i am from uzbekistan essay

• Countries and Their Cultures
• Culture of Uzbekistan

Culture Name

Alternative names.

Uzbeq, Ozbek

Orientation

Identification. Uzbeks likely take their name from a khan. A leader of the Golden Horde in the fourteenth century was named Uzbek, though he did not rule over the people who would share his name.

Modern Uzbeks hail not only from the Turkic-Mongol nomads who first claimed the name, but also from other Turkic and Persian peoples living inside the country's borders. The Soviets, in an effort to divide the Turkic people into more easily governable subdivisions, labeled Turks, Tajiks, Sarts, Qipchaqs, Khojas, and others as Uzbek, doubling the size of the ethnicity to four million in 1924.

Today the government is strengthening the Uzbek group identity, to prevent the splintering seen in other multiethnic states. Some people have assimilated with seemingly little concern. Many Tajiks consider themselves Uzbek, though they retain the Tajik language; this may be because they have long shared an urban lifestyle, which was more of a bond than ethnic labels. Others have been more resistant to Uzbekization. Many Qipchaqs eschew intermarriage, live a nomadic lifestyle, and identify more closely with the Kyrgyz who live across the border from them. The Khojas also avoid intermarriage, and despite speaking several languages, have retained a sense of unity.

The Karakalpaks, who live in the desert south of the Aral Sea, have a separate language and tradition more akin to Kazakh than Uzbek. Under the Soviet Union, theirs was a separate republic, and it remains autonomous.

Location and Geography. Uzbekistan's 174,330 square miles (451,515 square kilometers), an area slightly larger than California, begin in the Karakum (Black Sand) and Kyzlkum (Red Sand) deserts of Karakalpakistan. The arid land of this autonomous republic supports a nomadic lifestyle. Recently, the drying up of the Aral Sea has devastated the environment, causing more than 30 percent of the area's population to leave, from villages in the early 1980s and then from cities. This will continue; the area was hit by a devastating drought in the summer of 2000.

Population increases to the east, centered around fertile oases and the valleys of the Amu-Darya River, once known as the Oxus, and the Zeravshan River, which supports the ancient city-states of Bokhara and Samarkand. The Ferghana Valley in the east is the heart of Islam in Uzbekistan. Here, where the country is squeezed between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, the mountainous terrain supports a continuing nomadic lifestyle, and in recent years has provided a venue for fundamentalist guerrillas. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan also border the country. In 1867 the Russian colonial government moved the capital from Bokhara to Tashkent. With 2.1 million people, it is the largest city in Central Asia.

Linguistic Affiliation. Uzbek is the language of about twenty million Uzbeks living in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The language is Turkic and abounds with dialects, including Qarlug (which served as the literary language for much of Uzbek history), Kipchak, Lokhay, Oghuz, Qurama, and Sart, some of which come from other languages. Uzbek emerged as a distinct language in the fifteenth century. It is so close to modern Uyghur that speakers of each language can converse easily. Prior to Russian colonization it would often have been hard to say where one Turkic language started and another ended. But through prescribed borders, shifts in dialect coalesced into distinct languages. The Soviets replaced its Arabic script briefly with a Roman script and then with Cyrillic. Since independence there has been a shift back to Roman script, as well as a push to eliminate words borrowed from Russian.

About 14 percent of the population—mostly non-Uzbek—speak Russian as their first language; 5 percent speak Tajik. Most Russians do not speak Uzbek. Under the Soviet Union, Russian was taught as the Soviet lingua franca, but Uzbek was supported as the indigenous language of the republic, ironically resulting in the deterioration of other native languages and dialects. Today many people still speak Russian, but the government is heavily promoting Uzbek.

Symbolism. Symbols of Uzbekistan's independence and past glories are most common. The flag and national colors—green for nature, white for peace, red for life, and blue for water—adorn murals and walls. The twelve stars on the flag symbolize the twelve regions of the country. The crescent moon, a symbol of Islam, is common, though its appearance on the national flag is meant not as a religious symbol but as a metaphor for rebirth. The mythical bird Semurg on the state seal also symbolizes a national renaissance. Cotton, the country's main source of wealth, is displayed on items from the state seal to murals to teacups. The architectures of Samara and Bukhara also symbolize past achievements.

Amir Timur, who conquered a vast area of Asia from his seat in Samarkand in the fourteenth century, has become a major symbol of Uzbek pride and potential and of the firm but just and wise ruler—a useful image for the present government, which made 1996 the Year of Amir Timur. Timur lived more than a century before the Uzbeks reached Uzbekistan.

Independence Day, 1 September, is heavily promoted by the government, as is Navruz, 21 March, which highlights the country's folk culture.

History and Ethnic Relations

Emergence of the Nation. The Uzbeks coalesced by the fourteenth century in southern Siberia, starting as a loose coalition of Turkic-Mongol nomad tribes who converted to Islam. In the first half of the fifteenth century Abu al-Khayr Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan, led them south, first to the steppe and semidesert north of the Syr-Daria River. At this time a large segment of Uzbeks split off and headed east to become the Kazakhs. In 1468 Abu'l Khayr was killed by a competing faction, but by 1500 the Uzbeks had regrouped under Muhammad Shaybani Khan, and invaded the fertile land of modern Uzbekistan. They expelled Amir Timur's heirs from Samarkand and Herat and took over the city-states of Khiva, Khojand, and Bokhara, which would become the Uzbek capital. Settling down, the Uzbeks traded their nomadism for urban living and agriculture.

The first century of Uzbek rule saw a flourishing of learning and the arts, but the dynasty then slid into decline, helped by the end of the Silk Route trade. In 1749 invaders from Iran defeated Bokhara and Khiva, breaking up the Uzbek Empire and replacing any group identity with the division between Sarts, or city dwellers, and nomads. What followed was the Uzbek emirate of Bokhara and Samarkand, and the khanates of Khiva and Kokand, who ruled until the Russian takeover.

Russia became interested in Central Asia in the eighteenth century, concerned that the British might break through from colonial India to press its southern flank. Following more than a century of indecisive action, Russia in 1868 invaded Bokhara, then brutally subjugated Khiva in 1873. Both were made Russian protectorates. In 1876, Khokand was annexed. All were subsumed into the Russian province of Turkistan, which soon saw the arrival of Russian settlers.

The 1910s produced the Jadid reform movement, which, though short-lived, sought to establish a community beholden neither to Islamic dogma nor to Russian colonists, marking the first glimmer of national identity in many years. With the Russian Revolution in 1917 grew hopes of independence, but by 1921 the Bolsheviks had reasserted control. In 1924 Soviet planners drew the borders for the soviet socialist republics of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakistan, based around the dominant ethnic groups. In 1929 Tajikstan was split off from the south of Uzbekistan, causing lasting tension between the two; many Uzbeks regard Tajiks as Persianized Uzbeks, while Tajikstan resented Uzbekistan's retention of the Tajik cities of Bokhara and Samarkand. Karakalpakistan was transferred to the Uzbekistan SSR in 1936, as an autonomous region. Over the ensuing decades, Soviet leaders solidified loose alliances and other nationalities into what would become Uzbek culture.

In August 1991 Uzbek Communists supported the reactionary coup against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. After the coup failed, Uzbekistan declared its independence on 1 September. Though shifting away from communism, President Islom Kharimov, who had been the Communist Party's first secretary in Uzbekistan, has maintained absolute control over the independent state. He has continued to define a single Uzbek culture, while obscuring its Soviet creation.

National Identity. The Soviet government, and to a lesser extent the Russian colonial government that preceded it, folded several less prominent nationalities into the Uzbeks. The government then institutionalized a national Uzbek culture based on trappings such as language, art, dress, and food, while imbuing them with meanings more closely aligned with Communist ideology. Islam was removed from its central place, veiling of women was banned, and major and minor regional and ethnic differences were smoothed over in favor of an ideologically acceptable uniformity.

Since 1991 the government has kept the Soviet definition of their nationhood, simply because prior to this there was no sense or definition of a single Uzbek nation. But it is literally excising the Soviet formation of the culture from its history books; one university history test had just 1 question of 850 dealing with the years 1924 to 1991.

Ethnic Relations. The Soviet-defined borders left Uzbeks, Kyrgiz, Tajiks, and others on both sides of Uzbekistan. Since independence, tightening border controls and competition for jobs and resources have caused difficulties for some of these communities, despite warm relations among the states of the region.

In June 1989, rioting in the Ferghana Valley killed thousands of Meskhetian Turks, who had been deported there in 1944. Across the border in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, the Uzbek majority rioted in 1990 over denial of land.

There is official support of minority groups such as Russians, Koreans, and Tatars. These groups have cultural centers, and in 1998 a law that was to have made Uzbek the only language of official communication was relaxed. Nevertheless, non-Uzbek-speakers have complained that they face difficulties finding jobs and entering a university. As a result of this and of poor economic conditions, many Russians and others have left Uzbekistan.

Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space

In ancient times the cities of Samarkand and Bokhara were regarded as jewels of Islamic architecture, thriving under Amir Timur and his descendants the Timurids. They remain major tourist attractions.

During the Soviet period, cities became filled with concrete-slab apartment blocks of four to nine stories, similar to those found across the USSR. In villages and suburbs, residents were able to live in more traditional one-story houses built around a courtyard. These houses, regardless of whether they belong to rich or poor, present a drab exterior, with the family's wealth and taste displayed only for guests. Khivan houses have a second-story room for entertaining guests. Since independence, separate houses have become much more popular, supporting something of a building boom in suburbs of major cities. One estimate puts two-thirds of the population now living in detached houses.

The main room of the house is centered around the dusterhon, or tablecloth, whether it is spread on the floor or on a table. Although there are not separate areas for women and children, women tend to gather in the kitchen when male guests are present.

Each town has a large square, where festivals and public events are held.

Parks are used for promenading; if a boy and a girl are dating, they are referred to as walking together. Benches are in clusters, to allow neighbors to chat.

Food and Economy

Food in Daily Life. Bread holds a special place in Uzbek culture. At mealtime, bread will be spread to cover the entire dusterhon. Traditional Uzbek bread, tandir non, is flat and round. It is always torn by hand, never placed upside down, and never thrown out.

Meals begin with small dishes of nuts and raisins, progressing through soups, salads, and meat dishes and ending with palov, a rice-and-meat dish synonymous with Uzbek cuisine throughout the former Soviet Union; it is the only dish often cooked by men. Other common dishes, though not strictly Uzbek, include monti, steamed dumplings of lamb meat and fat, onions, and pumpkin, and kabob, grilled ground meat. Uzbeks favor mutton; even the nonreligious eschew pig meat.

Because of their climate, Uzbeks enjoy many types of fruits, eaten fresh in summer and dried in winter, and vegetables. Dairy products such as katyk, a liquid yogurt, and suzma, similar to cottage cheese, are eaten plain or used as ingredients.

Tea, usually green, is drunk throughout the day, accompanied by snacks, and is always offered to guests.

Meals are usually served either on the floor, or on a low table, though high tables also are used. The table is always covered by a dusterhon. Guests sit on carpets, padded quilts, chairs, or beds, but never on pillows. Men usually sit cross-legged, women with their legs to one side. The most respected guests sit away from the entrance. Objects such as shopping bags, which are considered unclean, never should be placed on the dusterhon, nor should anyone ever step on or pass dirty items over it.

The choyhona, or teahouse, is the focal point of the neighborhood's men. It is always shaded, and if possible located near a stream.

The Soviets introduced restaurants where meals center around alcohol and can last through the night.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Uzbeks celebrate whenever possible, and parties usually consist of a large meal ending with palov. The food is accompanied by copious amounts of vodka, cognac, wine, and beer. Elaborate toasts, given by guests in order of their status, precede each round of shots. After, glasses are diligently refilled by a man assigned the task. A special soup of milk and seven grains is eaten on Navruz. During the month of Ramadan, observant Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset.

Basic Economy. The majority of goods other than food come from China, Turkey, Pakistan, and Russia. It is very common for families in detached homes to have gardens in which they grow food or raise a few animals for themselves, and if possible, for sale. Even families living in apartments will try to grow food on nearby plots of land, or at dachas.

Land Tenure and Property. Beginning in 1992, Uzbekistanis have been able to buy their apartments or houses, which had been state property, for the equivalent of three months' salary. Thus most homes have become private property.

Agricultural land had been mainly owned by state or collective farms during the Soviet period. In many cases the same families or communities that farmed the land have assumed ownership, though they are still subject to government quotas and government guidelines, usually aimed at cotton-growing.

About two-thirds of small businesses and services are in private hands. Many that had been state-owned were auctioned off. While the former nomenklatura (government and Communist Party officials) often won the bidding, many businesses also have been bought by entrepreneurs. Large factories, however, largely remain state-owned.

Major Industries. Uzbekistan's industry is closely tied to its natural resources. Cotton, the white gold of Central Asia, forms the backbone of the economy, with 85 percent exported in exchange for convertible currency. Agricultural machinery, especially for cotton, is produced in the Tashkent region. Oil refineries produce about 173,000 barrels a day.

The Korean car maker Daewoo invested $650 million in a joint venture, UzDaewoo, at a plant in Andijan, which has a capacity of 200,000 cars. However, in 1999 the plant produced just 58,000 cars, and it produced far less in 2000, chiefly for the domestic market. With Daewoo's bankruptcy in November 2000, the future of the plant is uncertain at best.

Trade. Uzbekistan's main trading partners are Russia, South Korea, Germany, the United States, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. Before independence, imports were mainly equipment, consumer goods, and foods. Since independence, Uzbekistan has managed to stop imports of oil from Kazakhstan and has also lowered food imports by reseeding some cotton fields with grain.

Uzbekistan is the world's third-largest cotton exporter.

Uzbekistan exported about $3 billion (U.S.), primarily in cotton, gold, textiles, metals, oil, and natural gas, in 1999. Its main markets are Russia, Switzerland, Britain, Belgium, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

Division of Labor. According to government statistics, 44 percent of workers are in agriculture and forestry; 20 percent in industry; 36 percent in the service sector. Five percent unemployed, and 10 percent are underemployed. Many rural jobless, however, may be considered agricultural workers.

A particular feature of the Uzbekistan labor system is the requirement of school and university students, soldiers, and workers to help in the cotton harvest. They go en masse to the fields for several days to hand-pick cotton.

Many Uzbeks, particularly men, work in other parts of the former Soviet Union. Bazaars from Kazakhstan to Russia are full of Uzbek vendors, who command higher prices for their produce the farther north they travel. Others work in construction or other seasonal labor to send hard currency home.

About 2 percent of the workforce is of pension age and 1 percent is under sixteen.

Social Stratification

Classes and Castes. During the Soviet Union, Uzbekistani society was stratified not by wealth but by access to products, housing, and services. The nomenklatura could find high-quality consumer goods, cars, and homes that simply were unattainable by others. Since independence, many of these people have kept jobs that put them in positions to earn many times the $1,020 (U.S.) average annual salary reported by the United Nations. It is impossible to quantify the number of wealthy, however, as the vast majority of their income is unreported, particularly if they are government officials.

Many members of the former Soviet intelligentsia—teachers, artists, doctors, and other skilled service providers—have been forced to move into relatively unskilled jobs, such as bazaar vendors and construction workers, where they could earn more money. Urban residents tend to earn twice the salaries of rural people.

Symbols of Social Stratification. As elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, the new rich tend to buy and show off expensive cars and limousines, apartments, and clothes and to go to nightclubs. Foreign foods and goods also are signs of wealth, as is a disdain for shopping in bazaars.

Political Life

Government. Uzbekistan is in name republican but in practice authoritarian, with Kharimov's Halq Tarakiati Partiiasi, or People's Democratic Party, controlling all aspects of governance. On 9 January 2000 he was reelected for a five-year term, with a 92 percent turnout and a 92 percent yes vote. Earlier, a March 1995 referendum to extend his term to 2000 resulted in a 99 percent turnout and a 99 percent yes vote. The legislature, Oliy Majlis, was inaugurated in 1994. At that time the ruling party captured 193 seats, though many of these candidates ran as independents. The opposition political movement Birlik, or Unity, and the party Erk, or Will, lack the freedom to directly challenge the government.

Makhallas, or neighborhood councils of elders, provide the most direct governance. Some opinion polls have ranked makhallas just after the president in terms of political power. Makhallahs address social needs ranging from taking care of orphans, loaning items, and maintaining orderly public spaces, to sponsoring holiday celebrations. In Soviet times these were institutionalized, with makhalla heads and committees appointed by the local Communist Party. Then and now, however, makhallas have operated less smoothly in neighborhoods of mixed ethnicities.

