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Amir Timur Square: The Point From Which All of Tashkent Radiates

The city's main avenues fan out from this square. Different monuments from different eras have stood on this spot — and who stands at the center today tells you more about the country than any guidebook. Right now it's Tamerlane on horseback.

A Kvazar guide · Updated 2026 · ~7 min read

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If Tashkent has a geometric and symbolic center, it's Amir Timur Square. The main boulevards radiate from it, landmark buildings of various eras stand around it, and at its center, beneath the crowns of old trees, rises the equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). The square is a convenient starting point for getting to know the capital, and at the same time a living illustration of how Tashkent — and its idea of itself — has changed. This guide covers what to see here and what's around.

In short: Amir Timur Square is the central square-park of Tashkent, with the city's main streets radiating from it. At its center stands the bronze equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Around it are concentrated the city's symbols: Hotel Uzbekistan in the Soviet-modernist style, the nearby Navoi State Opera and Ballet Theatre, museums and old buildings. It's a handy starting point for a walk through the capital. The square itself takes 20–30 minutes, plus time for the surroundings.
In this guide What the square is The statue of Tamerlane Who stood here before What's around the square How to see it FAQ

What is Amir Timur Square?

It's the central city square of Tashkent — a green plaza in the very heart of the capital, from which the main boulevards radiate in every direction. The square is named after Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the 14th-century commander and statesman who founded the Timurid empire. Today it's a popular place to stroll, a landmark, and the starting point of most tourist routes through the city.

The square arose in the late imperial era as the central park of the new part of the city and has remained the main point of attraction ever since. The old plane trees give shade even in the fiercest heat — it's one of the most pleasant places to rest in the center.

For the traveler, the square is convenient because many sights are a stone's throw away, and it's easily recognized and serves as a reliable landmark.

Whom is the statue at the center dedicated to?

At the center of the square stands the bronze equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), shown astride a prancing horse. In present-day Uzbekistan, Amir Timur is a key figure of national history: the founder of a great empire with its capital in Samarkand. The monument was erected after independence and became one of the symbols of the capital.

The choice of Tamerlane for the city center is no accident: after 1991, Uzbekistan sought a foundation in its own history, and the figure of Amir Timur — a powerful unifying ruler — became its chief symbol. So the square turned into a statement about national identity.

On the pedestal are words attributed to Timur, about strength lying in justice. This is the same hero whose monuments and mausoleum you'll meet in Samarkand and Shakhrisabz.

Who stood at the center of the square before Tamerlane?

The center of the square has changed monuments several times, and that's a rare chance to "read" the country's history from a single point. In different eras, monuments here reflected the power of their time — from imperial and Soviet symbols to a figure of Karl Marx in the late-Soviet period. After independence, the equestrian statue of Amir Timur replaced them.

This succession of monuments is a vivid chronicle of the 20th century: whoever stands at the center of the main square, that ideology rules. Local people remember the earlier monuments well, and for them the square is a place of layered memory.

Understanding this succession makes the walk more meaningful: you're standing not just by a handsome monument, but at a point where the symbolism of a whole country was rewritten several times.

By who stands at the center of this square, you can read the country's history more precisely than from a textbook.

What is there to see around the square?

The symbols of Tashkent are concentrated around the square. Nearby is Hotel Uzbekistan, a striking building in the Soviet-modernist style that has become an unofficial icon of the city. Not far off are the Alisher Navoi State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, museums, and old buildings of the late imperial era. From the square it's an easy walk on to Independence Square.

Hotel Uzbekistan (1970s), with its recognizable "ribbed" facade, is much photographed as an example of Soviet architecture in the East. The Navoi Theatre, opened in 1947 to a design by the architect Shchusev, is a chapter of its own: Japanese prisoners of war took part in its construction, and the building became one of the most elegant in the city.

So the square isn't an end in itself but a hub: from it, it makes sense to build a walking route through the center.

How do you see the square, and how much time to allow?

The square itself needs 20–30 minutes — to stroll, photograph the statue and the surrounding buildings, and sit in the shade. But it's wiser to use it as the start of a half-day walk, adding the Navoi Theatre, Hotel Uzbekistan and the walk over to Independence Square. Entry is free; it's a public space.

Tip: come in the morning or evening, when there's no heat — by day, central Tashkent can get very hot. The square is good in any season, and especially pleasant in spring and autumn.

Frequently asked questions

What is Amir Timur Square?

The central city square of Tashkent, from which the main streets radiate. At its center is the equestrian statue of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). It's a popular place to stroll and a handy starting point for routes through the capital.

Whom is the statue in the square dedicated to?

Amir Timur (Tamerlane), the 14th-century commander and founder of the Timurid empire. He's shown on horseback. The monument was erected after independence and became a symbol of the capital.

What monuments stood here before?

The center of the square changed monuments several times, reflecting the power of each era — from imperial and Soviet symbols to a figure of Karl Marx in late-Soviet times. After independence, Amir Timur replaced them.

What is there to see near the square?

Hotel Uzbekistan in the Soviet-modernist style, the Navoi State Opera and Ballet Theatre (1947, by Shchusev), museums and old buildings. From the square it's an easy walk to Independence Square.

How long do you need for the square?

The square itself takes 20–30 minutes. But it's better used as the start of a half-day walk through the center, adding the Navoi Theatre and Independence Square. Entry is free.

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