Tashkent

On June 15, 1865, the city of Tashkent was conquered by Russian forces under the command of General Mikhail Chernyayev. This marked the beginning of Russian rule in Central Asia and the integration of Tashkent into the Russian Empire. The conquest of Tashkent was significant for the expansion of the Russian Empire and laid the foundation for Tashkent to become a major administrative and military center in the region. Under Russian governance, Tashkent underwent significant urban development and modernization.

In 1947, the planning for the Tashkent Metro began as part of post-war reconstruction efforts in the Soviet Union's major cities. The Tashkent Metro, which eventually opened in 1977, became an important project showcasing Soviet engineering and modern urban transit solutions. It was the first underground metro system in Central Asia. Planning involved technical and architectural input from various Soviet and international experts, with the goal of providing efficient public transport for the rapidly growing population of Tashkent.

The 1966 Tashkent earthquake was a significant seismic event that occurred on April 26, 1966. The earthquake damaged much of Tashkent, leaving about 300,000 people homeless. The Soviet government launched an extensive rebuilding program in response, which included the construction of modern residential buildings and infrastructure in the city. The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1, but its shallow depth and proximity to the city resulted in severe impact. It brought global attention to Tashkent and influenced urban planning and architectural approaches in seismic areas.

Tashkent State Technical University was established on January 10, 1968, as a leading institution for higher technical education in Uzbekistan. It has since become a hub for engineering and technological research and development in Central Asia, attracting students and faculty from various regions. Over the years, the university has produced numerous specialists in fields such as engineering, architecture, and computing. It played a pivotal educational role in transforming Tashkent into a center for scientific and technological progress in the region.

The Tashkent Metro was officially inaugurated on November 6, 1977, becoming the first subway system in Central Asia. This marked a significant achievement in urban development for the city and demonstrated the engineering capabilities of the Soviet Union during that era. The metro had intricately designed stations, boasting chandeliers and artistry that reflected Soviet aesthetics and cultural elements. Initially starting with several lines, the metro continued to expand in subsequent decades, playing a vital role in public transportation within Tashkent.

On August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan declared independence from the Soviet Union following the failed Moscow coup attempt. This was a significant historical event as it marked the end of Soviet control over the republic and the start of nation-building as a sovereign state. Independence Day is now celebrated annually in Uzbekistan on September 1. Tashkent, as the capital, became the political and administrative center of the newly independent country. The event was a catalyst for economic reforms and international recognition of Uzbekistan as a nation.

The Tashkent Declaration was signed on October 8, 1994, by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The declaration was a commitment to fostering peace, stability, and cooperation among the Central Asian republics, emerging from the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It addressed regional security, economic collaboration, and the development of diplomatic relations. The Tashkent Declaration played a significant role in reducing tensions and promoting joint efforts to tackle challenges such as water sharing, resource management, and regional stability.

On February 16, 1999, a series of bomb explosions occurred in Tashkent, targeting government buildings, including the Interior Ministry. This was one of the deadliest attacks in the history of independent Uzbekistan, resulting in the deaths of several people and injuring many others. The bombings were part of a failed assassination attempt on President Islam Karimov. This led to a severe crackdown on suspected militants and opposition figures, as well as heightened security measures. It marked a turning point in Uzbekistan's approach to national security and counter-terrorism efforts.

On July 10, 2007, a series of coordinated bombings took place in Tashkent, targeting government facilities and police stations. This series of attacks shook the capital city as it displayed the threat of terrorism within Uzbekistan. The government described the bombings as terrorist attacks allegedly planned by radical Islamist groups affiliated with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The incidents resulted in heightened security measures within the city and increased international cooperation in combating terrorism. These events are pivotal in understanding Uzbekistan's ongoing security challenges.

The new terminal of the Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport was officially opened on March 31, 2014. This airport served as the main international gateway for Uzbekistan and was named after the country's first president. The modern terminal was part of an initiative to improve transportation infrastructure and boost the capacity to handle increasing passenger traffic. It included advanced facilities and technologies to enhance traveler experience, making it a pivotal development for Tashkent's connectivity with the rest of the world.

On July 23, 2021, Tashkent hosted the International Conference on Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity, Challenges, and Opportunities. The event gathered leaders and representatives from various countries to discuss strategies for enhancing connectivity between Central and South Asia. The conference aimed at fostering economic cooperation, trade links, and infrastructure development in the region. It marked a significant diplomatic initiative for Uzbekistan under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasizing Uzbekistan's role as a bridge between regions and its efforts to advance regional integration.