Leadership and Political Officials. The president appoints the head, or khokim, of each of Uzbekistan's 12 regions, called viloyatlars, and of Karakalpakistan and Tashkent, who in turn appoint the khokims of the 216 regional and city governments. This top-down approach ensures a unity of government policies and leads to a diminishing sense of empowerment the farther one is removed from Kharimov.

Khokims and other officials were chiefly drawn from the Communist Party following independence—many simply kept their jobs—and many remain. Nevertheless, Kharimov has challenged local leaders to take more initiative, and in 1997 he replaced half of them, usually with public administration and financial experts, many of whom are reform-minded.

Corruption is institutionalized at all levels of government, despite occasional prosecution of officials. Students, for example, can expect to pay bribes to enter a university, receive high grades, or be exempted from the cotton harvest.

Social Problems and Control. The government has vigorously enforced laws related to drug trafficking and terrorism, and reports of police abuse and torture are widespread. The constitution calls for independent judges and open access to proceedings and justice. In practice, defendants are seldom acquitted, and when they are, the government has the right to appeal.

Petty crime such as theft is becoming more common; violent crime is much rarer. Anecdotal evidence points to an increase in heroin use; Uzbekistan is a transshipment point from Afghanistan and Pakistan to Europe, and access is relatively easy despite tough antidrug laws.

People are often reluctant to call the police, as they are not trusted. Instead, it is the responsibility of families to see that their members act appropriately. Local communities also exert pressure to conform.

Military Activity. Uzbekistan's military in 2000 was skirmishing with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a militant group opposed to the secular regime, and numbering in the hundreds or thousands. Besides clashes in the mountains near the Tajikistani border, the group has been blamed for six car bombings in Tashkent in February 2000.

Uzbekistan spends about $200 million (U.S.) a year on its military and has 150,000 soldiers, making it the strongest in the region.

Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations

Most domestic nongovernmental organizations are funded and supported by the government, and all must be registered. Kamolot, registered in 1996, is the major youth organization, and is modeled on the Soviet Komsomol. Ekosan is an environmental group. The Uzbek Muslim Board has been active in building mosques and financing religious education. The Women's Committee of Uzbekistan, a government organization, is tasked with ensuring women's access to education as well as employment and legal rights, and claims three million members.

The government also has set up quasi nongovernmental organizations, at times to deflect attention from controversial organizations. The Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, for example, was denied registration from 1992 to 1997, before the government set up its own human rights monitor.

The leaders of these groups may receive privileges once granted to the Soviet nomenklatura, such as official cars and well-equipped offices.

There are no independent trade unions, though government-sponsored unions are common. The Employment Service and Employment Fund was set up in 1992 to address issues of social welfare, employment insurance, and health benefits for workers.

Ironically, some truly independent organizations from the Soviet period, such as the Committee to Save the Aral Sea, were declared illegal in 1994. Social groups associated with Birlik also have been denied registration.

Gender Roles and Statuses

Division of Labor by Gender. Before the Soviet period, men worked outside the house while women did basic domestic work, or supplemented the family income by spinning, weaving, and embroidering with silk or cotton. From the 1920s on, women entered the workforce, at textile factories and in the cotton fields, but also in professional jobs opened to them by the Soviet education system. They came to make up the great majority of teachers, nurses, and doctors. Family pressure, however, sometimes kept women from attaining higher education, or working outside the home. With independence, some women have held on to positions of power, though they still may be expected to comport themselves with modesty. Men in modern Uzbekistan, though, hold the vast majority of managerial positions, as well as the most labor-intensive jobs. It is common now for men to travel north to other former Soviet republics to work in temporary jobs. Both sexes work in bazaars.

The Relative Status of Women and Men. Uzbekistan is a male-dominated society, particularly in the Ferghana Valley. Nevertheless, women make up nearly half the workforce. They hold just under 10 percent of parliamentary seats, and 18 percent of administrative and management positions, according to U.N. figures.

Women run the households and traditionally control the family budgets. When guests are present they are expected to cloister themselves from view.

In public women are expected to cover their bodies completely. Full veiling is uncommon, though it is occasionally practiced in the Ferghana Valley. Women often view this as an expression of their faith and culture rather than as an oppressive measure.

Marriage, Family, and Kinship

Marriage. Uzbek women usually marry by twenty-one; men not much later. Marriage is an imperative for all, as families are the basic structure in society. A family's honor depends on their daughters' virginity; this often leads families to encourage early marriage.

In traditional Uzbek families, marriages are often still arranged between families; in more cosmopolitan ones it is the bride and groom's choice. Either way, the match is subject to parental approval, with the mother in practice having the final word. Preference is given to members of the kin group. There is particular family say in the youngest son's choice, as he and his bride will take care of his parents. People tend to marry in their late teens or early twenties. Weddings often last for days, with the expense borne by the bride's family. The husband's family may pay a bride price. Polygamy is illegal and rare, but it is not unknown.

Following independence, divorce has become more common, though it is still rare outside of major cities. It is easier for a man to initiate divorce.

Domestic Unit. Uzbek families are patriarchal, though the mother runs the household. The average family size is five or six members, but families of ten or more are not uncommon.

Kin Groups. Close relations extends to cousins, who have the rights and responsibilities of the nuclear family and often are called on for favors. If the family lives in a detached house and there is space, the sons may build their homes adjacent to or around the courtyard of the parents' house.

Socialization

Infant Care. Uzbek babies are hidden from view for their first forty days. They are tightly swaddled when in their cribs and carried by their mothers. Men generally do not take care of or clean babies.

Child Rearing and Education. Children are cherished as the reason for life. The mother is the primary caretaker, and in case of divorce, she will virtually always take the children. The extended family and the community at large, however, also take an interest in the child's upbringing.

When children are young, they have great freedom to play and act out. But as they get older, particularly in school, discipline increases. A good child becomes one who is quiet and attentive, and all must help in the family's labor.

All children go to school for nine years, with some going on to eleventh grade; the government is increasing mandatory education to twelve years.

Higher Education. Enrollment in higher-education institutions is about 20 percent, down from more than 30 percent during the Soviet period. A major reason for the decline is that students do not feel a higher education will help them get a good job; also contributing is the emigration of Russians, and declining standards related to budget cutbacks. Nevertheless, Uzbeks, particularly in cities, still value higher education, and the government gives full scholarships to students who perform well.

Elders are respected in Uzbek culture. At the dusterhon, younger guests will not make themselves more comfortable than their elders. The younger person should always greet the older first.

Men typically greet each other with a handshake, the left hand held over the heart. Women place their right hand on the other's elbow. If they are close friends or relatives, they may kiss each other on the cheeks.

If two acquaintances meet on the street, they will usually ask each other how their affairs are. If the two don't know each other well, the greeting will be shorter, or could involve just a nod.

Women are expected to be modest in dress and demeanor, with clothing covering their entire body. In public they may walk with their head tilted down to avoid unwanted attention. In traditional households, women will not enter the room if male guests are present. Likewise, it is considered forward to ask how a man's wife is doing. Women generally sit with legs together, their hands in their laps. When men aren't present, however, women act much more casually.

People try to carry themselves with dignity and patience, traits associated with royalty, though young men can be boisterous in public.

People tend to dress up when going out of the house. Once home they change, thus extending the life of their street clothes.

Religious Beliefs. Uzbeks are Sunni Muslims. The territory of Uzbekistan has been a center of Islam in the region for a thousand years, but under the Soviet Union the religion was heavily controlled: mosques were closed and Muslim education was banned. Beginning in 1988, Uzbeks have revived Islam, particularly in the Ferghana Valley, where mosques have been renovated. The call to prayer was everywhere heard five times a day before the government ordered the removal of the mosques' loudspeakers in 1998.

The state encourages a moderate form of Islam, but Kharimov fears the creation of an Islamic state. Since the beginning of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan's terror campaign in February 1999, he has cracked down even further on what he perceives as extremists, raising claims of human rights abuses. The government is particularly concerned about what it labels Wahhabism, a fundamentalist Sunni sect that took hold in the Ferghana Valley following independence.

Nine percent of the population is Russian Orthodox. Jews, Baptists, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Seventh-Day Adventists, evangelical and Pentecostal Christians, Buddhists, Baha'is, and Hare Krishnas also are present.

Religious Practitioners. Most Sunni Uzbeks are led by a state-appointed mufti. Independent imams are sometimes repressed, and in May 1998, a law requiring all religious groups to register with the government was enacted. In addition to leading worship, the Muslim clergy has led mosque restoration efforts and is playing an increasing role in religious education.

Death and the Afterlife. Uzbeks bury their deceased within twenty-four hours of death, in above-ground tombs. At the funeral, women wail loudly and at specific times. The mourning period lasts forty days. The first anniversary of the death is marked with a gathering of the person's friends and relatives.

Muslims believe that on Judgment Day, each soul's deeds will be weighed. They will then walk across a hair-thin bridge spanning Hell, which leads to Paradise. The bridge will broaden under the feet of the righteous, but the damned will lose their balance and fall.

Medicine and Health Care

Current health practices derive from the Soviet system. Health care is considered a basic right of the entire population, with clinics, though ill-equipped, in most villages, and larger facilities in regional centers. Emphasis is on treatment over prevention. Yet the state health care budget—80 million dollars in 1994—falls far short of meeting basic needs; vaccinations, for example, fell off sharply following independence. Exacerbating the situation is a lack of potable water, industrial pollution, and a rise in infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.

Perhaps the most common traditional health practices are shunning cold drinks and cold surfaces, which are believed to cause colds and damage to internal organs, and avoiding drafts, or bad winds. Folk remedies and herbal treatments also are common. An example is to press bread to the ailing part of the body. The sick person then gives a small donation to a homeless person who will agree to take on his or her illness.

Secular Celebrations

The major secular holidays are New Year's Day (1 January); Women's Day (8 March), a still popular holdover from the Soviet Union, when women receive gifts; Navrus (21 March), originally a Zoroastrian holiday, which has lost its religious significance but is still celebrated with Sumaliak soup, made from milk and seven grains; Victory Day (9 May), marking the defeat of Nazi Germany; and Independence Day (1 September), celebrating separation from the Soviet Union.

Uzbeks typically visit friends and relatives on holidays to eat large meals and drink large amounts of vodka. Holidays also may be marked by concerts or parades centered on city or town squares or factories. The government marks Independence Day and Navrus with massive outdoor jamborees in Tashkent, which are then broadcast throughout the country, and places of work or neighborhoods often host huge celebrations.

The Arts and Humanities

Support for the Arts. During the Soviet period, the government gave extensive support to the arts, building cultural centers in every city and paying the salaries of professional artists. With independence, state funding has shrunk, though it still makes up the bulk of arts funding. Many dance, theater, and music groups continue to rely on the state, which gives emphasis to large productions and extravaganzas, controls major venues, and often has an agenda for the artists to follow.

Other artists have joined private companies who perform for audiences of wealthy business-people and tourists. Some money comes in from corporate sponsorship and international charitable organizations—for example UNESCO and the Soros Foundation's Open Society Institute. Yet many artists have simply been forced to find other work.

Literature. The territory of Uzbekistan has a long tradition of writers, though not all were Uzbek. The fifteenth-century poet Alisher Navoi, 1441–1501, is most revered; among his works is a treatise comparing the Persian and Turkish languages. Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, 973–1048, born in Karakalpakistan, wrote a massive study of India. Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, 980–1037, wrote The Cannon of Medicine. Omar Khayyam, 1048–1131, came to Samarkand to pursue mathematics and astronomy. Babur, 1483–1530, born in the Ferghana Valley, was the first Moghul leader of India, and wrote a famous autobiography.

Until the twentieth century, Uzbek literary tradition was largely borne by bakshi, elder minstrels who recited myths and history through epic songs, and otin-oy, female singers who sang of birth, marriage and death.

The Jadids produced many poets, writers, and playwrights. These writers suffered greatly in the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Later the Soviet Union asked of its writers that they be internationalists and further socialist goals. Abdullah Qahhar, 1907–1968, for example, satirized Muslim clerics. But with the loosening of state control in the 1980s, a new generation of writers renewed the Uzbek language and Uzbek themes. Many writers also were active in Birlik, which started as a cultural movement but is now suppressed.

Graphic Arts. Uzbekistan has begun a revival of traditional crafts, which suffered from the Soviet view that factory-produced goods were superior to handicrafts. Now master craftsmen are reappearing in cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, supported largely by foreign tourists. Miniature painting is narrative in character, using a wide palette of symbols to tell their stories. They can be read from right to left as a book, and often accompany works of literature. Wood carving, of architectural features such as doors and pillars and of items such as the sonduq, a box given to a bride by her parents, also is regaining a place in Uzbek crafts. Ikat is a method of cloth dying, now centered in the Yordgorlik Silk Factory in Margilan. Silk threads are tie-dyed, then woven on a loom to create soft-edged designs for curtains, clothing, and other uses.

Performance Arts. Uzbek music is characterized by reedy, haunting instruments and throaty, nasal singing. It is played on long-necked lutes called dotars, flutes, tambourines, and small drums. It developed over the past several hundred years in the khanates on the territory of modern Uzbekistan, where musicians were a central feature of festivals and weddings. The most highly regarded compositions are cycles called maqoms. Sozandas, sung by women accompanied by percussion instruments, also are popular. In the 1920s, Uzbek composers were encouraged, leading to a classical music tradition that continues today. Modern Uzbek pop often combines elements of folk music with electric instruments to create dance music.

Uzbek dance is marked by fluid arm and upper-body movement. Today women's dance groups perform for festivals and for entertainment, a practice started during the Soviet period. Earlier, women danced only for other women; boys dressed as women performed for male audiences. One dance for Navruz asks for rain; others depict chores, other work, or events. Uzbek dance can be divided into three traditions: Bokhara and Samarkand; Khiva; and Khokand. The Sufi dance, zikr, danced in a circle accompanied by chanting and percussion to reach a trance state, also is still practiced.

Uzbekistan's theater in the twentieth century addressed moral and social issues. The Jadidists presented moral situations that would be resolved by a solution consistent with Islamic law. During the Soviet period dramatists were sometimes censored. The Ilkhom Theater, founded in 1976, was the first independent theater in the Soviet Union.

Admission to cultural events is kept low by government and corporate sponsorship. It also has become common for dancers to perform for groups of wealthy patrons.

The State of the Physical and Social Sciences

Uzbekistan has several higher-education institutions, with departments aimed at conducting significant research. Funding, however, has lagged since independence. The goal of the Academy of Sciences in Tashkent is practical application of science. It has physical and mathematical, chemicalbiological, and social sciences departments, with more than fifty research institutions and organizations under them.

Bibliography

Adams, Laura L. "What Is Culture? Schemas and Spectacles in Uzbekistan." Anthropology of East Europe Review 16 (2): 65–71, 1998.

Ali, Muhammad. "Let Us Learn Our Inheritance: Get to Know Yourself." AACAR Bulletin 2 (3): 3–18, 1989.

Allworth, Edward A. The Modern Uzbeks: From the Fourteenth Century to the Present; A Cultural History, 1990.

Freedom House 2000. Freedom in the World, The Annual Survey of Political Rights and Civil Liberties, 1999–2000: Uzbekistan Country Report, 2000.

Griffin, Keith. Issues in Development Discussion Paper 13: The Macroeconomic Framework and Development Strategy in Uzbekistan, 1996.

Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch World Report 2000: Uzbekistan, 2000.

Jukes, Geoffrey J.; Kirill Nourzhanov, and Mikhail Alexandrov. Race, Religion, Ethnicity and Economics in Central Asia, 1998.

Kalter, Johannes, and Margareta Pavaloi. Uzbekistan: Heirs to the Silk Road, 1997.

Khan, Azizur Rahman. Issues in Development Discussion Paper 14: The Transition of Uzbekistan's Agriculture to a Market Economy, 1996.

Kharimov, Islom A. Uzbekistan on the Threshold of the Twenty-first Century: Challenges to Stability and Progress, 1998.

Nazarov, Bakhtiyar A., and Denis Sinor. Essays on Uzbek History, Culture, and Language, 1993.

Nettleton, Susanna. "Uzbek Independence and Educational Change," Central Asia Monitor 3, 1992.

