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Hotel Uzbekistan

Once a luxurious flagship of the Soviet Union, this Brutalist structure remains a landmark of Tashkent’s communist past.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Fred Cherrygarden profile photo
Lit in the evening.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
In the early morning.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
The corridor.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Inside one of the rooms.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
A detail of the facade.   Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
  Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Refurbished hotel atrium   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
The intricate facade somewhat hinders the view   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Hotel Uzbekistan from Amir Temur Square   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Unrefurbished room bathroom   MarkTimeTravel / Atlas Obscura User
Hotel Uzbekistan at night   Tomas Zagoda / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Towering above Amir Temir Square in Tashkent, the Hotel Uzbekistan was founded in 1974 as the leading luxury hotel during the Communist era. Though its prime is long past, it remains arguably the most notable example of Soviet-style Brutalist architecture in Central Asia.

The exterior is a cluster of honeycomb-like blocks of raw concrete, entwined and rising for 17 floors in the shape of an open book. An aluminum screen provided a much-needed cooling system, which was given the nickname of "paranja" after the traditional robe. The building was reinforced with a metal frame and designed to be anti-seismic, as the city had just been recovering from the aftermath of a major earthquake at the time of its completion.

Though there are "better" options to stay in Tashkent today, the architecture and history of the Hotel Uzbekistan remains unmatched.

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Fred Cherrygarden profile photo
MarkTimeTravel profile photo Tomas Zagoda profile photo

Published

July 2, 2024

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