Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, a mesmerising jewel in the heart of Central Asia, offers an extraordinary journey through time along the historic Silk Road. This nine-night, ten-day photography workshop takes you from the bustling modern capital of Tashkent to the ancient cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand, where history, culture, and architecture converge in a vibrant tapestry perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Your adventure begins in Tashkent, a city that beautifully blends Soviet-era architecture with modern infrastructure. Explore the grandeur of Independence Square, stroll along the artistic Broadway Street, and capture the intricate designs of the Museum of Applied Arts. The Tashkent Metro, particularly the Alisher Navoiy Station, is a photographer’s delight, with its ornate decorations and colourful mosaics providing unique backdrops for striking shots. Evenings are spent savouring local cuisine and relaxing at fine restaurants such as Sim Sim, setting the tone for a culturally immersive journey.

Next, fly to Khiva, an open-air museum city where time seems to stand still. The walled city of Ichan Kala, with its stunning madrasahs, minarets, and palaces, provides endless opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography. Wander through the Kunya-Ark fortress, Pahlava-Mahmud necropolis, and Tash-Hauli palace, capturing the interplay of light and shadow on centuries-old architecture. Interact with local artisans and explore the handicraft markets to photograph vibrant textiles and traditional crafts, while the folklore performances in the evening add a cultural and dynamic dimension to your photography experience.

Bukhara, your next destination, is a city steeped in history and tradition. From the impressive Poi Kalyan Minaret to the Ark Fortress, the city offers remarkable architectural monuments. Participate in a masterclass on cooking the famous Uzbek pilaf and learn the art of Suzani embroidery in a local workshop, creating authentic, hands-on photography moments. Walking through Lyabi Hauz architectural ensemble, Magoki-Attori Mosque, and the ancient madrasahs, every corner of Bukhara is a visual story waiting to be captured.

The final leg of your journey takes you to Samarkand, one of the most iconic Silk Road cities. Sunrise at the Registan, with its majestic madrasahs, is a photographer’s dream. Explore the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Shakhi Zinda necropolis to capture the rich history and vibrant tilework that defines Samarkand’s architectural grandeur. Visit the Ulugbeg Observatory and local artisan workshops such as the Afghan-Uzbek silk carpet factory and Meros paper mill to photograph traditional crafts and cultural practices. The bustling Siab Bazaar provides the perfect setting for capturing everyday life and the colours of Uzbek culture.

Throughout the tour, you will experience not only breathtaking historical sites but also the warmth of Uzbek hospitality, local cuisine, and cultural performances. Whether photographing sunrise over ancient minarets, the intricate patterns of silk carpets, or the vibrant street life of bazaars, this workshop combines cultural immersion with photography mastery, making it an unforgettable journey for every traveller and shutterbug.

My journey through Uzbekistan was nothing short of extraordinary, a perfect blend of history, culture, and photography opportunities. It began in Tashkent, the vibrant capital, where I was immediately captivated by the city’s mix of Soviet-era architecture and modern infrastructure. Exploring Independence Square and Broadway Street, I was struck by the city’s colourful energy. The Museum of Applied Arts offered a feast for the eyes, with its intricate textiles and crafts providing perfect frames for my lens. Even the Tashkent Metro stations, particularly Alisher Navoiy, were like underground palaces, with their ornate designs and mosaics providing me with endless photographic inspiration. The welcome dinner at Sim Sim Restaurant set the tone for the days ahead, as I immersed myself in Uzbek cuisine and hospitality.

Flying to Khiva was like stepping back in time. The walled city of Ichan Kala, with its ancient madrasahs, minarets, and palaces, felt magical at sunset. I captured the warm glow of the sun over Kalta-Minor and wandered through Kunya-Ark fortress and Pahlava-Mahmud necropolis, photographing the interplay of light and shadow on historic walls. Sunrise the next morning at Ichan Kala was even more breathtaking, and exploring the Muhammad Amin-Khan Madrasah, Tash-Hauli Palace, and local handicraft markets gave me an authentic sense of life in this ancient city. The folklore show at Ayvan Restaurant added a cultural layer that made my photos feel alive.

Bukhara welcomed me with its rich history and timeless charm. Sunrise at the Poi Kalyan Minaret was magical, and the city’s grand mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums provided endless photographic opportunities. Participating in a masterclass on cooking pilaf and learning Suzani embroidery in Rakhimjon Toshev’s workshop was a highlight, offering unique behind-the-scenes shots of traditional craftsmanship. Walking through Lyabi Hauz, Chashma-Ayub, and the Ark Fortress, I felt immersed in centuries of history, capturing textures, patterns, and everyday life on my camera. The Nodir Divan Begi folklore show in the evening brought music, dance, and colour, making for dynamic photographs.

Samarkand, with its legendary Registan, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, was the pinnacle of this photographic journey. Sunrise at Registan was surreal; the golden light reflecting off the intricate tilework was a dream for any photographer. Visiting the Shakhi Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek Observatory, and the Afghan-Uzbek silk carpet factory provided glimpses into centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship. Siab Bazaar was a riot of colour, where I captured daily life and the vibrant energy of local traders. The Meros Paper Mill and Mausoleum of St. Daniel added unique perspectives to my visual story of Samarkand.

Every city I visited offered new light, textures, and stories. From the warm hospitality of locals to the intricate patterns of silk carpets, from sunrise over ancient minarets to bustling bazaars, my Uzbekistan trip was an unforgettable experience. It was not just a journey through cities, but a journey through time, culture, and the heart of Central Asia, captured frame by frame through my lens.