Paksoy, H. B. "Z. V. Togan: The Origins of the Kazaks and the Ozbeks," Central Asian Survey 11 (3), 1992.

Prosser, Sarah. "Reform Within and Without the Law: Further Challenges for Central Asian NGOs," Harvard Asia Quarterly, 2000.

Schoeberlein-Engel, John. "The Prospects for Uzbek National Identity," Central Asia Monitor 2, 1996.

"Tamerlane v. Marx;" Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists 50 (1), 1994.

U.N. Development Project. Human Development Report: Uzbekistan 1997, 1997.

UNESCO, Education Management Profile: Uzbekistan, 1998.

U.S. Department of State. Background Notes: Uzbekistan , 1998.

U.S. Department of State, Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA World Factbook , 2000.

U.S. Library of Congress. Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan: Country Studies, 1997.

—J EFF E RLICH

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My name is Saidakbar i'm 17 years old and I am from Uzbekistan. I have been learning English for 8 months and it was fancy, i have a lot of goals and i will achieve my goals

IELTS essay My name is Saidakbar i'm 17 years old and I am from Uzbekistan. I have been learning English for 8 months and it was fancy, i have a lot of goals and i will achieve my goals

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Geography Notes

Short essay on uzbekistan.

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Lying south and southeast of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan’s territory falls mainly be west of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and between Central Asia’s two major rivers north of Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, Syr Darya and Amu Darya, though they only partly from its boundaries. Although the territory does reach the Caspian Sea, it includes the southern part of the Aral Sea. The Soviet government created the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic as a constituent unit of the USSR in 1924, but in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union it de­clared its independence.

With a population of 24.5 million, the largest in Central Asia, the nation is not only the most populous, but contains the largest number of the native Turkic peo­ples, overwhelmingly outnumbering the other ethnic groups, and have registered the highest growth rate in the region. The cultural and historic roots of the Uzbeks date back to the ancient times. Several cit­ies such as Bukhara, Khiva, Kokand, and Samarkand were cultural, political and trade centers for centuries.

Although a large part of the country is occupied by the extensive desert of Kyzl Kum, some of the world’s richest irrigated oases exist m a narrow band of densely populated area in the east. The most im­portant of the oases is the Fergana Valley, drained by the Syr Darya, and divided pri­marily between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

This and other oases such as Tashkent, Andizhan, Bukhara, Khiva, Kokand and Mary (Merv), Samarkand, and Zeravshan form the rich agricultural tracts that fulfill the nation’s major producer of high-grade cotton. Most of the major oases are located where mountain streams de­scend on to the lowland except such oases or Zeravshan that are located in the desert lowlands.

Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s largest ag­ricultural producer. In cotton production it ranks third in the world (China and In­dia rank higher). Besides cotton, rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruits (particularly grapes, pomegranates, figs and melons are grown. Known for its orchards and vine­yards, Uzbekistan is also important for raising Karakul sheep and silkworms.

Plenty of sunlight, mild winters, fertile ir­rigated soil, and good pastureland make conditions suitable for the cultivation of these crops and for cattle raising. Raising silkworms is a traditional occupation among farmers, dating to the 4th century. The Fergana Valley is especially known for silk production. The country’s mineral resources in elude metallic ores such as copper, zinc lead, tungsten and gold. Uzbekistan possesses substantial reserves of natural gas oil, and coal. Most of the natural gas is con­sumed domestically, and gas pipelines link the important cities and stretch from Buk­hara to the Ural Mountains in Russia.

Petroleum fields exist in the Fergana Val­ley, in the vicinity of Bukhara, and in Karakalpakstan. Dams on the Syr Darya and its tributaries are utilized to produce hydroelectricity. The country is deficient in water resources. The existing canals— the Great Fergana, Northern Fergana, Southern Fergana and Tashkent now face shortfalls in irrigation waters due to depletion of the rivers.

In manufacturing, Uzbekistan is Cen­tral Asia’s major producer of machinery and heavy equipment. The manufactured items include machines and equipment for cotton cultivation, harvesting and process­ing, and for use in textile industry, irrigation, and road construction. Cement, textile, chemical fertilizers, and tea packing are some other industries. The country predictably exports cotton, natural gas, oil, silk and fruits, as well as manufactured goods such as machines, cement, textiles, and fertilizers.

The country is nearly self-sufficient in energy sources, and agricultural products development. The disruption of the Soviet trading system caused by the collapse of the USSR in 1991 did not particularly af­fect the nation. Since independence, the nation has followed a slow and cautious path of privatization.

Economic develop­ment in the future would depend largely on overcoming the current infrastructural handicaps such as the antiquated means of distribution and processing of raw materi­als. Neither surface nor air transport now available is adequate to handle the trans­port of the produce such as fruits and vegetables.

There are few well-developed highways. Most of the country’s trade was with the Soviet Union; the nation is con­sidering plans to enlarge the trading area to include the developing countries. The majority of Uzbekistan’s popula­tion lives in rural areas. In the early 1990s just over 40 percent of the population was registered as urban and only 16 of the cit­ies contain population over 100,000. Population comprised mostly of the non- Uzbeks.

With a population of a little over 2 million is the largest city of Central Asia, and the capital and the “primate” city of Uzbekistan. It lies in a large oasis along the Chirchik River on the Trans- Caspian railroad in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains. Dating back to the 1st century B.C., the city has been a his­toric trade and handicraft center on the historic caravan routes from the Orient to Europe during medieval times.

When the Russians occupied it in 1865, the walled city had a population of 70,000. Several old buildings, mausoleums, and religious shrines survive in the “older” section. Tashkent lies in the most industrialized part of Uzbekistan, and contains one of the largest textile mills in Asia.

Other in­dustries include food-and tobacco- processing plants, and factories that manu­facture machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals and furniture. The modern, planned section built during the Russian period, co-exists with the old Oriental quarters with its narrow, winding streets, numerous mosques, and bazaars.

Other major cities of Uzbekistan— Samarkand (370,000), Audizham (293,000), Bukhara (238,000), Fergana (198,000), and Kokand (176,000) are con­siderably smaller than Tashkent, but are just as important from the cultural and his­toric standpoint. Their histories extend back to ancient times, and they have served as political, and trade centers for centuries.

With the exception of Bukhara these cities are located in the industrial heartland of the nation; each, including Bukhara, on the historic route way (be­tween China and the Middle East) has a significant industrial component. It spe­cializes primarily in the manufacture of textiles, processed food, and machinery. The “old” sections of these cities were partially reconstructed during the Soviet period.

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During the 1980s religious practice surged, transforming many aspects of Uzbek life, especially in the towns of the Fergana Valley and other concentrations of Muslim believers. This resurgence affected the republic’s cultural life through the increased activities of religious schools, neighbourhood mosques, religious orders, and religious publishing ventures and through the Islamic Renaissance Party.

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Over the centuries, the territory of what is now Uzbekistan has produced great scholars, poets, and writers whose heritage has enriched the general culture of humanity. The scholar and encyclopaedist al-Bīrūnī , who lived in the 11th century, produced a series of geographic works about India and a wide range of writings in the natural sciences and humanities. In the 15th century the astronomer and mathematician Ulūgh Beg founded a famous observatory in Samarkand . The late 15th-century scholar, poet, and writer ʿAlī Shīr Navāʾī greatly advanced Turkic-language literature and was also a talented artist and composer.

The major writers of the early 20th century broke from the Navāʾī tradition in their style but continued to revere it in their literary history. In the Jadid era (1900–20) the foremost modern poets and prose writers included Abdalrauf Fitrat , Sadriddin Ayni , and Abdullah Qadiri , each of whom was bilingual in Uzbek and Tajik. These writers all began as poets and subsequently branched out to produce many of the first modern indigenous plays, stories, and novels of Central Asia. The younger poets Batu, Cholpán (Abdulhamid Sulayman Yunús), and Elbek (Mashriq Yunus Oghli) offered metres and rhyme schemes quite different from the verse composed in the traditions long employed by the poets of the region. Fitrat gained fame and popularity for such prose and poetic dialogues as Munazara (1909; The Dispute ), and Mahmud Khoja Behbudiy became known for a stage tragedy, Padarkush (1913; The Patricide ). Abdullah Qadiri became known for a first Uzbek historical novel , Otgän kunlär (1922–26; Days Gone By ), and Cholpan introduced a new lyricism in his short poems. Hamza Hakim-Zada Niyaziy was also an early 20th-century playwright and poet later much favoured by Soviet authorities for his simplified, class-oriented plots and subjects.

Most of these writers died violently either during the Russian Civil War or, more commonly, in Joseph Stalin’s purges of the 1930s. As a result, Uzbekistan’s intellectual and cultural life suffered trauma for decades to come. Only since independence have its finest modern authors regained posthumous recognition.

During the second half of the 20th century there was a great increase in the number of writers but not in the quality of the writing. Until the 1980s most Soviet Uzbek authors produced tendentious novels, plays, and verse in line with official Communist Party themes. Among the older generation of contemporary authors is Asqad Mukhtar (b. 1921), whose Socialist Realist novel Apä singillär ( Sisters ; original and translation published during the 1950s), has been translated into English and other languages. Mukhtar, along with others of his generation, effectively encouraged the creative efforts of younger Uzbek poets and authors, a group far less burdened than their elders by the sloganeering characteristic of Soviet “Socialist Realism.” Among these newer voices, Razzaq Abdurashid, Abduqahhar Ibrahim, Jamal Kamal, and Erkin Wahid, all born in the 1930s, and Rauf Parfi, Halima Khudayberdiy, Muhammad Ali, Sharaf Bashbek, Mamadali Mahmud, all born in the 1940s or later, stand out. Several of these new writers have contributed striking dramas and comedies to the theatre of Uzbekistan. Privately organized drama and theatre were very active in Samarkand, Margilan , Tashkent , and other cities before 1917. In the difficult economic situation of the 1990s, however, the loss of government subsidies led to a drastic decline in theatrical activity, and the cinema and television have further emptied the seats in legitimate theatres.

Musical tradition throughout southern Central Asia provides a distinctive classical form of composition in the great cycles of maqom s handed down from master performers to apprentices. Television and radio as well as concert halls offer maqom cycles in live performances.

Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage includes magnificent monuments in the national architectural tradition: the mausoleum of the Sāmānid ruler Ismāʿīl I (9th and 10th centuries) in Bukhara , the great mosques and mausoleums of Samarkand, constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, and many other fine tombs, mosques, palaces, and madrasah s. An interesting recent development is the reclamation, renovation, and reconsecration of many smaller old mosques , some very elegant though badly damaged; these had been relegated by communist authorities to serve as garages, storehouses, shops, slaughterhouses, or museums. Muslim rebuilders now accurately reconstruct these damaged buildings as part of a comprehensive drive to re-create the Islamic life suppressed by the communists between 1920 and 1990.

Humans lived in what is now Uzbekistan as early as the Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age), some 55,000 to 70,000 years ago. The great states of Bactria , Khwārezm , and Sogdiana emerged during the 1st millennium bce in the fertile region around the Amu Darya , which served as a centre of trade and cultural exchange on the Silk Road between East and West.

After the 8th-century- ce introduction of Islam into Central Asia , several streams of population flowed into the territory now forming the land of Uzbekistan. Some migrations contributed to the demographic diversity that characterizes Uzbekistan. Before the lasting conquest by the Russians in the late 19th century, however, military invaders generally withdrew from the area soon after they arrived. Arabs after 711 ce , Mongols under Genghis Khan from the 13th century, Dzungars in the 15th–17th century, and Persians in the 18th century exerted less impact upon the makeup of the population than upon the social and political systems, because they left behind relatively small, assimilable numbers of their people.

• Mar 28, 2019

i am from U-Z-B-E-K-I-S-T-A-N

Updated: Apr 16, 2019

Over the years of living and travelling around the world I met a lot of different people from all over the globe and every time I would introduce myself as someone from Uzbekistan, I’d hear the funniest reactions — almost everyone from almost everywhere didn’t know where — or what — Uzbekistan was — what was this long cumbersome word that few people could pronounce… Many times I had to swear it is indeed a real country ;) And many times people would actually be interested to know more — “so what is it like, U-Z-B-E-K-I-S-T-A-N?”

Inspired by this, I have long wanted to create a simple doodle to introduce and share all the beautiful little things about my home. So I came up with a little character to take you on an adventure to this hidden gem of Central Asia.

Meet al.fergani, the little Uzbek girl :) Of course, this style wouldn’t represent the country’s fashionistas nowadays, but is here to introduce you to our unique cherished traditions.

In Uzbekistan, when we greet people we put our right hand over our heart and say “Assalomu Alaykum”? It literally means “peace be upon you”. And we mean it wholeheartedly.

Let’s start?

The legend of Uzbekistan tells that in the beginning of the time when God was dividing land to the people, the Uzbek modestly stood on the side and smilingly let everybody pass first. As he was the last in the line he came up to God to receive his piece of land and God exclaimed “Oh my child, I see you are indeed generous by heart! But what to do, I have no more land left! Well, I guess I’ll have to give you a piece of heaven!”.

This “piece of heaven” lies in the very middle of the biggest continent, tucked in between Black Sand deserts and Heavenly mountains. The land of a thousand legends and millennia of history, it is the home of architectural jewels of the mystical Silk Road — Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva — if you haven’t heard of Uzbekistan, maybe you have heard at least one of these names.

A true fairy tale of the Orient, they say it is the legendary city of Samarkand where Scheherazade told her 1001 tales, and where Aladdin found his magic lamp; it is Bukhara that was home to the quick-witted Sufi dervish Nasreddin Afandi; and it is in the jewel-box city of Khiva, where a local ninth-century mathematician named Al-Khorezmi invented both algebra and another mathematical concept named after him that in Europe became commonly known as “algorithm”…

These picturesque ancient cities and exquisitely patterned mosaics are the cherished heritage of Central Asian Medieval Renaissance. The blue-tiled domes of fairy-tale-like buildings is an image close to heart of every Uzbek, and a reminder of the beautiful blue skies that unites us all together.

If you are lucky to ever visit Central Asia, it is the green lush meadows, white cotton-like clouds and blue peaceful skies of Uzbekistan’s modestly pure nature that will linger in your memory long time after you leave. You probably would not have guessed that it is these beautiful landscapes that symbolically make up the country’s flag palitre.

But still it is the people that make this place a heaven on Earth. The extraordinary hospitality of Uzbeks is what truly wins one’s heart. We love inviting new friends to our hearts and our homes, and we make sure one doesn’t leave without a proper taste of “dastarkhan” — the Central Asian dining ritual of enjoying abundant culinary pleasures in the company of friends and family. Dastarkhan is not dastarkhan without green tea, “plov”, “non”, fresh seasonal fruits and savoury sweets.

Did you know that tea plays a very important role in our culture, and is the embodiment of Uzbek hospitality? Almost everyone you meet will invite you “to have tea” in their home, and you really should never say no. It is so much more than tea: Uzbek “tea” is spiced with friendship, served with warm smiles, and packed with good memories.

When in Uzbekistan, don’t miss trying “non” — a divine miracle of crisp odorous flesh of yeast with crumbs of flavourful sesame. It is baked in special clay ovens — tandir -, which is integral to making it. Since ancient times, Uzbek bread was cooked in a round shape, which had a hidden meaning. The circular disk symbolized the sun, because without bread, as well as without the sun, there is no life on the earth.

Uzbekistan is a unique country that is farthest away from any ocean. Labeled “double-land-locked” by geography books, it is indeed at least two countries away from any sea in all four directions. This distinct climate condition makes for extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year, and even over a day. It is due to this temperature difference that makes our fruits incredibly sweet and delicious. It is here that you will try melons with a taste and fragrance that you will never be able to forget…

Did you know, by the way, that the blood of an Uzbek person consists of 95% watermelon juice? ;)

Did you also know that “do’ppi” — the traditional Uzbek headdress is one of the symbols of Uzbekistan and an important part of our artistic heritage?

Hand-embroidered do’ppi is not only a beautiful ornament, but also is a powerful amulet that protects its wearer and brings luck. And not only! It’s the source of important information: one could judge about the owner’s social status, age and hometown by the form, patterns and colors of the headdress :)

In 2008 Oscar de la Renta used special Uzbek fabrics for their collection, which was then a big hit. The unusual patterns made it a global trend in fashion and interior design. And almost 10 years later UNESCO just recognized the unique art of Uzbek silk weaving as a global intangible heritage (about time!).

