Mirabad Bazaar, Tashkent

The Dehqan Mirabad Bazaar is the central-most of the top six food markets in the capital of Uzbekistan. Originally just a “bazarchyk” (small-time marketplace), it came into being in the middle of the 19th century, organized near the former military hospital (hence its first name – the “gospital'niy [hospital] bazaar”) by entrepreneurial locals who saw an opportunity to make living by offering the wounded Russian soldiers a rare chance, back then, to indulge themselves with some sweets and other oriental delights.

Distinguished for its eye-catching pale green canopy, which covers the entire span of the market and provides a much needed shelter from the summer heat and the elements during wintertime, the Mirabad Bazaar is quite an attraction in its own right.

It sits against the majestic backdrop of the golden domes of the Holy Dormition Metropolitan Cathedral, which is the oldest and by far the most prominent Christian Orthodox ensemble in Central Asia (both, spiritually and architecturally). For this reason, the market is often visited by worshipers, not to mention residents of the nearby areas, who come here regularly to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, dairy products and other groceries (including a variety of local spices and honey).

Add all this to the competitive prices and lively atmosphere, and you are guaranteed to end up in a very good mood!