Uzbekistan Underground: The Subways of Tashkent
In Uzbekistan Underground: The Subways of Tashkent, host Joanna Lumley explores the transformation of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, which was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1966. Under Soviet rule, the city was rebuilt, including the construction of its 29 subway stations, each with unique architectural design that celebrates Uzbekistan's rich culture and history. From honoring space exploration to paying tribute to national exports like cotton, these subway stations are not only functional but also serve as a testament to the country's resilience and pride. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
Lesson Express
Q: What were the effects of the earthquake that occurred in Tashkent in 1966?
A: The massive earthquake destroyed many buildings, roads, and parts of the subway system. It led to a complete rebuilding of the city, including its subway stations.
Q: Who ruled Uzbekistan at that time and what was the reaction to the earthquake?
A: Uzbekistan was under Soviet rule at the time. The response was to rebuild Tashkent as a model Soviet city, including a modern subway system.
Q: What is unique about the metro stations in Tashkent?
A: Each of the 29 stations has its own architectural theme, many of which honor important historical figures or aspects of Uzbek culture.
More Like This
In Who Were the Sogdians?, Joanna Lumley uncovers the long-forgotten Sogdian civilization, which thrived between the fourth and eighth centuries in what is now Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Sogdians, known for their pivotal role in trade, formed merchant communities along the Silk Road, connecting distant cultures. Recent archaeological discoveries, including fresco paintings and evidence of cranial deformation, shed light on their culture and practices. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.
In Who Were the Sogdians?, Joanna Lumley uncovers the long-forgotten Sogdian civilization, which thrived between the fourth and eighth centuries in what is now Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The Sogdians, known for their pivotal role in trade, formed merchant communities along the Silk Road, connecting distant cultures. Recent archaeological discoveries, including fresco paintings and evidence of cranial deformation, shed light on their culture and practices. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure, a documentary series uncovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Silk Road.