What makes it special is that the threads are dyed first with natural ingredients, and after interesting and complex netting, are weaved into enchanting patterns by hand. This creates a very unique and distinctive colorful shapes on the fabric -abrabandi (“bound cloud”), or internationally known as “ikat”, the mythical heritage of Fergana valley -my hometown. Although ikat weaving has emerged independently from different parts of the world, none have rendered it as richly and intricately as the masters of Fergana valley.

The legend goes that the creator of this fiber art was a poor weaver inspired by observing the reflection of nature in the waters of a lake just when a light breeze caused a ripple in the surface, fusing the colors into a mesmerizing pattern… And that is what this fabric is — the green of rain-washed leaves, the red of tulip petals, the blush of dawn, the blue of the night sky and patches of sunlight on the water, intertwined. It is the natural landscapes of Uzbekistan, the bright character of Uzbek people and our national artistic taste that are weaved in the pattern of this fabric.

The Uzbek New Year, and the people’s most cherished holiday — “Navruz”-, is celebrated on the 21st of March. Taking its roots in Zoroastrian tradition, it is celebrated on the night of the vernal equinox, to mark the time after which day will be longer than nights, and light will symbolically win over darkness. Navruz means literally “New Day” and celebrates the coming of spring, reawakening of nature and new beginnings.

It is also the day that wherever I am in the world I miss my home the most :)

#iamfromuzbekistan #uzbekistan #illustration #doodles #visualstorytelling #uzbekillustrator #illustrator #doodler #alfergani

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I AM FROM UZBEKISTAN: Inspiring Uzbekistan's Youth: Stories of Talent and Ambition Paperback – November 17, 2023

• Print length 241 pages
• Language English
• Publication date November 17, 2023
• Dimensions 8.27 x 0.57 x 11.69 inches
• ISBN-10 1304985903
• ISBN-13 978-1304985903
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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lulu.com (November 17, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 241 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1304985903
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Uzbekistan’s History, Economic and Culture Research Paper

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Uzbekistan is a country in central Asia which boarders Kazakhstan in the northern side, Kyrgyzstan in the eastern side and Tajikistan in the southern eastern side. During the 4 th century B.C it was under the Persian rule that had been conquered by Alexander the Great.

The region incorporated Islam as a religion in 8th century when the Arab forces invaded the land. Around the 13 th century the region was taken over by the Mongols from the Seljuk Turks. The 16 th century saw the region been merged with their neighbors but was not to last for long as the region broke into principalities (Adams 19).

However, the city-states, which included khanates, Kokand and Bukhara were not to last for long as the Russians conquered them in the 19 th century. In 1924, the territory was a republic but it is in 1925 that it became an independent under socialist republic. However, in 1991 the country declared its independence making September 1 st their national holiday. The country today enjoys independence with a presidential rule.

Economically, the people of Uzbekistan are agriculturalist, however, the country is endowed with many minerals. Cotton has been their main produce but has recently been replaced by natural gas. The other minerals that the Uzbekistan people are involved with are gold and uranium. The country has recently grown to be a manufacturing country, especially in the automobiles industrial where they are a big exporter to Russian market.

The state has always been in control of most business enterprises, but in the recent past free market has been endorsed (Oliker 46). It is not easy to determine the growth rate of the country because the government keeps unreliable records. However, it is notable much of the wealth of the country is held by the elite in the society with almost a quarter of the population living below the poverty line.

The government has been instrumental in preventing the country from facing capital outflow by ensuring that the country adopts the policy of substitution of their imports. The actions of the government to control economic activities have even made convertibility of different currencies of the world. The low economy has transformed to some of the individuals in the country getting involved to human trafficking business. The business usually involves girls, as they are traffics to other countries as prostitutes (Boĭkova 181).

Amongst the people of Uzbekistan, the elders are the most respected people in the society. They have a mode of greetings where the men put their hands on the heart of other men when greeting them, while women usually put their right hands on each other’s elbow. The mode of dressing especially to women was such that they were to cover their bodies with their heads looking down to avoid any attention. The people of Uzbekistan are mostly Muslims with a small percentage of people enjoying other religions like Buddhist and Jewish.

Traditionally, matters of marriage were left to the man and the women but the approval of the parent was important. Virginity among the women was upheld and women were expected to be married much earlier than the men. Bride price had to be paid by the family of the man, and the cost incurred in the marriage ceremony was covered by the family of the wife (Hanks 83).

There were defined duties of both men and women. While men were expected to work outside, the house women were expected to work indoors engaging in activities like weaving and spinning using cotton. Women were expected to cover the whole of their bodies when in public and they viewed it as observance of their faith (Adams 17). Traditional medicine was also incorporated in their treatment where herbs were used for treatment.

There was also a taboo of drinking cold drinks since it was viewed as the reason why people caught cold. Arts performance that dated back during the soviet rule is still practiced. They include the crafts work as well as miniature painting. However, the practice of their music by the instruments they used in past is still in practice. Dotars that were put on the legs, flutes, and small drums are still used in the performance of their art.

Unlike other countries in central Asia, Uzbekistan has adhered to the principle of legal stability. The constitution gives rights to the people to own private property and it views it as a way of giving self-respect to the people as well as a way of developing the society. Solid constitutional bases have been laid down through the years to promote and upgrade political and social relations.

Economic freedom of the citizens has been highly promoted as well as the spirit of entrepreneurship with an aim of eliminating the repugnant old command-administrative system. The country has also incorporated a legal and organization environment where the society of Uzbekistan integrates with the world. Uzbekistan has adopted an open door policy that grants foreign investors reliable regal guarantee and broad economic opportunities in the economic activities.

The environment for foreign investors has continually been improved as well as simplification of the procedures that are involved in creation of manufacturing enterprise for foreigners (Karimov 172). Regulatory acts created by Uzbekistan have had a comprehensive system of taxation and incentive against poetical and commercial risk for the foreigners. In turn, there has been active participation by foreign investors in this country.

Some of their favorable policies to the foreigners are: freedom of buying property that the state has already privatized as well as ownership rights to these properties. Enterprises owned by foreigners are allowed to export without licenses as well to import duty free property from joint ventures (Karimov 173).

Economic relations between Uzbekistan and the United States have mostly been controlled by the bi-literal trade agreement signed by the two countries. The agreement was signed in 1994 and one of the benefits the agreements had to Uzbekistan was that it had an exemption provision to many of the United States importing tariffs.

In the year 2000, the two countries signed a bilateral investment treaty but it did not come into force because of the weak economic reforms in Uzbekistan. In terms of imports and exports, Uzbekistan imports machines and equipment. Also inclusive in the list of the imports are chemical products and food items, especially the ones that deal in plastics. The exports to the United States include inorganic chemistry products machines and equipment (Group Taylor & Francis 2548).

American companies have also been involved in investing in Uzbekistan economy in establishment of technological base in both agriculture and mining sectors.

Infrastructure and food processing are also other sectors of the economy where American companies have actively involved themselves in. The American company General Motors has also established a strong link with the government of Uzbekistan and collaborated in manufacturing of cars. It is also notable that Uzbekistan is the biggest export of uranium in United States (Zhukov 213).

The relation between United States and Uzbekistan can be traced back to 1991 when Uzbekistan was established as an independent nation. The following year saw the establishment of Uzbekistan embassy in United States. From that time, as part of the U.S policy, campaigns have been launched to support Uzbekistan upheld the rule of law.

The relationship between the two countries increased after September 11 attacks, which led to the war in Afghanistan. However, the closeness between the two countries went a drift when United States requested the international community to get involved in investigating the Andijon violence of 2005.

The reason behind sourness in the relations on was because Uzbekistan did not want involvement of United States or other European powers in influencing the government activities. However, year 2007 saw the two countries improving the relationship among them (Thackrah 240).

The relations were all round as they included security issues civil issues as well as economic issues. It is also an attempt by the United States to ensure that there is peace in central Asia since Uzbekistan is the country with the biggest population and the most instrumental in keeping stability.

The new relation between the two countries has since to improve to the best as in the United States assistance budget there was a provision that seeks to ensure better livelihood for the people of Uzbekistan (Group Taylor & Francis 554). The relationship between the two countries has also promoted the level of education in Uzbekistan as many students from Uzbekistan have studied in American universities.

Works Cited

Adams, Laura L. “The Spectacular State: Culture and National Identity in Uzbekistan.” Durham: Duke University Press , 2010. Print

Boĭkova Elena Vladimirovna, R. B. Rybakov. “Kinship in the Altaic world: proceedings of the 48th Permanent International Altaistic Conference, Moscow 10-15 July, 2005.” Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz Verlag , 2006. Print

Group, Taylor & Francis. “Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia 2004, Volume 4.” Lndon: Routledge , 2003. Print

Group, Taylor & Francis. “Europa World Year Book 2, Book 2.” London: Taylor & Francis, 2004. Print

Hanks, Reuel R. “Central Asia: a global studies handbook.” Califonia: ABC-CLIO, 2005. Print

Karimov, I. A. “Uzbekistan on the threshold of the twenty-first century: challenges to stability and progress.” New York: Palgrave Macmillan , 1998. Print

Oliker Olga, Thomas S. Szayna. “Faultlines of conflict in Central Asia and the south Caucasus: implications for the U.S. Army, Issue 1598.” Califonia: Rand Corporation, 2003. Print

Thackrah, John Richard. “Dictionary of terrorism.” New York: Routledge , 2004. Print

Zhukov, Boris Z. Rumer Stanislav Vi︠a︡cheslavovich. “Central Asia: the challenges of independence.” New York: M.E. Sharpe , 1998. Print

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65 Things to Know Before Traveling to Uzbekistan + Myth-Busting Travel Tips

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Last updated on August 12th, 2021 at 09:18 pm

One of our biggest frustrations when traveling in Uzbekistan was all the outdated travel tips we came across. Most of the travel blogs, guides, and other resources listing all the things we needed to know before traveling to Uzbekistan had us over-preparing to enter a rigid country, filling out tons of customs paperwork, and dealing with many outdated laws and views on tourism. Our experience traveling Uzbekistan was so different from many of these guides, we actually kept thinking we were missing things – like maybe we just skipped the customs line or forgot to get the paperwork. But just within the last year or two, Uzbekistan has changed drastically in its approach to foreign tourists and outlook on travel, but not a lot of the information has been updated. On the plus side, we over-prepared as opposed to under-preparing, so we can’t complain too much, but it is nice to know what you are actually getting yourself into when you visit a new country. So, after traveling Uzbekistan independently here is our list of top things you need to know before visiting Uzbekistan. All these essential travel tips are recent for 2019/2020 with some added myth-busting facts addressing some of the outdated information you might come across.

I would like to note that the insights I share are the personal accounts of an Australian and U.S. Citizen and may not apply to all people traveling through Uzbekistan. Please ensure you are following all the laws and guidance of your home country.

Important Things To Know Before Uzbekistan

1. getting through customs.

We read a lot of websites and heard from many people that customs in Uzbekistan were very strict. We were fully prepared to fill out tons of paperwork and have customs go through everything we own counting all our money, checking for medications, and porn.

While there are guidelines on what you can and can’t bring into the country, you only need to declare certain things in certain cases, we were not subject to search at the Tashkent airport and honestly customs was a breeze. We were able to enjoy their new red and green customs system that allows you to self declare any items that you need to, and keep on walking if you have nothing to declare.

Myth Busting: Customs is a Nightmare

  We boarded our flight from Istanbul to Tashkent on Turkish Airlines with no trouble at all. The only minor issue we had was Turkish Airlines was not aware that recently in 2019 Australians were allowed visa-free entry into Uzbekistan, so they asked Ganesh for his visa. We were thankful we had printed the statement from a government website stating he did not need a visa.

When we landed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan we breezed out of that airport so quickly, we actually thought we forgot to do something or missed a checkpoint. After disembarking, we went through a passport check where I showed my visa and received my stamp. Ganesh had no issues on his Aussie passport and we met on the other side to pick up our luggage. We exchanged some USD to SUM using an automatic machine that ate our USD and spits out Sum and turned to leave the airport. We noticed that customs was a wide-open area, with minimal staff, where you could walk along a green or red zone. We just walked through the green area – as we had nothing to declare and no one questioned us or asked us to fill out any paperwork.

When we left Uzbekistan via Tashkent airport we weren’t checked at all either. No one went through our bags, asked us how much money we had, or even wanted to see our hotel slips.

Important to note: As of 2018 international airports in Uzbekistan use a green and red system. If you choose to go through the red zone you will have to fill out declaration paperwork, if you choose to go through the green zone, they seem to trust you and you continue on your way with no trouble.

When should you use the red zone? Uzbekistan DOES have some pretty strict customs rules. You should never bring porn in the country, drugs, or medication with codeine and you need to declare yourself if you are carrying more than 2k USD (the average yearly wage of locals). You can find all the Uzbekistan customs regulations, here . However, since the green and red zones were introduced at the airports in 2018, it seems their approach to customs is much more relaxed. That does not mean you should violate their customs rules and if you are entering with any banned material be prepared to be deported, or if you have items you need to declare, go through the red zone and be prepared to fill out extra paperwork.

It should also be noted that the more modern and relaxed customs seem to be found at the international airports if you drive across certain land borders you are subject to the customs of both countries and your chances of being searched greatly increase.

2. Visa Free Travel? – Maybe!

Uzbekistan is notorious for requiring citizens of most countries need a visa. It is very important that you check if you need a visa. Most citizens of countries that are required to get a visa need the visa BEFORE they arrive, and if you are not able to apply for an E-Visa you may even need to go to a consulate and submit a letter of invitation.

As a citizen of The United States I was able to apply for my 30 day E-Visa online. My husband, an Australian, was able to travel visa free.

Myth Busting: Almost Everyone Needs a Visa

New, as of Feb 2019, 46 additional countries joined the 17 visa-free countries for Uzbekistan. That means about 63 countries no longer need to obtain visas prior to arriving for a length of stayd anywhere from 30-90 days. My husband, who is Australia was one of the first Australians to enjoy visa-free travel to Uzbekistan.

30 day visa-free: Australia, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Switzerland, Andorra, Austria, Argentina, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Malta, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Vatican City.

60 day visa-free : Kyrgyzstan

90 day visa-free: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine

Important to Note: It is your responsibility to know if you require a visa. With information regarding tourism changing quickly, please verify all travel requirements with your government website, as this list may change at any time.

3. E-Visa Travel

Some countries not approved for visa-free entry can apply for the new electronic E-Visa.

E-Visa: All European Union citizens (except those listed for visa-free) Albania, Andorra, China, Hong Kong, India, Kuwait, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Oman, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and The United States of America.

If you are eligible for the Uzbekistan e-visa , like I was, then don’t worry, it is super easy to apply online. It costs $20. It helps to have a recent copy of your passport photo on hand, otherwise will need to go get a professional passport photo taken. Once you fill out the information online, it takes about 2-3 days to hear if you are confirmed or denied.

Important to Note: Make sure you print your visa out and keep it in a safe place. You will need to show it to the border control upon entry, you may need it to board your flight, and again when you leave the country, so make sure it is packed in your carry-on baggage.

Myth Busting: Applying for a Visa Takes Forever

This new E-Visa system means applicants requiring a visa no longer need to submit a letter of invitation to receive the visa. This simplified Uzbekistan visa procedure also means that the consular offices of Uzbekistan are issuing visas within 2-3 working days. I got mine in 3!

4. Always Carry Your Passport & A Copy

You should have your passport on you at all times when traveling in Uzbekistan, so make sure you invest in a great wallet or purse that is safe and secure with a hidden pocket for your passport. While bribes against tourists are less common these days, there is still a small chance you will be the victim of fake police asking for your passport. If anyone asks you for your passport, you legally have to present your passport. If you have a weird feeling you might be getting scammed, show them a copy, and say your real passport is back at the hotel. You can always return to your hotel or head to the Tourist Police where a local can help you clarify whether the person asking for your passport is legit or not. 

Things To Know About Money in Uzbekistan

5. using cash: usd or som.

A lot of travel resources for Uzbekistan talk about how important it is to have cash, specifically USD. Because of this we actually exchanged quite a lot of Euro for USD before leaving for Uzbekistan. However, after traveling through Uzbekistan in late 2019, we realized that we didn’t need to bring so much USD in or rely on it as much as we thought. Cash and specifically USD doesn’t rule as much as it used it.

