In Turkish language, the word “uz/oz” stands for “Good or True” and ‘bek’ means “Guardian”, Uzbekistan, “The True Guardian”. Uzbekistan is a CIS (Commonwealth Independent state / former Soviet Union) country in Central Asia, doubly landlocked, sharing border with Kazakhstan to the west, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to the East, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south but also includes the southern shoreline of the Aral Sea. By area, it is the 56^th largest country in the world and the 42^nd by population. The history of Uzbekistan is rich and contains all the necessary elements of interest for any history buff. From Alexander the Great to Tamerlane, and then the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan has uncountable tales to tell, embedded in the walls and streets of the country. Cities as Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, Nukus and Termez hold significant place in the world history of Islamic revolutions, scientific artifacts, architecture and world wars at the time of Alexander.

The weather of Uzbekistan is mostly mid latitude desert with long and hot summers. While winters are mild and semiarid grasslands exist in eastern regions. Another hint to the weather is, when the Alexander army arrived in Uzbekistan and they named the city ‘Temrez’ because of its very high, intense temperate and heat. Termez is the southernmost city near the border with Afghanistan.

The capital of Uzbekistan is the immensely popular city, Tashkent. Tashkent International Airport connects Uzbekistan with the rest of the world. From Europe, cheap flights to Tashkent are operated by many top airliners and holidays in the region are considerably affordable for all budget types. Tashkent is a modern capital and also the largest city, while Andijan is the fourth largest city often visited by tourists. Andijan is located in close proximity of the Ferghana Valley, a must visit.

Another popular city of Uzbekistan is Bukhara, it is the legendry Silk Road capital and said to be about 2500 years old. Most amazingly, the exact name of the city can be found in books written hundreds of years ago, the history of this city links it to the Arabs and Muslim Sceintists. Bukhara is also a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning architecture, painting and calligraphy works and magnificent monuments.

The second largest city after the capital is Samarkand. Samarkand is also UNESCO World Heritage site by dint of Silk Road attraction and the Registan.

There is for sure a whole world to be seen in Uzbekistan, yet it is not limited to history or architecture. The Nature reserves make a large portion of attractions in the country.  Jeyran Ecological Centre, Kitab State Geological Reserve, Kyzylkum Tugai and Sand Reserve, Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biospheric Reserve and Ugam-Chatkal National Park top the list. While activities as Camel trekking, Bird watching, Trekking, Rafting and Skiing are also popular.

source : Travel to Uzbekistan – "The True Guardian" – travelhouseuk.co.uk