Termez – the Center of Ancient Civilizations and Religions
Termez is an ancient city located in the southern part of Uzbekistan, known for its unique cultural heritage and archaeological sites. It is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with a history spanning over 2,500 years, blending Buddhist, Zoroastrian, and Islamic cultures. Tourists can visit the famous Fayaztepa Monastery, the Kirk-Kiz Fortress, and the Mausoleum of Hakim at-Termezi.
The city is also renowned for its picturesque landscapes and proximity to the Amu Darya River, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Termez is an excellent destination for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and those wishing to experience the spirit of an ancient civilization along the Great Silk Road.
In the most southern city of Uzbekistan, many unique monuments and interesting places have been preserved. In Termez, places must be visited:
✔️ Termez Archaeological Museum
✔️ Numerous archaeological sites of Surkhandarya
✔️ Sultan-Saodat Architectural complex
✔️ Surkhandarya Regional Museum of Local Lore
✔️ Surkhandarya Regional Theatre of Musical Drama and Comedy
✔️ Buddhist monuments and temple complexes.
In Termez in summer, there is exceptional heat, in winter the climate is quite mild for such a latitude, but sometimes quite severe cooling and snowfalls are possible, however this is usually not for long.
In Termez, as well as in most cities of Uzbekistan, you can find a variety of masters in all kinds of applied art. Most often, tourists purchase things such as caskets, paintings, figurines, musical instruments, bags, scarves and jewelry. For lovers of national clothes, here you can find artisans who sell beautiful handmade сoats (chapanes) that will warm you even in the coldest winters! The fashionable girls can find here modern outfits of adras and a khan-atlas.
Buy souvenirs and gifts onlineIn Uzbekistan, the main dish of all cities is traditionally pilaf. Did you know that the Surkhandarya district holds a record for preparing the largest pilaf in the world? Chefs from the Denau region made pilaf weighing almost 9 tons! In Termez you will find many cafes and restaurants that are ready to introduce the traditional Surkhandarya dishes to you. The list includes shurpa, a cauldron-kabob and what the locals call “kuy gosht”. This is lamb, which is stewed for a long time to such a state that it just melts in your mouth. The meat leaves the bone with absolute ease, and the grease, called dumba, is so tasty and not like ordinary grease that even a pesrson who does not like such dishes cannot refuse it. Follow the link to read more about Uzbek cuisine.
An integral part of every trip is photography! In this section, we introduce you the most beautiful places in this city, where you can make the best shots.
P.S. Do not forget that during the visit the religious sights of Uzbekistan, women are advisable to cover the exposed parts of the body (shoulders, back and legs). Such attractions will be marked with ☪✝✡☦
☪️ The memorial complex "Al-Khakim at-Termizi" can be considered the main landmark of Termez. There you can walk through the picturesque park and visit the architectural monuments of the complex.
Built in the era of the Kushan Empire, a Buddhist stupa has survived to this day. Now it is an important monument near which there are always many tourists, because where else can you see and touch history so close?
The name of the fortress "Kirk Kyz" is translated as "forty girls." This is one of the favorite places for tourists, because here you can get unusual photos.
The southernmost city and administrative centre of the Surkhandarya region is Termez. In this city and in its area, there are still many historical sights associated with various religions, such as Zoroastrianism, Nestorianism, Buddhism and Islam.
According to the archaeologists, the city was created in the I millennium BC, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The name "Termez" comes from the word "Taramastakh", which translates as "a place on the opposite bank" and it received its final name only in the X century. Prior to this, the city changed many names, such as Demitrias, Antioch, Tamo, Tami, etc. It is believed that Buddhism came to the territory of Termez during the Greco-Bactrian Empire. This is confirmed by many finds of archaeologists belonging to that era. You can still find Buddhist buildings in the city and its environs, and in museums there are many objects related to this ancient religion. Over the millennia of its existence, the city was ruled by many dynasties, among which were the Achaemenids, Alexander the Great, the Kushan Empire and many others. During the time of Amir Temur and his descendants, Termez occupied a special place in the diplomatic relations with China.
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