Uzbekistan's capital is the metropolis of Central Asia. With a population of over 2 million (I heard one guesstimate of 4 million), Tashkent was the Soviet Union's fourth city, just after Kiev. Its cosmopolitan nature shows, and its people are a kaleidoscope of humanity.
It's a city of wide sidewalks and even wider boulevards, though central planning also endowed it with an impressive public transport system, replete with metro, trams, and buses. Though the city is marking its 23rd century, you have to look hard to find buildings that predate the devastating 1966 earthquake.
Thanks to a conference colleague from an NGO, a longtime Uzbekistan hand, I was able to see a few of those vestiges, including a madrassa that has been converted into a sort of artisans' colony (lower right). A taste of what the country has to offer.
I wish I were here longer, maybe fitting in a visit to Samarkand or Bukhara, well-preserved gems on the ancient Silk Road. Next time, perhaps. For now, it's conference time - more on that later, when I return to Brussels.