Navoi is located in central Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia. It is the capital of Navoi Region, most of which is covered by desert. However, Navoi is also blessed with abundant resources, producing high-quality gold and natural gas. In recent years, a free industrial economic zone has been established, attracting investments from around the world.
It is also an international city with an airport and direct railway connections to foreign countries. Moreover, Navoi has been an important transportation hub since the era of the Silk Road. Going back even further, it has been revealed that the area already had advanced culture during the Stone Age. Here, we will introduce three sightseeing spots in Navoi, this international city of Central Asia.
1. Ruins of the Rabati Malik Caravanserai
Around Navoi, one of the several routes of the Silk Road once passed through. Along the main road that runs from present-day Samarkand through Navoi to Bukhara, there are ruins of inns where traveling merchants once stayed—so-called caravanserais.
It is said that this caravanserai was built around the 6th century. Merchants transported and traded various goods over land, so they were always at risk of being targeted by bandits. For this reason, during their journeys, they stayed in these caravanserais—inns surrounded by high walls and equipped with strong gates.
Today, only the gate and part of the walls remain. However, when you look at the high and sturdy gate made of brown bricks, you can imagine the lively scenes of merchants from the past, making it a romantic sightseeing spot. Although it is located slightly outside Navoi city, it is right in front of Navoi Airport, making access convenient.
Name: Karavan-Sarai Rabati Malik
Address: M-37, Malikrabot, Navoiy
2. Sardoba Malik
For people traveling through the desert, water was more precious than anything. To protect and manage these vital oases, roofs and walls were built around springs. One of these structures still remains in Navoi.
Across the road from the ruins of the Rabati Malik Caravanserai, there is a dome-shaped building called Sardoba Malik, which was built to cover a spring. Water once welled up inside it. The structure itself is not very large, but it is an important historical site where you can glimpse the harsh conditions of travel along the Silk Road.
Name: Rabati Malik Caravanserai Cistern
Address: M-37, Malikrabot, Navoiy
Official/Related Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5308/
3. Sarmish Gorge
About 30 km northeast of Navoi city lies Sarmish Gorge, a tourist spot where you can see traces of human culture from the Stone Age—long before the era of the Silk Road and the construction of caravanserais.
Sarmish Gorge is located in the desert, it is a barren area with exposed rocky mountains. On these rocky surfaces are more than 4,000 petroglyphs believed to have been created 7,000 years ago. The engravings depict prey and livestock such as deer and sheep, as well as hunting scenes. Since most remain in their natural state, visitors can wander among the rocky hills and explore this ancient art.
Some of these rock carvings are also displayed in the historical museum located in Navoi city, where you can also see records of the research process. After enjoying a hike in Sarmish Gorge, be sure to visit the museum to learn more.
Name: Sarmishsay
Address: Sarmysh, Navoiy Province
Official/Related Website: http://www.centralasia-adventures.com/en/sights/sarmish.html
◎ Summary
Navoi is a place where you can feel the lives of people dating back to the Silk Road era, and even to the Stone Age. Today, it is once again developing as an international city. With daily flights from Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, the city is now much closer than ever before.
Why not take a trip to Navoi, a city gaining attention in Central Asia?