Islam Karimov Square Oqsaroy
A grand modern palace and expansive square honoring Uzbekistan's first president, offering a glimpse into contemporary national pride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer people
Islam Karimov Square Oqsaroy
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand modern palace and expansive square honoring Uzbekistan's first president, offering a glimpse into contemporary national pride.
"Impressive modern architecture and a vast, well-kept square that's a symbol of national pride."
📸 Best photo spots
Capture the palace from the front lawn for iconic shots. Early morning light is magical!
💧 Stay hydrated
Uzbekistan can get very hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oqsaroy Palace Facade
Main Square
Admire the intricate tilework and grand architecture of the former presidential palace, a symbol of modern Uzbek history.
Statue of Islam Karimov
Center of the Square
A prominent monument honoring Uzbekistan's first president, a focal point for reflection and photos.
Surrounding Gardens
Perimeter of the Square
Stroll through well-maintained green spaces offering a peaceful escape and picturesque views of the palace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Oqsaroy
Dress Code & Respect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best photo spots
Capture the palace from the front lawn for iconic shots. Early morning light is magical!
💧 Stay hydrated
Uzbekistan can get very hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months.
🚶♀️ Comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive square and gardens.
⏰ Visit during daylight
The square is best appreciated with natural light to see the architectural details.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best photo spots
Capture the palace from the front lawn for iconic shots. Early morning light is magical!
💧 Stay hydrated
Uzbekistan can get very hot. Carry plenty of water, especially during summer months.
🚶♀️ Comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive square and gardens.
⏰ Visit during daylight
The square is best appreciated with natural light to see the architectural details.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Islam Karimov Square Oqsaroy to be an impressive display of modern Uzbek architecture and a significant national landmark. The grandeur of the Oqsaroy Palace and the central statue of Islam Karimov are frequently highlighted as points of interest. While the palace itself is not accessible, the spacious square and well-maintained gardens offer a pleasant environment for a visit, particularly during cooler parts of the day.
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Humoyun Toychiyev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oqsaroy Square is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It's easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing apps like Yandex Go. Public transport options like the metro are also available, with the nearest stations being Oybek or Kosmonavtlar, followed by a short walk or taxi ride.
Islam Karimov Square and the Oqsaroy Palace are located in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, not Samarkand.
From Tashkent International Airport (TAS), a taxi or ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to reach Oqsaroy Square. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible, but Tashkent is quite spread out. It's generally recommended to use public transport or taxis for efficiency, especially if visiting multiple sites.
Limited street parking may be available, but it's not guaranteed. Using ride-sharing services or taxis is often more practical as they can drop you off directly at the square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Islam Karimov Square and the surrounding public areas is generally free. You can walk around the square and admire the exterior of the Oqsaroy Palace without purchasing tickets.
The square is an open public space and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended to fully appreciate the architecture and gardens.
The Oqsaroy Palace itself is not typically open to the public for tours. It serves as an administrative building. Visitors can admire its impressive facade from the outside.
There are no fees for general photography within the public square. However, if you plan to use professional equipment or conduct a photoshoot, it's advisable to check for any specific regulations.
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier with local families.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic shots are taken directly in front of the palace, capturing its grand facade. Experiment with different perspectives from the edges of the square and the surrounding gardens for varied compositions.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light, casting a warm glow on the palace architecture. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage in Uzbekistan is subject to strict regulations and often requires special permits. It's highly unlikely that drones are permitted for recreational use around government buildings like Oqsaroy Palace.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the palace and square. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Yes, photography of the Islam Karimov statue is permitted. It's a central feature of the square and a popular spot for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip for families: Visit in the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, to ensure comfort. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities directly within the square might be limited. The open space makes it easy to keep an eye on children, and the statue of Islam Karimov can spark conversations about leadership and history.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Recommendations: Utilize a wide-angle lens to capture the full grandeur of the palace and the expanse of the square. Experiment with different vantage points from the gardens and the edges of the square. Be mindful of the time of day to avoid harsh midday shadows. While the square is generally accessible, always be respectful of any official presence or events that might be taking place.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Oqsaroy Palace: A Symbol of Modern Uzbekistan
The square itself, officially named Islam Karimov Square, is dedicated to Uzbekistan's first president, Islam Karimov. The large statue of Karimov at the center of the square serves as a focal point and a place for reflection on the nation's recent history. The area is meticulously maintained, with lush gardens and wide pathways, offering a pleasant environment for a stroll. It's a place where locals often gather, especially in the cooler parts of the day.
Visiting Oqsaroy Square provides a glimpse into the modern face of Uzbekistan and its capital. It's a testament to the country's development and its respect for its past leaders. The sheer scale of the palace and the open expanse of the square make it a notable site for anyone interested in contemporary Uzbek architecture and national symbolism.
Navigating Tashkent: Getting to and Around Oqsaroy
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Tashkent's metro system is efficient and clean. The nearest metro stations to Oqsaroy Square are Oybek and Kosmonavtlar. From either station, it's a walk of about 15-20 minutes, or you can easily hail a short taxi ride to the square. The metro itself is an attraction, with many stations featuring unique artistic designs.
Once you are at Oqsaroy Square, exploring the area is best done on foot. The square is expansive, and the surrounding gardens are pleasant to walk through. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as you'll likely spend time strolling and taking in the sights. While there isn't extensive public transport within the square itself, its accessibility from major transport hubs makes it an easy addition to any Tashkent itinerary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit