For decades, a photography ban was enforced across the Uzbek capital’s metro network.
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.
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.
Yunus Rajabiy Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
The Tashkent network consists of 192 soviet Metrovagonmash cars running across three lines.
Chorsu Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.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 Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
Each ornate station has a theme, with decor created from engraved metal, glass, granite, marble or ceramics.
Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Alisher Navoi Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.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. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Amir Temur Hiyoboni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Kosmonavtlar Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
The system now employs over 3,120 people, including security staff, ticket salespeople and escalator attendants.
Valentina Tereshkova – the first woman in space – featured at Kosmonavtlar Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.The entrance to Mustakillik Maydoni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Minor Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.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.
Tickets cost a flat fee of 1,200 Uzbek som, or HK$1.20. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.An interchange passageway. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.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.
Thick metal doors were built into the design to afford some protection in the event of a nuclear strike. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Yunus Rajabiy Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.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.
Artwork marking 2,200 years since Tashkent was founded. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Tashkent Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Pakhtakor Station is dedicated to the cotton industry. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Another soviet-era design at Pakhtakor Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Pakhtakor Station is dedicated to the cotton industry. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Novza Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
Under President Shavcat Mirziyoyev, Uzbeckistan is opening up – economically, and to tourists.
Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
And for visitors to the capital, exploring Tashkent’s metro system is a highlight in itself.
Mustakillik Maydoni Station. Photo: Tom Grundy/HKFP.
Tom founded Hong Kong Free Press in 2015 and is the editor-in-chief. In addition to editing, he is responsible for managing the newsroom and company - including fundraising, recruitment and overseeing HKFP's web presence and ethical guidelines.
He has a BA in Communications and New Media from Leeds University and an MA in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. He previously led an NGO advocating for domestic worker rights, and has contributed to the BBC, Deutsche Welle, Al-Jazeera and others.