Myth Busting: USD & Cash are King

Our USD did come in handy in a few situations and is good to have for an emergency, but since we live in Europe we found that Euro was just as easy to use.  We wished we had used Euro rather than exchanging Euro to USD and then USD to SOM. Everyone that accepted USD also accepted EUR. To be honest, they probably would have even accepted AUD and GBP.

Nearly every hotel we stayed at accepted international credit card, or SOM. In fact, in 2017 Uzbekistan passed a law that hotels have to accept local Som , thus reducing your need to rely so much on USD.

We even paid for a few high-end souvenirs from master crafters with a credit card in the madrasa bazaars in Samarkand.

Important to Note: Visa is the preferred credit card. Some places only accepted Visa, and we were thankful we brought our Visa. MasterCard is probably the second most preferred. 

Larger hotels servicing an international crowd often accept credit card. However, if you booked a local homestay then SOM is helpful.

You will NEED cash (SOM) still for most things such as taxis, some restaurants, small souvenirs, and entrance into most tourist attractions.

6. Using ATMs

We successfully withdrew local currency with our international bank card at a few ATMs in cities such as Tashkent and Bukhara. The days of bringing in hundreds and hundreds of USD and declaring it at the border are over.

Myth Busting: ATMs Don’t Exist

ATMs used to only allow you to take out small amounts of local currency and didn’t work with international cards. It has also been noted not to rely too much on ATMs as they are often broken or out of money, however this is changing. ATMs are increasingly more common to come across, international cards are more widely accepted and you can take out larger amounts.

Important to Note: Uzbekistan’s relationship with money is changing, and while our experiences with ATMs were problem free that might not be the case for everyone. It is important to have some backup currency to ensure you don’t end up in any situation without cash. Before heading to a small town or a remote area make sure you have enough Som to cover your accommodation, food, and transportation for your stay.

7. Pack A Regular Wallet

  When traveling to Uzbekistan before 2017 you would need a giant Zelda pouch with several upgrades to carry all the small denomination currency notes. Carrying the amount of 25-50 USD often meant you needed dozens of notes which also meant you needed a fat wallet. Between the two of us and splitting our money evenly along with keeping some cash hidden in our secure hotel room our wallets didn’t stretch too much.

Myth Busting: Pack a Large Wallet

In 2017 Uzbekistan introduced the 50,000 note and in February 2019 they introduced a 100,000 banknote. While the 100,000 is only worth about $12 USD it goes a long way to cut back on the wallet bloat. Everytime we went to the ATM we received the 50,000 banknote. 

8. It is Insanely Cheap

Uzbekistan has a reputation for being cheap, and I am happy to say it is still cheap in 2019! I am not a budget backpacker and my partner and I travel with a higher disposable income, so even after booking nice accomodation in Bukhara and Tashkent, booking taxis through our hotels for a higher price, eating at nice restaurants, we came out under budget. On average we spent about 30 Euro a day for two people, not including our accommodation.

9. Tourists Pay More

Most entrances to tourist attractions and museums have two prices. There is a tourist price and a local price. As a tourist, you should expect to pay more than locals. Personally, I LOVE this, as it allows locals to visit their own sites. As a visitor, you should be happy to pay a higher wage in order to ensure these sites are maintained. 

10. Local Tourism

We encountered very few tourists while traveling Uzbekistan. In fact, most of the people we saw appreciating the museums, and sights were locals traveling through their home country. After that, most of the tourism came from the surrounding countries traveling visa free. So, we also encountered a lot of Georgians, Russians, Kazakhs. We ran into very few English speaking tourists, but we did meet a few people from Germany, France, Japan, Korea, and China.

11. Money Talks

We came across an old madrasa complex in Samarkand that was technically closed for the night. The security guard stood outside telling a few people it was closed. When we walked up we pointed to the pricing list and offered to pay the entrance fee. He took our som and let us in. Money seems to talk, so if you’re willing to pay to get in and there is still security, see if you can weasel your way in. 

12. To Haggle or Not to Haggle

Coming from the bazaars in Istanbul, or the street markets in SE Asia, I figured most of the souvenirs in Uzbekistan would be cheaply made and open to haggling. However, many of the items are in the markets were handmade by master craftsmen. It is important to ensure you are paying the right price for things to support hard-working artists. As a traveler, I am privileged to have the income to travel and support the local economy. So, I’m always willing to pay a fair wage for the right item. That being said, high-quality items in Uzbekistan aren’t as cheap as the economy might suggest. Prices for some things start around 50 USD, and while you can haggle down, things aren’t as cheap as in some bazaar cities. Be prepared to spend a bit of money if you want quality souvenirs.

I would say there were two tiers of souvenirs, those by master crafters and those that were mass-produced in Uzbekistan by general crafters. You will know if someone is a master crafter as their biography will be hanging in the store, a certification plaque, or the shop keeper will talk about them.

Haggling techniques that worked for us, were the walk-away and return later, and asking for two things for less than they would be individually.

When to Haggle: When it comes to taxis, fruit, or people selling cheaply made items on the street haggling is open for business. You certainly should never pay the taxi their first ask price, as they will almost always charge you. 

Things To Know About Uzbekistan Accomodation

13. hotel registration slips.

When you check into a hotel you will be asked for your passport. The front desk will often take 10-20 minutes to register you using your passport. It seems they use an online system to do this, but will give you a slip of paper with your passport or when you check out. If you are given these papers it is important to hang on to them, just in case, but you more likely won’t even need them in 2019 or later.

Myth Busting: You Need The Slips to Leave the Country

  When we entered the country no one gave us these hotel slips. However, at every hotel, we stayed at, the front desk filled them out and gave them to us when we checked out. They were often in our passport hidden in a page, so be careful they don’t fall out. We held onto these for when we left the country , but I’ll be honest not a single person asked us for these slips.

A fter reading through some Tripadvisor forums it seems to be a dying system. More than likely the hotels are still in a habit of doing it and therefore they will give them to you. If you are given them, keep them, but don’t stress about it too much. I also suspect that all the information is online. So, either they are doing away with the system – or it is now all online.

14. Booking Hotels

  We booked all of our accommodation for Uzbekistan on booking.com and it was wonderful! Just about every property I looked at from Tashkent to Bukhara has a message that said, “Hotel XYZ has been accepting booking customers since X Month 2019 or something similar. Meaning that hotels have really only started using booking in 2019 just before we visited. So, you no longer have to navigate hotel websites and you can use that genius discount to get accommodation.

The only downside is that many properties don’t have reviews yet, so it might help to look up any places that don’t have reviews to make sure it suits your needs. We were lucky that everywhere we booked was just fantastic and we made sure to leave our rave reviews to help those in the future.

Myth Busting: Hotels are Hard to Book

Previously it has been mentioned that hotels are hard to book, difficult to find, and advanced booking is needed. While we were traveling in the summer – which wasn’t peak seasons – we had no issues booking hotels 1-2 weeks before we arrived and found everything conveniently on Booking.

15. Hostels 

We found accomodation in Uzbekistan to be well within our budget, and as I mentioned we stayed in nice accommodation throughout our trip. However, if you are on a budget and looking for hostel accommodation hostels are starting to pop up around Uzbekistan. Hostels are mainly in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand, and are slowly showing up in other parts of the country. Booking.com has a wide variety of hostel listings to choose from .

Myth Busting: Hostels Don’t Exist

Tashkent alone has 34 hostel listings on Booking, most of these look like your typical hostel you would find in any other country. Bukhara has 21 hostels listed, howeve, many appear to be more in line with guest houses. Since the growth of tourism Uzbekistan has seen an increase in the number of hostels and they do exist. It is important to note that some of them are not your standard dorm hostel and are more in line with a budget homestay.

16. BnBs, Guesthouses, Camping, etc. 

BnB in Samarkand Uzbekistan

Guesthouses & Homestays: Uzbek locals are so friendly and welcoming, choosing a guest house or a homestay is a great option to engage and learn about local culture. Whether or not you need your accommodation slips as you exit the country, your host at all certified guest houses or home stay experiences should be able to register you in the system and provide you with a slip.

Camping:  register to do so online. If you are road tripping through Uzbekistan, you are legally allowed to camp and stay the night in your car. However, according to the official Uzbekistan tourist website you must

Myth Busting: Couch Surfing is Illegal

Couch Surfing is said to be illegal in Uzbekistan. However, one of the main reasons for this is the lack of accommodation slips provided. All the information I found on this topic was from several years ago and talked about $2,000 USD fines and being deported. I can not find any reputable information such as a government or tourist website that says otherwise, but with the new government relaxing on accomodation registrtation I forsee couch surfing becoming more popular and legal in the future. There are people who have tried it in 2019 and their couch surfing host was able to register them. So, if you are going to try it ask if they can register you.

Important to Note: Personally until I read from an official source couch surfing is legal I do not recommend you attempt it.

17. Caravanserais

When the Silk Road was at its peak travelers would stay at a Caravanserai, an inn with a large inner courtyard to park your camel and open terrace style accommodation looking over the courtyard. While most Caravanserais are now abandoned and worth visiting on your travels , you can stay in hotels that look like them. One in Bukhara is quite popular and right downtown.

18. Hotel Tax

Along with a general tourist tax at many of the sights, there is a $2 USD hotel tax that will be added to your bill per night. This tax is something we were happy to pay as tourists. The only downside about this is the $2 is the same no matter where you stay. Whether you book a $ 150-night stay or an $8 hostel dorm, you pay $2. If you are on a tight budget it’s important to remember that your $8 a night will turn into $10 a night.

Safety & Security Tips for Uzbekistan 

19. tourist police.

In Uzbekistan’s effort to be more welcoming and inviting to tourists they are pushing to make it as safe and comfortable as possible for them. That is where the Tourist Police come into play. The Tourist Police are your best friend if you feel unsafe or that you may be subject to a scam or bribe. It is helpful to make a note of where the Tourist Police office is in every city you go to. If anyone asks you for your passport, tries to burgle you, bribe you, or overcharge you, tell them you can all go to the Tourist Police to verify. More than likely the person will back off and leave you be.

Myth Busting: Uzbekistan Has Many Scammers

A lot of guides out there talk about the scams and bribes that happen in Uzbekistan. The presence of the Tourist Police means that the number of scams and tourist traps has decreased significantly. Never once did anyone attempt to rip us off or scam us. We did see the Tourist Police actively patrolling and pulling over unlicensed taxis and that sort of thing to show they really are cracking down to make it a safe place. 

20. Be Ready For Security Checks

One of the important things to know before you visit Uzbekistan is you will be subject to security checkpoints just about everywhere you go. Your bag will go through a scanner and you will walk through a metal detector. It is helpful to ensure you are packed efficiently without a lot of stuff in your pockets, metal in your bags, or anything that could be used as a weapon. You’ll be screened entering hotels, train stations, shopping centers, and metro stations. The first time you are subject to so much screening it is a little weird, but you’ll get used to it.

21. Uzbekistan is Safe

Oftentimes enhanced security means there is an underlying thread to be aware of. However, in Uzbekistan, it is quite safe. Never once did I feel any strange military tension or threats from locals. Every encounter we had with locals or security was friendly and positive. In fact, it was one of the countries where I felt the safest. So, relax and enjoy striking up conversations with locals on the street or having security wave you through with a smile.

Myth Busting: Stans are Unsafe

Having a “Stan” in the name comes with a reputation that the country is unsafe. In 2019 Uzbekistan is conflict-free and safe for travelers. The government is prioritizing tourism and doing all they can to ensure it remains safe for travelers. The last major conflict was in 2010 in the Fergana Valley.

22. Emergency Contacts

If you find yourself in an emergency while traveling in Uzbekistan you can use any of the following numbers to get help.

• Emergency service – 112
• Fire service – 101
• Healthcare emergency – 103
• Emergency gas service – 104
• Rescue service – 1050
• Inquiry office – 109

Important to Know:  You should have your own health and travel insurance to cover any emergency costs.

23. Independent and Solo Travel

As a young couple, we traveled Uzbekistan independently. We planned the entire trip ourselves, booked all our trains, planes, accommodation, and excursions ourselves. Aside from a few language difficulties with outdated websites, we honestly had no major issues. I highly recommend independent, solo, or couple travel for those traveling through Uzbekistan . 

Myth Busting: You Need to Book a Tour

A couple of years ago you might have not wanted to travel to Uzbekistan by yourself. Most people, save for a few brave adventurers, would book group tours or avoid solo travel. Our experience was that Uzbekistan was a great place for solo or couples travel. In 2019 we still saw quite a few tour groups traveling, but if you prefer to travel by yourself, with a friend, or your partner you will be just fine. With the new government welcoming tourism it is easier to get around and hotels are easier to book. If you want local engagement or perspectives on things, of course, you can book a guided multi-day tour, hire a guide for the day, or book a day trip, but you can also get around just fine on your own.

24. Extra Caution for the Fergana Valley

The exception to most things on this entire list, from sanitation, to customs, to safety, would be the Fergana Valley. For now it is important to collect your hotel slips if you stay in this area and you may be more subject to border questioning. In recent years, it is a safe place to visit, but it is off-the-beaten-path and has experienced conflict between its bordering countries in the past few years. Many of the modern amenities and luxuries I talk about throughout this post may not be present. The Valley is a place to explore the local culture of Uzbekistan, rather than the grand architecture of cities such as Bukhara. That being said, please ensure you do the proper research to make the most of your time in Fergana Valley. I suggest reading A gainst the Compass’ Guide to Fergana Valley as a good starting point. 

Things to Know About Uzbek Transporation

25. travel by train.

When we boarded our train from Tashkent to Bukhara we were amazed and how organized, punctual, clean, and wonderful our ride was. From the get-go, we had rail employees approach us to make sure we were getting on the right train and helped us to the correct seats. Once we were settled we were able to enjoy complimentary snacks or choose from a wider selection of food and drink to purchase. The toilets were clean, there was plenty of luggage storage, the seats were comfy and had outlets. It was a great way to get from point A to B in Uzbekistan all for a reasonable price. 

The trains run from Tashkent all the way to Khiva covering 263 stations across the country.

Important to Note: The train booking system is a bit difficult as the translation on the website doesn’t always work.

Once you book your tickets you need to confirm in order to get paper tickets you can print out.

The trains are so popular especially among locals that you should book tickets online in advance . 

26. Extra Time at Airports & Stations

When entering the train station or airport you will often have to go through several security checkpoints where you show your passport and ticket before even entering the area. Then you’ll go through a bag screening and another security checkpoint. They are pretty efficient, and most western passports don’t raise any eyebrows, but at any point in time there might be a long line, or you might be subject to additional screening. For this reason, it is best to give yourself a large window of time so you don’t miss any of your flights or trains. 

27. The Tashkent Metro is Awesome

One of the first things that surprised me in Uzbekistan was how great the Tashkent metro system was to ride -not to mention how beautiful it was. The metro system spans across the entire city with accessible points at most of the major areas or sites. Once you buy tokens from the ticket booth and head down to your platform it is only a 10-minute (or less) wait to ride the metro. Often times you will find staff members who are available to help point you in the right direction. 

Myth Busting: You Can’t Take Photos of the Metro

In 2019 you are officially allowed to take photos in the Tashkent metro. So, get your camera ready and click away. Locals are often confused by this as it is a new thing to be allowed to take photos in the metro and tourism isn’t booming there yet, so be prepared for a lot of stares, but you can take photos. 

28. Pack Your Walking Shoes

Aside from the Tashkent metro and intercity trains, there is very little public transportation in Uzbekistan, meaning you will be doing A LOT of walking. The major cities and towns in Uzbekistan are large and there are so many things to see and do, spread across the city. We found ourselves walking long distances, daily to see all the sights. You will want to pack comfortable and reliable shoes that are also breathable to deal with the heat. I packed a solid pair of walking shoes and my sandals and hardly even wore my sandals as I needed more support and comfort. This is not time to wear fashion over function. 

29. Take a Taxi

If you get tired of walking just about everyone is a taxi. Many of the taxi drivers do not speak English and we often struggle to ask them to take us to major tourist sites. It helps to have your hotel or accommodation book you a taxi, but you will pay more money, which is often what we did. 

You can haggle with taxis and you should never take their first offer. If you walk away from the taxi there will be plenty more willing to accept your offer.

Important to Note:  The taxis you take are often old and not in the best condition. More than likely you won’t have a seatbelt or other safety features like rear mirrors.

