Chorsu Bazaar Tashkent: Photos, Opening Hours, info

Chorsu Bazaar of Tashkent is an old bazaar in the heart of Uzbekistan‘s capital, formerly known as Eski Jova, meaning “Old Tower.” This name means “four paths” or “crossroads” in the local language. In this market, you can find all kinds of colorful and exotic Uzbekistan Souvenirs. Even though this market has been renovated, it has still maintained the atmosphere of the past throughout many centuries.

Chorsu Bazaar History

Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is one of Central Asia’s largest and oldest markets, dating back to the middle Ages when it was considered one of the important destinations of the Silk Road. The foundation stone of the construction of this market dates back to the 9th century of Hijri, and it was constantly completed until the 13th century. Chorsu Bazaar is located next to old buildings dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, which adds to the charm of this place. These buildings include Kukaldosh Madrasah, Khadja Akhrar School, and Juma Mosque.

According to the manuscripts of the people who visited this Bazaar in distant times, Chorsu Bazaar had many rooms with various goods. It was full of hot water, caravanserais, tea houses, stalls selling works of art, and other facilities. But today, the goods sold in this market are divided into sections, such as food, handicrafts, clothes, etc.

The first two parts of Chorsu Bazaar attract a lot of attention. This part of the market is located under a huge mansion whose roof is made of domes built in the style of Central Asia. The main dome in the middle of the market resembles the Tashkent dome in the same area of the city.

Chorsu Bazaar Architect and Architecture

The current building and the turquoise dome were designed and built by Vladimir Azimov and Sabir Adylov et al. in 1980. The main structure of this building is made of heavy concrete, which expresses the starkness of socialist modernism. At the same time, the rare turquoise tiles of the dome show Islamic influences and a representation of the combination of Soviet Central Asia between integrated modernist forms.

Chorsu Bazaar Architecture

The current architecture of the Bazaar imitates and follows the original architecture that was destroyed in the Tashkent earthquake in 1966. The market consists of three floors; food stands are in concentric circles on each floor.

Traditional Foods of Chorsu Bazaar

The market also sells food according to its type in different sections. For example, there is a section in the market dedicated to selling dairy products. For example, yogurt, called “katik” in the local language, and local types of cheese, feta cheese, and curd are sold in the market. Also, among Uzbek people, the most popular sweet is “Navat,” made in different colors. In addition, various spices are available in Uzbekistan’s Chorsu market. Near the market, there are many delicatessens where you can try traditional dishes of Uzbekistan.

Many people who come here cannot easily pass by the Samsa pasta that comes straight out of the hot oven. Or the tempting smell of grilled lamb, which is also called shashlik kebab and very stimulating to the appetite; or the famous Uzbek food called Plov, also called by different names, is one of the traditional Uzbek dishes cooked in a large pot or pan.

If you go to the market, be sure to visit the handicraft section there. Here is the part of the market where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs. Among these items are jewelry, household utensils, cups for drinking water, etc. In addition, you can find carpets with Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva patterns next to handicrafts. In addition, Uzbek musical instruments such as sorna, zurna, dayere (daf), etc., can also be found in this part of the market.

Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent

In addition, it is very common to use the bargaining method to get a discount when paying for the purchase of a product. Of course, the bankers consider the price a little higher to offer a discount if necessary. Bargaining is an art that has been in Asia for centuries. Although today, because the store owners have to pay for the rent of their shops compared to the past, they do not show such a desire to give a discount, still it’s better to use this technique.

Tourist Attractions of Chorsu Bazaar in Uzbekistan

Although this market has undergone renovations over the years, its architecture remains the same as it was in the 9th century. This market has always been considered a suitable place for trade because of its proximity to the Silk Road. Throughout history, many merchants visited this vast land for business. From the past to the present day, various booths and booths in Uzbekistan’s Chorsu Bazaar with their different and colorful goods hosted customers who observed this market with their own eyes and toured it.

The segmentation of Chorsu Bazaar has made many guests of this city not be confused and makes shopping easy. After sightseeing in this traditional market, which steals the heart of every tourist with its tiled walls and special and unique pavement, you can shop at the food shops next to this market and enjoy this delicious shopping.

Chorsu Bazaar Handicrafts

There is a section inside this market and in its main hall called a handicrafts booth. By entering this section, you can easily see all kinds of attractive handicrafts in the market, such as jewelry, household items, and various utensils, or by entering the hand-woven carpet sales section, see Samarqand carpets with unique patterns. The paintings, showing the past atmosphere and ancient history of this enormous market, are also among the attractions around the market.

Access to Tashkent Chorsu Bazaar

There are different ways to go to Chorsu. The best way is to use the Tashkent metro lines for this purpose, as the metro station is one of this city’s tourist attractions. Two exits of the Tashkent metro station lead to the market. You can also use a bus to go to this Bazaar; For this purpose, you must get off at Sangbon Bus Stop.

The Best Time to Visit Chorsu Bazaar

The best time to visit this beautiful historical Bazaar is in the cool seasons like spring and autumn. Like other markets in Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar starts working from the early hours of the morning and continues its activity until the late hours of the day; but it is better to visit between 9 am to 4 pm to explore the Chorsu Bazaar.

More Information to Visit Chorsu Bazaar

Entrance fee: free
Chorsu Bazaar Location: 57 Tafakkur ko’chasi, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Chorsu Bazaar Contact Number: +998-711335414
Chorsu Bazaar Opening Hours:
Saturday (5 am–9 pm)
Sunday (4:30 am–9 pm)
Monday (5 am–8:15 pm)
Tuesday (5 am–8:15 pm)
Wednesday (5 am–8:15 pm)
Thursday (5 am–8:15 pm)
Friday (5 am–8:15 pm)
Time required to visit Chorsu Bazaar: About 2 Hours

Are you planning to travel to Uzbekistan? Check out our Uzbekistan tour. Maybe you will find interesting things to do in Tashkent.