, and the mosaic ornament in blue shades amazes with its beauty.
Registan Square in Samarkand
One of the most recognizable symbols of the country — a square with three madrasahs whose facades are covered with unique glazed tiles, and the golden inserts shine in the sun, creating a fabulous atmosphere.
Ichan-Kala
The inner old city of Khiva — a real open-air museum. Fortress walls, narrow streets, and authentic architecture. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
House Zhemchug
An architectural symbol of seismic modernism in Tashkent. A unique monolithic house built in 1985, in which every three floors have a platform for residents’ recreation. The architecture of the building consists of two semi-circular blocks, and on the fifth floor are inner courtyards 10 meters high. Such a unique design turned the house into a real museum.
Tashkent Television Tower
The calling card of the capital, with a height of 375 meters, and also one of the tallest and most beautiful TV towers in Central Asia.
Complex Khast-Imam
An ancient religious center of Tashkent with mosques, madrasahs, and a rich library of Eastern manuscripts. The place is attractive with architectural beauty and the atmosphere of a true Eastern fairy tale.
Chorsu
A market in Tashkent was built in the best architectural traditions of Uzbek bazaars. Chorsu is a complex of impressive blue domes over numerous trading pavilions.
Tajikistan
Khujand Fortress
One of the oldest fortresses in Central Asia — a majestic building with a rich history and a special atmosphere of antiquity.
Kohi Navruz
A modern palace in Dushanbe is decorated with national ornaments and impressive in its scale. One of the largest palaces in the world.
Central Cathedral Mosque in Dushanbe
One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, which also includes a museum, conference halls, and libraries. The mosque impresses with the architectural beauty of its white marble cladding.
Market Mehrgon in Dushanbe
One of the most beautiful markets in Central Asia, with unique architecture and design, a colorful atmosphere, and a diverse selection.
National Museum of Tajikistan
An architectural landmark of Dushanbe. The museum attracts with its external beauty and four spacious halls with thematic exhibitions.
Turkmenistan
Palace of Weddings
One of the most unusual buildings of modern Ashgabat. The structure is made of white marble and glass, crowned with a giant cube with an image of the eight-pointed star “Rukhnama,” inside which there is a huge globe. Especially beautiful in the rays of night illumination.
Kunya-Urgench
An ancient city built even before our era, a complex of local minarets and mausoleums included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.