Uzbekistan is an ancient country in Central Asia. It was once under the USSR for almost 70 years until they gained independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union broke up. After years of isolation it was interesting to visit this former Soviet State & the influence of Communist ideology as well as learn about its intriguing history of being at the crossroads of civilization for being once at the heart of the famous ancient Silk trade routes for about 1500 years. It made the country rich, famous & became the Center of Islamic Learning & Culture during those ancient times as evidenced by the impressive landscape of magnificent Mosques, Mausoleums & other architectural edifices preserved through the centuries.