30. Download Yandex

Google isn’t very popular in Central Asia, rather the Russian-made Yandex rules. I suggest you download the taxi calling app Yandex for taxis in Tashkent. (We found it didn’t work well outside of Tashkent.) You can also download Yandex maps. We found a lot of restaurants not listed on Google maps that were listed on Yandex, so a whole new world opens up to you if you’re willing to move away from Google and try something new. 

31. Luggage Storage

If you find yourself checking out early from your hotel and catching a late bus, or maybe you flew in the morning and are catching a bus in the evening – you can store your luggage at train stations. We stored luggage for the day at the Tashkent train station. It was very safe and secure in a basement area with a security guard watching over it at all times. We just paid a small fee and got a ticket we held onto. You can also keep your bags at most hotels – though we found not many of them had a secure storage area. 

32. Shared Busses

Shared busses are very popular to access those hard to reach locations that the train doesn’t go to. It is also a great option for budget travelers. These busses will gather in a central area and they leave once they are full. You never want to go when it is empty because you can get charged a lot of money. So, wait until other people are heading to your destination, load up and head out. These busses are smaller white vans and have numbers on their window. Double-check your destination before getting on. 

Culture & Customs Tips for Uzbekistan

33. pack those shorts.

Sure, the majority of the country is Muslim, but that doesn’t mean it is a strictly religious country. In fact, the modern Uzbek government actively pushes for the separation of church and state and the locals are pretty relaxed about religion. That means you can fit right in with shorts and a T-shirt. I often wore long cool dresses with no sleeves and that was also totally ok. I chose things that were cool, comfortable, and easy to cover up in a pinch. 

I wore this thick strap loose dress quite a lot. Easy to cover up and cool.

Myth Busting: Uzbekistan is Conservative

I was worried about traveling to Uzbekistan in the middle of summer that I would have to pack more conservative clothing. To be on the safe side I packed a few Salwar Kameez, which are breathable and conservative, but I was thankful I packed plenty of shorts, T-Shits, and breathable dresses. I fit right in with locals and tourists, none of whom were overly conservative. I did make sure to carry a scarf around with me in case I wanted to visit a mosque. Uzbekistan in its modern state doesn’t actually have that many active places of worship worth visiting though, so you can pack as you would for any warmer destination, with some quick cover-up options added to your suitcase. 

34. Mosques are Quiet

If you don’t hear the call to prayer several times a day it is not because there are no mosques, but because in Uzbekistan’s effort to separate church and state they don’t allow the loud public blast of the call to prayer through the minarets. 

That being said, there actually aren’t that many active mosques and the ones that do exist are in an older architectural style, so they don’t’ define the skyline as in many Muslim dominated countries. 

35. Say “Salom”

Salom is a common greeting for locals. Don’t be shy feel free to make eye contact in the street and say Salom first. The locals will be happy to say it back and continue on their merry way. 

36. Locals are Friendly

The locals do more than say hello in casual passing, they are incredibly friendly. Everyone wants to chat with you, make eye contact with you, exchange hellos, or flash their golden smiles. Be prepared to strike up a conversation at dinner with the table next to you, the local sitting on his doorstep or your server. 

37. Russian is Being Phased Out

Most guidebooks talk about learning some Russian phrases as one of the things you should do before you travel to Uzbekistan. While a lot of elder locals spoke Russian, the language is being phased out. I encourage you to learn Uzbek phrases to speak to the locals in their preferred language. 

Myth Busting

It was actually uncommon to find signs and writing in Cyrillic. Unless you are traveling to other areas in Central Asia such as Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan, where Russian is more common it is a waste of time to learn the Cyrillic as suggested by so many. 

38. English Isn’t Common

Russian may not be as common as it once was, but English still isn’t very common. Since most of the tourism is from Asia, Germany, France, and Russia, most of the locals have learned some phrases in those languages. We were approached a few times and the locals would start speaking French, Japanese, or German to us, assuming we were from one of those locations. 

It seems kids are learning English in school though since a lot of younger kids were able to have simple extended conversations with us.

39. Where Are You From

But wait, didn’t I just say that not many people speak English? They don’t, but just about everyone can say, “Where are you from?” Everyone wants to know where you are from. Since they don’t speak English, you’ll often just hear random countries like, “America” or “Deutschland” and that means they want to know your home country.

For me, coming from the U.S. everyone would follow up and want to know what state. Some people knew Alaska was cold and others had never heard of it. For Ganesh, the Australian, everyone wanted to know what city, replying with “Sydney, Melbourne?”

40. Say “Cheese”

A few times a local approached me and I was a bit wary of them, unsure what they would want. Years of traveling in places where the locals are jaded and take advantage of tourists has taught me to be on guard. I had no reason to worry, the locals just wanted a photo with me and would pull out their phone for an epic selfie. Get your best smile ready, and be prepared to be in a lot of photos. 

41. Avoid Politics

Uzbekistan is technically a dictatorship, but a mostly benevolent one at that. The locals are generally happy with the way things are and are seeing the benefits of their current leader. They prefer not to talk about politics, so stick to lighter topics. But, I encourage you to read up on the politics and history of the region to be well-informed. 

42. Know Your Timur History

Timur is all over Uzbekistan. His place of rest is in Samarkand, grand statues are spread across the country and there are many references to him and his conquest. If you want to understand some of the history and monuments built to him, then read up on his history. 

43.  Madrasas, Mosques, Mausoleums, & Bazaars

There are three types of buildings you will come accross when visiting the history silk road cities. It is helpful to identify they and know their history.

Madrasas , are old Islamic schools and were once the pinnacle of knowledge spanning maths, science, astronomy, religion, and writing of the Islamic world. Since Uzbekistan isn’t overly religious very few of them function as schools. However, there is one at the Kalon Square in Bukhara that operates as a school. For this reason, you can not enter. Madrasas are grand buildings with arch way entrances, an inner court yard, and two stories of smaller rooms. Most grand buildings you see along the silk road are old madrasas. Some now have bazaars and others are left empty. You do not need to dress modestly to enter these.

Mir-i-Arab Madrasa

Mosques,  much like the Madrasas many of the Mosques in Uzbekistan are not not active mosques. You will find many are now museums. The mosques are not in the style of many of the modern mosques found in Istanbul, rather they are often made out of wood with intricate pillars adorning the entrance. If you do enter an active mosque you should cover up with a headscarf.

Bolo Hauz Mosque

Mausoleums , are mostly found in Samarkand, but they are throughout Uzbekistan. These are grand places of rest of Central Asia’s greatest leaders. They look like they could be a madrasa from a distance, but they are smaller and often more intricate with gold and white colors. Personally I found the Mausoleums in Samarkand at Shah-i-Zinda and Timors to be some of the most breath taking structures I have ever seen. It is common to cover your shoulders when entering these areas, but even locals seem pretty relaxed about it.

Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleums

Bazaars, are large multi dome structures that you see just about everywhere in Uzbekistan. If you see many brick domes with vents on top that sprawl covering quite a bit of distance, then this is a bazaar. Most of them are still active and are great places for souviner shopping.

Things to Know About Uzbek Food & Drink

44. yes, you can survive as a vegetarian.

If you’ve read my vegetarian survival guide to Central Asia then you already know how easy it was to be a vegetarian in Uzbekistan. We found lots of veggies and fruits and pages of vegetarian options at every restaurant we went to. I didn’t eat meat a single time in Uzbekistan and enjoyed a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. All the restaurant staff was incredibly friendly and helpful to ensure our dietary needs were met.  

Myth Busting: Vegetarians are Fucked

Most travel guides to Central Asia or Uzbekistan state that the diet is all meat and all plov all the time, or if you are a vegetarian you are screwed. In 2019, this is not the case. If anything, it was harder to find plov than other meals. A lot of these guides were created by budget bloggers who may not have been able to afford to sit down restaurants, or weren’t looking for vegetarian options. Also, as more tourism comes to the country, especially from countries like India, the locals are more in tune with dietary needs like vegetarian food. 

45. Hot Tea on Hot Days

If drinking hot tea on a hot day sounds awful to you, get used to it. One thing that is a staple in the Uzbekistan diet is hot tea. You will be served tea at restaurants and guest houses. Boiling the water helps get rid of any bacteria in the water, and it is known if you sweat in a hot climate with a breeze it can help cool you off. So, sweat it out with some hot tea on a hot day. The only thing missing, the breeze haha. 

46. Get Drunk!

Seeing as Uzbekistan isn’t as conservative as other Muslim dominant countries, drinking is perfectly acceptable by both locals and tourists. So, feel free to order beer or wine at dinner, and you may even find yourself drinking vodka with the locals – be careful you will need to finish the bottle though.

47. No Need to Tip, But…

While eating out you don’t need to leave a tip for your server – unless you really want to. You will, however, pay a service charge at most dining establishments, so don’t be surprised when you see that tacked on to a bill. 

48. Kids Serve You

One of the most comical memories from Uzbekistan was when we went to a coffee shop in The Registan. We walked up to a high bar counter and said, “Hello?” Two kids popped up on tiptoes to see over the counter to take our order. They looked well under 12, but sure enough, they were making coffee and mixing cocktails. This is a common sight in Uzbekistan and while it is a bit odd at first, that is just the way it is.

49. Street Food

Samsa Street Food Oven

If you’re not vegetarian or on a budget, there are plenty of street food vendors in both cities and small villages. People will often serve piping hot and fresh samsas or plov out their front door or on the side of the street.

50. Plov, Laghman, and…

vegetarian laghman

Uzbekistan is known for its plov and Laghman, but we found the food variety was much more diverse than that. The traditional dishes you will encounter most often are:

Plov:  Similar to a rice pilaf this dish is traditionally cooked in large cast-iron bowls with meat, raisins, animal fat, and some veggies.

Laghman: This is an egg noodle dish with fat plump noodles typically cooked in fat with meat and some veggies.

Samsas: These are smaller flaky pastry pockets stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies.

Myth Busting: Plov, Plov, Plov

A lot of guides talk about how all there is to eat is plov and Laghman. However, we found a HUGE variety of food. While almost every restaurant had plov and Laghman on the menu in all the major Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan we found kebaps, eggplant rolls, lavash with cheese and tomato, pumpkin dumplings, grilled veggies, fruit salads… etc. So, you won’t be eating plov the entire time, unless you spend your entire trip in remote Uzbekistan.

Things to Know About Health & Sanitation 

51. water is not safe to drink.

As someone who strives to be zero waste, water sanitation is always a big deal to me at my destinations. Unfortunately, the water is not clean or safe to drink. This means you will have to source or buy your own water. Uzbekistan can get very hot, so rather than buying liters of plastic bottled water, I encourage you to get a Steripen, which works well. If you are staying at a nicer hotel you can also boil water, reuse bottles, and put them in your fridge. 

52. Drink Lots of Water

With the heat and all the walking, you will be doing, it is very important to drink lots of water. I was drinking several liters a day and we even carried a camelback around with us during the day.

53. Public Toilets & Squatty Potties

Public toilets are easy to find and not as bad as they were.

As someone who has to pee frequently I often rate countries or cities by the state of their public toilets. Just about every restaurant, cafe, and hotel had great toilets, we even found some public toilets that cost about 1000 sum. It was safe to say whenever I needed a toilet I had one.

Myth Busting: Public Toilets are Nasty

If you are reading Lonely Planet or other guides about how nasty the public toilets are great news, this is changing! In 2018 Uzbekistan introduced an initiative to improve the general health and sanitation for all public toilets around the country, including remote areas with no water. In most of the major tourist destinations, you will see the results of this initiative starting to happen with more public toilets and better sanitation in all toilets. However, since this is a huge project, some public toilets are a bit iffy. For example, the toilets at the train stations are squatty potties and you have to make sure you get toilet paper before you go in. I also found myself without paper a few times. 

Important to Know: As conditions continue to improve, have your own toilet paper in your bag, carry hand sanitizer, and get used to squatty potties. You will often find a sign on the door asking you to toss your paper rather than flush it. 

54. Take a Siesta

If you do travel in the summer or during the hot months, as we did, pace yourself and learn to take a siesta in the afternoon. We would get up early to explore and by 1 pm we would head back to our air-conditioned room to relax, drink water, nap, and eat some lunch. As things started to cool off by 5 pm, we would emerge in order to check out a few more sights, catch the sunset, eat dinner, and stroll around at night with the locals.

55. Pack Sun Protection

I used my scarf as a cover-up for mosques and protection from the sun.

While it might be hot enough to get away with shorts – the sun is no joke. Make sure you’re protecting yourself from the sun with a hat, a coverup, UV protection sunglasses, and breathable clothing.

56. Pack Some Diarrhea Meds

It is possible you will get sick eating certain foods, especially with the water quality. It doesn’t hurt to have some meds on hand for stomach related issues. Remember to only bring what you need and if it a prescription, make sure it is in your name for customs.

General Tourist Tips To Know About Uzbekistan

57. high airport tax.

Uzbekistan is making leaps and bounds towards fostering tourism in the country, but there is still one downside. Flying into the Tashkent airport or any other airport internationally is quite expensive due to airport taxes. These fees might get quite high if you are flying in from somewhere like the U.S., but it wasn’t too bad coming in from Germany. Uzbekistan has stated they are working to reduce these high airport fees, so it might not be too long before we see some killer deals in Tashkent. Regardless of the price, it is 100% worth it to visit.

58. Print It!

Print everything!

Print all your important documents including your visa, visa waiver information, passport copy, train tickets, booking confirmations, etc. We had a whole packet of paperwork in a protected case that we kept on us. You will need physical copies of many things throughout your trip and never rely on digital copies.

59. Travel in the Autumn

When traveled to Uzbekistan in August it was freakin’ hot, to say the least. I ended up with heatstroke walking around 45 degrees Celsius temperatures. While it was great because hardly anyone was around and we had places to ourselves there were times we felt it was too hot. The peak season for visiting Uzbekistan is autumn in September or October. This time of year restaurants serve a lot of fresh fruits and veggies from the recent harvest, making it even better for vegetarians. Spring is also a pretty decent time to visit. Winter gets pretty cold at night, so pack some warmer items for winter travel. 

60. Get a Local SIM/Google Fi

We use Google Fi when we travel, allowing us to have potentially unlimited data and phone service for up to 60 Euro a month. Google Fi is generally for U.S. citizens and connects to the local server when you travel. We had fantastic high-speed internet throughout Uzbekistan.

If you are not able to get Google Fi, I suggest you get a local SIM card. You can easily pick one up from an English speaking attendant at the airport tourist information booth. The local internet is great, fast, and reliable. 

Myth Busting: The WIFI Sucks

We read a lot of complaints about the terrible internet in Uzbekistan. Most of the hotels and accommodation we stayed in had decent wifi. Some cafes and restaurants had it, but not all. It is still an up-and-coming thing, and if you want to stay connected, at this point definitely get a local SIM.

61. Visit Places 2x

As photographers, we visited just about every major tourist spot Uzbekistan, such as the Registan in Samarkand and Kalon Square in Bukhara at least twice. The lighting changes so much from sunrise to after dark. Trust me you’ll want photos of these sights at dawn/during the day and again at sunset/at night to play with the lighting. So, budget enough time in each destination to do this, meaning don’t just a day trip to these cities. If you can, stay longer and appreciate the beauty as the light changes. 

62. Bring a Tripod

If you’re also a photographer then I suggest you pack a tripod, which is great for ensuring those night shots are crystal clear. There isn’t much in terms of water features, like grand waterfalls, so you probably don’t need an ND filter, but a travel tripod, such as the Rollei Carbon Travel Tripod, which is what I use.

63. Enjoy a Relaxed Itinerary

We were a bit stressed with the lack of information on what to do and see. It was like everyone read Lonely Planet and copied their guide to create blog posts. So, instead of doing a ton of research and following a plan to see top sights we sort of just walked around. Everywhere in every corner of the cities and towns, there were interesting things to see, people to talk to, photos to take. A loose itinerary with an open mind to explore is the way to explore Uzbekistan.

I suggest booking your transportation and accommodation in advance but leave the day to day sightseeing up in the air. You’ll be surprised at what you find. 

64. Ready for Tourism

Since 2017 things in Uzbekistan have changed drastically. A major driving factor is the push for tourism and opening the country up to foreigners. Uzbekistan is ready for tourism in every sense of the word. The hotels are ready to welcome you, infrastructure is in place, restaurants are more diverse for dietary needs, it is safe, there are museums, tourist sites, friendly locals… the list goes on. 

