Writer Matt Cheok came across a very curious structure while travelling Uzbekistan...
Uzbekistan offers more than its ancient Silk Road, mighty caravans, and stunning mosaic architecture. It’s also home to a colossal solar furnace that harnesses the sun's power with an array of giant mirrors, resembling something straight out of a sci-fi film.
I first hear about the solar furnace by chance while chatting with another traveller over a beer in my accommodation in Tashkent. Armed with the details of its location, the next morning, I step out into the city’s sweltering 42°C heat and hop into a Yandex ride-share for an hour-long journey east.
Interestingly, ride-share apps are more affordable and convenient in Uzbekistan than other modes of transportation, even for long trips like this one. As I quickly discover, getting to the site by any other means is nearly impossible.
About 30 minutes into our ride, the driver glances back, a look of curiosity on his face. He asks why I’ve come all this way to visit a work site when most visitors prefer the stunning Islamic architecture in the city.
I explain that my fascination with Soviet relics in Central Asia is what draws me here. He smiles, clearly intrigued by my reasons.
When we finally arrive, my eyes light up as I spot what can only be described as a giant heat gun. I gasp at the sight of the enormous, futuristic-looking solar furnace, which stands an impressive 54 metres high. Its parabolic mirror focuses sunlight onto a single point, generating temperatures of over 3000°C in mere seconds.
I wander around for about 20 minutes, searching for someone to give me a tour of the site. So far, I’ve only been met with puzzled looks from workers installing new mirrors.
Eventually, I spot what appears to be an office. Using Google Translate, I manage to communicate with the man inside. He nods, we agree on a price, and he tells me to wait while he finds someone to show me around.
About 15 minutes later, a man appears and gestures that the tour is about to begin. It’s just me, a private tour for one. The experience feels far from formal; it’s more like a working site than a tourist attraction, truly pushing the boundaries of off-the-beaten-path travel.