Uzbekistan’s stunningly ornate metro stations revealed after photography ban lifted


For decades, a photography ban was enforced across the Uzbek capital’s metro network.

tashkent metro station

Kosmonavtlar Station – dedicated to the Soviet Union’s cosmonauts. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Central Asia’s oldest subway system fulfilled a secondary role as a nuclear fallout shelter, meaning the authorities considered it a military installation.

See also: The magnificent mosques, mausoleums and minarets of Uzbekistan

tashkent metro station

Alisher Navoi Station features mosque-like decor. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

But on June 1, the ban was lifted revealing 29 uniquely decorated stations built by some of the country’s leading artists and architects.

tashkent metro station

Yunus Rajabiy Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

The Tashkent network consists of 192 soviet Metrovagonmash cars running across three lines.

tashkent metro station

Chorsu Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Guards many every station. Passengers go through two manual bag checks as they enter the system. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Construction of the system began in 1973, and it opened four years later.

tashkent metro station

Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Each ornate station has a theme, with decor created from engraved metal, glass, granite, marble or ceramics.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Alisher Navoi Station.

Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Unlike other metro systems across the former soviet union, Tashkent’s stations are relatively shallow in depth as the region is prone to earthquakes.

Gafur Qulom Station

Gafur Qulom Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Amir Temur Hiyoboni Station

Amir Temur Hiyoboni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Kosmonavtlar Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

The system now employs over 3,120 people, including security staff, ticket salespeople and escalator attendants.

Valentina Tereshkova

Valentina Tereshkova – the first woman in space – featured at Kosmonavtlar Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

The entrance to Mustakillik Maydoni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Minor Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Kosmonavtlar station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

It is one of the world’s cheapest metro systems, with tickets costing a flat fee of 1,200 Uzbek som, or HK$1.20.

tashkent metro station

Tickets cost a flat fee of 1,200 Uzbek som, or HK$1.20. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

An interchange passageway. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Uzbekiston Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Thick metal doors were built into the design to afford some protection in the event of a nuclear strike.

tashkent metro station

Thick metal doors were built into the design to afford some protection in the event of a nuclear strike. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Yunus Rajabiy Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Yunus Rajabiy Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Following the country’s independence in 1991, some of the communist symbols were removed or covered up, and several stations were renamed.

tashkent metro station

Artwork marking 2,200 years since Tashkent was founded. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Pakhtakor Station is dedicated to the cotton industry. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Another soviet-era design at Pakhtakor Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Pakhtakor Station is dedicated to the cotton industry. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Novza Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

Under President Shavcat Mirziyoyev, Uzbeckistan is opening up – economically, and to tourists.

tashkent metro station

Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.

And for visitors to the capital, exploring Tashkent’s metro system is a highlight in itself.

tashkent metro station

Mustakillik Maydoni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.