65. Don’t Be a Dick and Ruin It

As the heading says, don’t be a dick of a tourist and ruin it. Uzbekistan is still special and remote. It feels authentic and the locals aren’t jaded by asshole tourists. Please, please don’t be that basic ass tourist who comes and trashes the cities, ruins the sights with endless photos, rips the locals off, or other general bad behavior. Come visit Uzbekistan, but do so with respect.

66. Your Mind Will Be Blown

Lastly, it’s been a while since a destination blew my mind. I was starting to think I was over travel and the type of people who partake in it. I was tired of visiting cities destroyed by selfish and self-centered travelers. I was tired of seeing castle after castle that all looked the same and locals who were angry at disrespectful tourists. The culture, food, history, and architecture truly blew my mind and reminded me of why I love traveling and experiencing new cultures so much. 

Pin To Your Dream Travel Board!

I hope these 65 + essential travel tips and things you need to know before traveling to Uzbekistan were helpful. Since Uzbekistan has changed so much in the last two years the myth-busting tips ensure you have the most up to date and recent information to help you plan the best trip to Uzbekistan. Do I need to updated or add anything? Let me know in the comments or shoot me an email.

Don’t forget to pin for some bucket-list inspiration.

About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

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Thanks so much Susannah for providing such a comprehensive/informative and relatively recent (COVID 2 years excluded of course) update on all you need to know when travelling to amazing Uzbekistan…..including my passion for toilet/bathroom reviews :) Want to go even more now….just need to wait for the Uzbek government to remove quarantining on arrival!

Hope you are able to get there soon. Uzbekistan is easily one of my favorite places I’ve been – it is such a lovely country!

Hi, Is it possible whitdraw money from ATM with credit card only (and high fare) or Is ti possible with debit card or normal ATM card? Thank You

Hey Jack, we primarily used visa debit cards that work like credit cards at all the ATMs. However, if your credit card typically works at ATM machines I assume you would be just fine.

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Indiana University Press

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Essays on uzbek history, culture, and language.

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Edited by Denis Sinor

Published by: Sinor Research Institute of Inner Asian Studies

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• Published: December 1993

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This volume contains ten individual articles which focus on a variety of topics relating to Uzbek history, culture, and linguistics. Coordinated by professors Bakhtiyar Nazarov and Denis Sinor, it is a joint project between American scholars and those from the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic (now the Republic of Uzbekistan). At the time of its creation, it was intended to demonstrate the immense scholarly potential that could come from collaborations between the U.S. and Uzbek S.S.R. The essays it presents contain a vast breadth and depth of knowledge, and any scholar of Uzbek or Central Asian linguistics, history, or culture in general would be remiss to not read them.

Bakhtiyar Nazarov was a professor at the Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of Sciences of the Uzbek SSR in Tashkent. Denis Sinor was a distinguished professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University. Along with serving as the first chair of the department, he founded the Institute for Inner Asian Studies at IU, which was renamed in his honor in 2007. Technical Editor: Devin DeWeese is an emeritus professor of Central Eurasian Studies at Indiana University. He specializes in Islamic Studies and Islamic Central Asia.

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The 9 best places to visit in Uzbekistan

Aug 15, 2024 • 8 min read

Get to know Uzbekistan with this guide to the top places to visit, like the historic center of Bukhara. Shutterstock

Set at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan is famed for its stunning historical architecture and beautiful mosques and medressas, alongside Soviet modernism, a flourishing arts and crafts scene, a rich traditional culture, and the genuine hospitality of local people. 

The continental climate brings four distinct seasons, and escaping into nature and visiting off-the-beaten-track destinations are adventures that will leave lifetime memories.

Here are our top recommendations of places to visit in Uzbekistan for architecture, culture, nature and immersion in the arts.

1. Registan, Samarkand

Best for dramatic architecture

The historic  Registan  Square in Samarkand impresses first-time visitors more than any other attraction in Uzbekistan. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the square consists of three striking medressas – the Ulugbek, Sherdor and Tilla-Kori – which together served as a university for Islamic scholars. The name Registan means "a sand place". Since the Timurid period, this has been a place where people have met, important decisions were announced, and crucial events in Uzbekistan’s history occurred. 

Samarkand is blessed with many other historical attractions, including the Bibi-Khanym Mosque , the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis , the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum and Ulugbek’s Observatory – all of them well worth visiting. One day might be enough to cover most important stops, but if you want to enjoy the pace of life in Samarkand, wander around talking to local craftspeople and leave some time for tea and local cuisine, allow two days or more.

Local tip: Opened in 2022, Samarkand International Airport is the second-biggest airport in the country and a good entry point to Uzbekistan. Turkish Airlines, WizzAir, AirDubai, FlyAirstan, Jazeera Air and several Uzbek airlines operate regular flights to this modern airport, and from Samarkand, it’s easy to travel around the country by rail – to Bukhara, Khiva and Nukus and then fly back to the capital Tashkent.

Best for history 

In Samarkand, an ancient mosque might sit alongside an office tower or a modern neighborhood, but Bukhara ’s old city really makes you travel in time. Protected by UNESCO, the historical part of the city still feels completely authentic, with timeless mosques, minarets, medressas, craft workshops, caravanserais and local eateries. Set around an artificial pool called Labi Hovuz, the central square has a unique atmosphere and is a great place to admire the architecture, enjoy local food, sip tea, slurp ice cream, bargain with souvenir sellers, or just have a breather sitting on a bench in the sun.

There are many must-visit stops in Bukhara. Be sure to make time for the Ark , a former residence of Bukhara Emir, the eye-catching medressas of Mir-i-Arab , Nadir Divanbegi and Abdul Aziz Khan , the Kalon Minaret , and the inspiring Sitorai Mohi Hosa summer palace. 

While the old city might seem compact on the map, Bukhara deserves at least two full days. This is one of those cities where you can discover endless new layers each time you return.

Planning tip: Multicultural, ancient and packed with interesting experiences, Bukhara is best enjoyed in spring and autumn when the weather is not too hot or too cold.

3. The Savitsky Museum in Nukus

Best stop for art lovers

Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic in the west of Uzbekistan, lures many visitors thanks to the unusual landscapes of the Aral Sea , the Ustyurt Plateau and the ancient fortresses in the surrounding desert. But one of the most interesting destinations is the Savitsky Museum  (or the Nukus Museum of Art) in the regional capital, Nukus. It displays a vast collection of Russian avant-garde art, secretly preserved during Soviet times. Its founder, Igor Savitsky, was an art connoisseur who saved roughly 100,000 artworks, showcasing the rich lifestyle and heritage of people in this area. 

Planning tip: Trains from Tashkent to Nukus can take more than 20 hours; many travelers arrive by air to maximize time for sightseeing.

4. Ichan Kala, Khiva

Best for stepping into the past

The open-air museum that is the city of Khiva used to be the capital of the Khorezm Shakhs and later the hub of the Khiva Khanate, and it still preserves its own language, traditions and culture. The fascinating Ichan Kala (which means “inner city”) is the fortress in the heart of Khiva, and most of the architectural attractions are located inside of it. Visit the atmospheric Juma mosque, the Tosh-Hovli Palace (with its harem rooms for wives of the ruler), and the Kalta Minor minaret, and you’ll feel the grandeur and tranquility of Central Asia in the Middle Ages.

Some of the historic buildings have been transformed into boutique hotels – it’s a very unusual feeling to stay overnight in a room of medieval features, but with all the modern facilities you could want, such as air-conditioning and a hot shower. Get to know the culture of Khiva through classes, from baking bread all the way to lessons in energetic Khorezm dancing. 

5. Margilan

Best for lovers of traditional art forms

Moving from historical to artistic sites, the city of Margilan in the Fergana Valley is a great place to discover the history of  ikat  fabric the weaving of textiles with designs pre-dyed into the fibers. This unique weaving technique has independently developed in many different parts of the world, including in Indonesia, Japan, India and Latin America, but the Silk Road made Uzbek ikat particularly famous, thanks to its quality and the variety of the fabrics produced in silk, cotton and velvet. 

Margilan is a cozy small town where you can visit long-established makers of Central Asian ikat at the Yodgorlik Silk Factory , speak to modern weavers at local crafts centers, or just enjoy the abundance of the local farmers market and the laidback lifestyle of this mainly agricultural area.

Planning tip: Margilan has been a hub for silk production since the time of the Silk Road; get here easily by shared taxi from Fergana or train from Tashkent. Come on Thursday or Sunday for the local market. 

Best for ceramics fans

There is probably no other city in the world with quite so many ceramic artists as Rishtan. As soon as you enter the town, you will see pottery items for sale on both sides of the highway, but don’t rush to buy here because you will find better quality and more authentic works in the studios of local craftspeople.

Rishtan was already famous for glazed ceramics 1000 years ago, thanks to the unique soil – the richest source of terracotta clay in the region. The workshops of Alister Nazirov and Rustam Usmanov are famous for preserving and popularizing the ancient techniques of Uzbek ceramics art. However, there are many skilled crafters and ceramics centers for all tastes and budgets in the city.

7. Tashkent

Best stop for city slickers

The Uzbek capital, Tashkent , is not just an entry point to the country, but a diverse and fascinating destination in its own right. Islamic architecture, vibrant avenues, art and history museums, theaters, international gastronomy and nightlife make for a modern, cosmopolitan experience.

Start with a visit to central Amir Timur square, where you can drop into the Amir Timur Museum , view the Amir Timur monument and the Tashkent clock tower (which now hosts two quirky restaurants), and visit a famous piece of Soviet monumental architecture, the Hotel Uzbekistan . 

Nearby, so-called Broadway Street is especially colorful in the evening with souvenir shops, street food and amusements. A short hop west, Tashkent City Park offers plenty of ways to keep busy, with an aquarium, planetarium, dancing fountains and street shows, as well as diverse restaurants, modern hotels, shopping malls and an open-air cinema. For a shopping treasure hunt, head to the vast Chorsu Bazaar , Tashkent’s best-loved marketplace, or the Navruz Ethnopark to discover traditional clothing and accessories, local crafts and authentic Uzbek food. 

8. Konigil Village 

Best crafts stop if you’re short on time

On the outskirts of Samarkand, the village of Konigil is an atmospheric destination. This village is an amazing place to learn about the crafts of the region in one place. The Meros Paper Mill specializes in traditional silk paper, and you can also see the production of vegetable oil, ceramics, carpets and other local crafts. There are places to sample local food and even a small guest house, conveniently located in one tranquil space near the small, tree-shaded Siab River. Time slows down here, and it’s a beautiful escape for a half day or more. 

9. Zaamin National Park 

Best escape for nature lovers

Among the many picturesque mountain areas in Uzbekistan, Zaamin National Park holds a special place in the hearts of locals, thanks to its unspoiled natural scenery. Until recently, this picturesque destination east of Samarkand was off the radar of foreign tourists but well-explored by the people of the area. The air of Zaamin is considered to have healing properties, and nature here is pure and abundant – indeed, the area is often compared to Switzerland.

Many unique types of flora and fauna are found here, including black storks, black bears, lynx and snow leopards, and locals are warm and sincere. There’s a beautiful lake-like reservoir and great trails for hiking, and people come there in both summer and winter to stay in the area’s new international hotels and run in the Zaamin Ultramarathon in June. 

This article was first published Sep 27, 2023 and updated Aug 15, 2024.

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Why i like my motherland uzbekistan essay

• Category: Essay
• Words: 1691
• Published: 04.28.20
• Views: 1903

I went east, west, to the south and north, but I’ve never located a place a lot better than my motherland. The air that my superb ancestors breathed. The water that cured diseases that was said it was incurable, as well as the land which in turn carries wonderful secrets from the past. My personal motherland is usually Uzbekistan the nation which shook the world with it might and power. In my motherland kids my era and other ages are no much less and never were. They are the many active plus the most smart children of this century plus the century from then on.

If we want to get champion we are champion we all just need to have an intention and self-trust to be unstoppable. Inside the same time we must thank our director and our ancestor intended for bringing all of us to this peaceful and sufficient time. Several years our ancestors and forefathers fought in this freedom right now we have, thus their generation or us to live in this sort of great ambiance. Many years of effort showed their result. Abu Ali Ibn Sino, Mirzo Ulugbek, Abu Rayhon Beruniy, Khorazimy, Abu Nasr Farobiy and other in the greatest leaders, astronomers, mathematicians, physicians, philosophers and so on.

All their love pertaining to knowledge produced them talk about their discoveries and the literature which they had written on paperwork are really treasured like every site of their publication is made out of platinum. If I might take Mirzo Ulugbek (1394-1449) as an example he opened the trick to stars by building the first observatory in Samarkand. Our ancestor, Mirzo Ulugbek. spended the majority of his existence in the observatory studying stars. He discovered more than thousand stars and named them in his publication called “Ziji Jadidi Kuragoniy, is a publication that contains the name of stars, which will helped astronomers in the future.

It was only one of your ancestor that gave all of us pride inside the pages of astronomy. Imagine what others did, additionally they made large discoveries, which will gave all of us pride in other the webpages of knowledge. Each of our ancestors would have any kind of advanced technology of this season, but we have the right now in our tranquil and man rights protected motherland Uzbekistan. This means we could also attain greater goals in the present and future which might be added to the book expertise, making us pioneers and helpings the future era to develop even more.

In my motherland not only knowledge played part, but in the same time frame religion which in turn our ancestors and forefathers were enjoyed a vital role, which can be Islam. Currently, entire Islamic countries value our motherland, because of each of our ancestors who also added their very own part of all time of Islam. They are Al-Bukhariy, Tirmidhi, Motrudiy, Naqshbandiy and so forth. These days the majority of the Islamic countries won’t identify us right up until we state one of each of our ancestors identity for example Al-Bukhariy. When they listen to this identity they will be really proud to see the generation of Bukhariy, and definitely will show esteem.

The reason why Al-Bukhariy is famous is really because he collected hadith and made it an e book. Hadith is a words or perhaps acts of the Prophet (P. B. U. H). Therefore we can increase our manages also inside the pages of faith. As you can see what type of great persons which each of our motherland elevated. This people makes us love each of our country increasingly more. We should be impressed by our head, Islam Karimov, has been attending to the children of Uzbekistan. However, world wants that our innovator is one of the ideal leader, politician and thinker in the world.

He gave us opportunities simply by creating most organizations intended for young generations such as “Kamolot. Islam Karimov said,  Our children has to be even better and smarter than us. In the event you noticed that when he means children he means us. At this point tell me who does not take pleasure in a country or motherland such us Uzbekistan. Many people who includes children are dying in other countries. They don’t understand what tranquility and adequateness means in any way, because they have not lived enough to taste this. In our motherland it is the reverse of all this kind of, we have no war, simply no drought, no natural catastrophe neither unintelligent leader.

The key reason why of all this kind of peace is usually our president’s love pertaining to his motherland and it’s kids which means us. Another illustrations for so why we are unable to live with no loving each of our mother property is because it supplies all of us with electrical power, oil and gas. In some countries, such as the ones in Africa are certainly not supplied with this kind of precious energies. This means we must save some of the people, so our future technology would not go through in the near future mainly because they do not have enough energy. Also for the vitality we must or have to say thanks to our leader, because he did not let us stay undeveloped like the countries in Africa and other parts of Asia. Sports-is the ambassador of peace,  said the President Islam Karimov.

Therefore , to have an minister plenipotentiary from serenity our country has been raising the excitement of the future era to athletics. Youth my personal age are actually becoming innovator athletes of the world. My nation has been raising and reconstructing gyms or perhaps places to teach in an certain sports. A number of tools that is used in sporting activities are getting imported and manufactured in top quality in our region. We have received many gold, silver, dureté medals in worldwide or perhaps international tournaments.

These days we certainly have more 100 types of sports being thought inside our country in addition to the same time a lot more than hundred 1, 000 young specialists. This pros are now adding the world in wonder, which makes them think, “Is there a establish limit in know-how and power of Uzbekistan? . I will response that query explicitly there are limits. In every region, includes Uzbekistan, there is 1 huge difficulty which is polluting of the environment. Pollution means exhilarating air, water and earth. Polluting of the environment is leading to several types of conditions, which is eliminating people.

The pollutants happen to be damaging air which has been held clean during the past centuries. The planet is being struggling to fertilize, in order that plants or perhaps vegetables that feeds individuals are getting smaller or the number is decreasing each year. Normal water the most important chemical substance element in the world is shedding its ravenscroft clean appears, and is having infected by simply anonymous conditions that is sentenciado. In the same time each of our motherland is being damaged and weakened. It sustained all of us with many points and as a repay were damaging this and in the same time frame not leaving a chance for each of our future technology to see just how powerful this kind of sacred place were.

