Tashkent's solar furnace: a Soviet-era relic still shining

Writer Matt Cheok came across a very curious structure while travelling Uzbekistan...

3 mins
Written by:
Matt Cheok

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.

📸 Matt Cheok

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.

📸 Matt Cheok

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.

📸 Matt Cheok

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.

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