Stage 93: Flight from Istanbul to Tashkent

At Istanbul Airport, I had a total of 20 hours layover. So, I had enough time to catch up on some sleep. The time seemed to never pass by with overpriced coffee and airport food! Even the two hours of free (and very slow) Wi-Fi did not make it any better... In the evening, finally, I spotted Laura after she searched the entire transit area for me (she thought I was having a meal). From then on, everything was different. There was a lot to talk about, and the remaining time to Uzbekistan flew by.

After another night, we arrived at Tashkent Airport in the morning. Overwhelmed by the flood of taxi drivers, we went to the accommodation with the bicycle box at a ridiculously high price. Unfortunately, we could only get a suitable taxi app later. Our host spoke good English and was quite funny. After a short orientation phase, we started exploring. You can get around Tashkent very cheaply with the metro (1400 sums per person), and some stations are already eye-catching, such as the Kosmonavtlar Station near our guesthouse. From Mustaqillik Square, we walked on the 'Boulevard' with some stalls and street artists to Amir Temur Square, where the famous Uzbekistan Hotel from the Soviet era is located. From there, it was not far to the Temurid Museum and the exciting Chorsu Bazaar. The central round hall offered a variety of meat and fish products, but due to the smell, we did not feel the need to take a closer look. Of course, we also visited the Ko'kaldosh Madrasa with its beautiful garden. For dinner, we had some shashlik with 'popatoes' at a slightly overpriced restaurant.

The next day, we visited the grand Imam Hazrati Complex. It includes the Tillya Sheikh Mosque, an Islamic Institute, a mausoleum, and other stuff. The mosques were impressive, but the begging children who seemed to be left to themselves were a bit sad.

The 'Center for Islamic Civilization' is also being built at the Imam Hazrati Complex. Initially, we thought it was closed due to renovations, but it was still under construction. It was impressive mainly because of its sheer size. After completion, it will primarily be used as a Quran school.

After enjoying a super cheap pot of tea away from the touristy places, we walked a long way to the Minor Mosque and through the Japanese garden towards the TV tower. After getting lost a few times, we finally arrived, but of course, it was already closed. Feeling a bit frustrated and hungry, we went to a large hidden restaurant, where a delicious Plov awaited us at a great price. A few days later, I was recommended the 'Beshqozon' as a hidden gem, so I instinctively made all the right choices! We took a taxi back to Anvar's guesthouse, and the next day our journey was already scheduled to continue.