Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent

Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is one of the oldest and most iconic markets in Central Asia, and a must-visit destination on many Uzbekistan tours. For centuries, this vibrant trading hub has served not only as a commercial center but also as a social and cultural landmark. Located on the main square of the historic Eski-Juva district, Chorsu has always been at the heart of the city’s daily life.

Since the 11th century, Central Asian cities began constructing covered bazaars with interconnected halls - a tradition that Chorsu Bazaar continues to embody. The current trading complex was built on the foundations of earlier markets, preserving the spirit and structure of its predecessors. It is now a unique architectural ensemble of domed trade halls, designed with careful attention to traditional aesthetics and the principles of urban planning from past centuries.

At the center of Chorsu Bazaar stands a grand domed pavilion richly adorned with oriental ornamentation. With a diameter of nearly 300–350 meters, this impressive three-story winter building is equipped with an elevator system. The basement level houses numerous storerooms and service corridors, while the middle and upper floors accommodate a vast network of retail stalls.

Although many of the original structures have not survived, the essential features of traditional bazaar architecture remain - large, domed spaces that offer shelter from the intense sun and dust typical of the dry Asian climate. Today, the bazaar continues to thrive, connecting past and present in a seamless blend of history and daily life.

Inside the market, visitors are welcomed by stalls overflowing with fresh produce, amber-hued dried apricots, warm lepeshka (flatbread), freshly butchered meats, and local delicacies such as kazy (horse meat sausage). The variety and aromas are impossible to ignore. Nearby, choykhonas (Uzbek cafés) serve fragrant pilaf, sizzling shashlyk (grilled meat), and hot, savory shurpa (soup). After a hearty meal, many travelers explore the surrounding handicraft stalls, where artisans offer hand-made souvenirs and works of applied art.

For those exploring the highlights of Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar offers not just a shopping experience but a window into the soul of the city - bustling, colorful, and deeply rooted in centuries of tradition.