This must not embark on this way we must stop this kind of living and start a new very safe environmental living, which means polluting less and cleaning more. Today is definitely the 21st century, therefore there are lots of systems that helps safe the environment, and thanks to our President we now have those technologies. He separated enough money to buy build solar panel and hydroelectric place. This means we are developing actually fast in addition to the same time regular. In the near future which can be less than a decade we may also buy wind turbines which are best for the environment.

If we are growing this way, maybe after a significantly less or more than the usual decade we will be driving electric powered cars inside the streets of Uzbekistan. Electric cars are better than petroleum employing cars, because petroleum cars will produce a huge mass of dangerous gas, in another side electric cars are the reverse. This type of technology will really help us save our valuable motherland, but one of the most essential traditions we certainly have that was left by our ancestors is called “Hashar or cleaning of spots such as the roadways that will be accustomed to reach the college or workplace.

This type of custom will make a person love his country and people who dedicate their lives to protect that. Our motherland gave us many things, although did we all repay each of our motherland. The motherland provided us peaceful place to live, sustained us with clean air and drinking water and in addition electric power, gas, and petroleum for our autos. In the meantime, the motherland is definitely giving us free 14 years of golden knowledge that is definitely rare in certain country, therefore we can are as long as our superb ancestors, which in turn changed a history and they approach people are in the world in their time and down the road. Now show me again, why exactly should not we love our motherland?

I do think that only dumb-minded, selfish, awful intentional persons would not love our or perhaps their motherland at all. We am genuinely thankful for each of our President Islam Karimov, one of the successful, spirited, kindhearted, long-range planning and intelligent, to get leading all of us to the correct path and a great long term. I will usually wish him to receive what this individual intended and have a prosperous future. I love my motherland and all those things in this the air, the water, the earth and the people who reside in our motherland Uzbekistan beside me, and I also wish that they may serve each of our country is to do their best to settle it.

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About Uzbekistan

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Where in the World is Uzbekistan? Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia and borders Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The country is about the same size as Sweden or California with more than two-thirds of it desert and steppe in the west. The only relief is the delta where the Amu-Darya River empties into what remains of the Aral Sea. In the east, however, Uzbekistan tilts upward towards the mountains of its neighbors. This is where the country’s life-giving rivers rise.

The richest farmland (and therefore the bulk of the population) is nestled in the gaps in the mountains, on the alluvial planes at their base, and along the country’s two big rivers – Amu-Darya and Syr Darya.Uzbekistan contains some of the world’s oldest, most historic cities including Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate. It is generally warmest in the south and coldest in the north. Temperatures in December average -8˚C (18˚F) in the north and 0˚C (32˚F) in the south. Extreme fluctuations can take temperatures as low as -35˚C (-31˚F).

During the summer, temperatures can reach 45˚C (113˚F) and above. Humidity is low. Spring (April to June), and fall (September through October), are in general the most pleasant times to travel. The weather is mild and in April the desert blooms briefly. Fall is harvest time and the markets are full of fresh fruit.

If you’re interested in trekking, then the summer months of July and August are the best times since summers are almost dry. In recent years Uzbekistan was notably affected by the global warming and dry-out of the Aral Sea resulting in hotter and drier summers and colder and longer winters.

Uzbekistan is a dry, double landlocked country of which 11 percent consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60 percent of its population lives in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is the world’s second-largest cotton exporter and the fifth largest producer. The country relies heavily on cotton production as the major source of export earnings. Other major export earners include gold, natural gas and oil.

People and Culture

Uzbekistan is a multinational country. The two main languages are Uzbek and Russian but you will also hear several other languages including Korean, English, German, Tajik and Turkish. Besides the Uzbek population, Uzbekistan contains many other nationalities, all with their own mode of life.

People in Uzbekistan wear different types of clothes. In villages you will observe women wearing traditional clothes like long variegated dresses and scarves. In cities they are less traditional and more modern.  Men wear pants more often than jeans. Shorts are worn rather rarely and usually only by people in the city.

Being a guest or inviting someone into your home is a big thing in Uzbekistan. People will often visit a friend or neighbor without a special reason. Uzbek people are known to be very hospitable and find it an honor to have a guest in their home. There are even special seating arrangements for guests. The eldest person or honored guest is usually invited to sit at the head of the table, away from the door. Young people or hosts sit by the door to act as “waiters.” They bring and take away dishes, pour tea and do other things.

Uzbekistan is also known for its national cuisine. Unlike their nomadic neighbors, the Uzbeks have been a settled civilization for centuries. Between the deserts and mountains, the oases and fertile valleys, they have cultivated grain and domesticated livestock. The resulting abundance of produce has allowed them to enrich their cuisine.

The seasons greatly influence the composition of national foods. In summer, fruits, vegetables and nuts are widely used in cooking. Fruits grow in abundance in Uzbekistan such as grapes, melons, apricots, pears, apples, cherries, pomegranates, lemons, figs and dates. Vegetables are also plentiful, such as eggplants, peppers, turnips, cucumbers and luscious tomatoes. There are also some lesser-known species of vegetables such as green radishes, yellow carrots, and dozens of pumpkin and squash varieties.

The Uzbeks prefer mutton to other kinds of meat; it is the main source of protein in the Uzbek diet. Beef and horsemeat are also eaten.

The wide choice of bread is a staple for the majority of the population. Round, unleavened break or leplyoshka/non is usually baked in a tandir (round ovens made of mud) and served with tea. The national bread is often sold on street corners. Some varieties are cooked with onion or meat while others are simply sprinkled with sesame seeds.

The most well-known Uzbek dish is plov or osh. It is cooked with fried meat, onions, carrots and rice. Sometimes raisins, barberries, chickpeas or other fruits are added.  Uzbeks are very proud of their skills to cook plov. A master plov chef cooks plov on an open flame, sometimes serving up to 1,000 people from a single cauldron on holidays or special occasions like weddings.

Tea is a reverent beverage in the finest Oriental traditions; it is the drink of hospitality. Tea is first served to guests and then to family members. Green tea is more popular in Uzbekistan than black but black is preferred in Tashkent.

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Essay on Uzbekistan

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Uzbekistan is a country located in the northwest of the region known as the Middle East. It shares borders with the following countries: Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. It is approx. 173,000 sq. mi, or roughly the size of California. It has a pop. of about 30 million people. From 1924 to 1991, it was ruled by the Soviets. The vast majority of people fall into the ethnic group Uzbek, and are Sunni Muslim, but about 20% of the population is classified as: Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, Karakalpak, Tartar, and other. However, the most prominent culture is Uzbek, and they live very interesting lives.

In their free time, Uzbek citizens enjoy many activities, such as biking and hiking in the countries mountainous regions, visiting the Chatkalsky Reserve, 60 miles from the capital Tashkent, go to the National Puppet Theatre in Bukhara, where they use puppets to act out various folk tales. As for sports, Uzbeks enjoy wrestling, such as kurash, and upright form developed in uzbekistan, horse-back riding, hiking in the mountainous southern region, caving in the 4,600 ft. deep Boi-Bulok, and 3,200 ft. deep Kievskaya. Also one can ski on the mountains of Tashkent. This is only a few of the things Uzbeks do for fun.

For holidays, Uzbeks celebrate various Sunni Muslim holidays, as well as New Year’s Day (Jan. 1st), Women’s Day (March 8th), a popular holiday from the soviets, Navrus (March 21st), originally a zoroastrian holiday, which has lost its religious significance, but is still celebrated with Sumaliak soup, made from milk and grains, Victory Day (May 9th), a celebration of the defeat of the Nazis in 1945, and Independence day (September 1st), celebrated their independence from the USSR. When Uzbeks celebrated, the often visit friends and family to eat large meals and drink large amounts of vodka.

The Essay on Places: Mother and Country

The one country I would most like to visit would have to be New Zealand. Mnay reasons, the number one being it looks like an absolutely gorgeous country, especially having seen Lord of the Rings and that is one of my favorite movies. Another reason is, I’ve never been south of the equator and I’d really like to see if the water flushes in reverse, but on the, by and large New Zealand ...

Also, they have parades centered in the cities and towns. The government marks both Independence Day and Navrus with massive oudoor jamborees in the capital, Tashkent, and broadcast them on TV. When Uzbeks regularly eat, they eat meals centered on bread, specifically the traditional flat and round bread, called tandir non, which is always torn by hand, never placed upside-down, and never thrown away. Meals begin with small amounts of nuts and raisins, then soups, salads, and meat dishes, followed at last by palov, a dish made of rice and meat.

Other dishes that are eaten, but not considered strictly Uzbek, are monti which are basically lamb dumplings with onions and pumpkin. Uzbeks usually eat mutton, as even the non-religious tend to stay away from pork. Due to the climate, Uzbeks also enjoy fruits and vegetables. They also eat dairy products like katyk, and liquid yogurt, and suzma similar to cottage cheese. Green tea is drunk throughout the day. Meals are usually eaten on the floor, of on a low table. They always eat of a dusterhon, a traditional Uzbek tablecloth. They sit on carpets, padded quills, chairs, and beds, but never on pillows.

Men usually sit cross-legged, and women with their legs to one side. The dusterhon is to remain clean at all time. The choyhona, or teahouse, is the focal point of the neighborhood’s men. It is always shaded, and if possible located near a stream. The Karakalpaks’ national dish is besbarmak, boiled mutton, beef, or horse served over a plate of broad noodles and accompanied by the reduced broth. Russians have brought many of their foods, such as pelmeni, boiled meat dumplings. The media is Uzbekistan, although has been ‘uncensored” since 2002, is still heavily restricted by the government.

The Essay on How The United States Government Does Not Truly Reflect A Federalist System

I believe that the United States Constitution does not truly reflect a federalist system. In fact, I believe that the federalist system, in which states have considerable power to exercise, was all but abolished by the United States Constitution. In answering this question, American Government, by Peter Wolf, gives a few examples of what Federalism meant back in the late 1700s, and why, during the ...

There is only 50,000 newspaper readers. The only national news agency, is state-controlled. In early 2006, a new media law further restricted journalism. The information flow from Uzbekistan is scared with only a few sources of info having day to day coverage, one such source is http://uznews. net, which has operated since 2006. Journalism is regarded as dangerous in Uzbekistan, with the country having the highest number of imprisoned journalist in the region. In Uzbekistan, eleven years of primary and secondary education are obligatory, starting at age seven.

This requirement includes four years of primary school and two cycles of secondary school, lasting five and two years, respectively. The rate of attendance in those grades is high, although the figure is significantly lower in rural areas than in urban centers. The official literacy rate is 99 percent. However, in the post-Soviet era educational standards have fallen. Funding and training have not been sufficient to effectively educate the expanding younger cohorts of the population. Between 1992 and 2004, government spending on education dropped from 12 percent to 6.3 percent of gross domestic product.

In 2006 education’s share of the budget increased to 8. 1 percent. Lack of budgetary support has been more noticeable at the primary and secondary levels, as the government has continued to subsidize university students. However, bribes often are necessary to ensure success and advancement in universities. Between 1992 and 2001, university attendance dropped from 19 percent of the college-age population to 6. 4 percent. The three largest of Uzbekistan’s 63 institutions of higher learning are in Nukus, Samarkand, and Tashkent.

All are state-funded. Private schools have been forbidden since the establishment of Islamic fundamentalist (Wahhabi) schools in the early 1990s brought a government crackdown. However, in 1999 the government-supported Taskhent Islamic University was founded for the teaching of Islam. Most opportunities from people in Uzbekistan lie within the countries cotton industry, the backbone of Uzbekistan, which creates about 85% of the country’s GDP. Agricultural machinery, especially for cotton, is produced in the Tashkent region. Oil refineries produce about 173,000 barrels a day.

The Coursework on Differences Between University And School

In recent years, although tertiary education is certainly popular among Hong Kong students. It is unlikely that all students can easily catch the ways of studying at starting university. Therefore, we need to know actually what great differences between studying at university and school in order to adjust our ways of studying more effective to achieve the tertiary education. In this essay, I will ...

The Korean car maker Daewoo invested $650 million in a joint venture, UzDaewoo, at a plant in Andijan, which has a capacity of 200,000 cars. However, in 1999 the plant produced just 58,000 cars, and it produced far less in 2000, chiefly for the domestic market. With Daewoo’s bankruptcy in November 2000, the future of the plant is uncertain at best. Uzbekistan’s main trading partners are Russia, South Korea, Germany, the United States, Turkey, and Kazakhstan. Before independence, imports were mainly equipment, consumer goods, and foods.

Since independence, Uzbekistan has managed to stop imports of oil from Kazakhstan and has also lowered food imports by reseeding some cotton fields with grain. Uzbekistan is the world’s third-largest cotton exporter. Unfortunately, the cotton industry has cause environmental problems. The largest is the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Uzbekistan exported about $3 billion (U. S. ), primarily in cotton, gold, textiles, metals, oil, and natural gas, in 1999. Its main markets are Russia, Switzerland, Britain, Belgium, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.

According to government statistics, 44 percent of workers are in agriculture and forestry; 20 percent in industry; 36 percent in the service sector. Five percent unemployed, and 10 percent are underemployed. Many rural jobless, however, may be considered agricultural workers. A particular feature of the Uzbekistan labor system is the requirement of school and university students, soldiers, and workers to help in the cotton harvest. They go en masse to the fields for several days to hand-pick cotton. Many Uzbeks, particularly men, work in other parts of the former Soviet Union.

Bazaars from Kazakhstan to Russia are full of Uzbek vendors, who command higher prices for their produce, the farther north they travel. Others work in construction or other seasonal labor to send hard currency home. About 2 percent of the workforce is of pension age and 1 percent is under sixteen. That concludes this report on the Republic of Uzbekistan. As one can see, the country is very diverse and deferment from many of the countries of the west, that’s to its unique blend of Mongol, Soviet, and Muslim influence, and its people continue to uphold the many traditions that they’ve gained over the centuries.

The Term Paper on Women Role in Society in Uzbekistan

The population of Uzbekistan is exceedingly young. In the early 1990s, about half the population was under nineteen years of age. Experts expected this demographic trend to continue for some time because Uzbekistan's population growth rate has been quite high for the past century: on the eve of the collapse of the Soviet Union, only Tajikistan had a higher growth rate among the Soviet republics. ...

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Your Guide to Silk Road Travel in Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan

Basic Uzbek Words and Phrases [With Audio]

Are you considering a visit to the enchanting country of Uzbekistan? Whether you’re planning a trip or simply intrigued by the language, delving into the Uzbek language can enhance your travel experience.

While English is often spoken in tourist settings, embracing some basic Uzbek words and phrases will not only help you connect with the local culture but also help you to communicate if you decide to go adventure off the beaten path.

Embark on the journey of learning Uzbek and open doors to a richer cultural experience. Let’s commence your exploration of the Uzbek language with this concise language guide .

• About the Uzbek Language
• Is Uzbek a Difficult Language?
• Important Words and Phrases
• Introductions

Uzbek Language Introduction

What languages are spoken in uzbekistan.

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek , which is the language used in formal contexts such as government affairs and legislation. The Uzbek language is so esteemed that it even has a dedicated holiday celebrated on October 21st, known as the ‘ Day of the Uzbek Language .’

Many other languages are spoken in Uzbekistan including Russian, Tajik, and other Turkic languages such as Turkish and Kazakh. The top three languages most commonly spoken in Uzbekistan are Uzbek, Russian and Tajik. Other languages spoken in Uzbekistan include Korean, Armenian, Tatar.

The autonomous region of Karakalpakstan uses both Uzbek and Karakalpak as official languages.

Globally, an estimated 30.8 million people speak Uzbek as their first language with the majority of those (22.9 million) living in Uzbekistan. A large number of native Uzbek speakers also reside in the neighboring countries of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan.

Is English Spoken in Uzbekistan?

English is becoming increasingly popular, especially across the younger generation, and many people in the main cities will know at least a small amount of English. Tashkent in particular has a growing number of English speakers, especially in the services and tourism industries.

If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan and you stay well within tourist areas, then you’ll always find somebody who can speak at least a little English. If you plan on venturing beyond the usual tourist routes, then it’s advisable to know at least some Uzbek or Russian.

Is Uzbek a difficult language to learn?

According to the US Foreign Service Institute , the Uzbek language is a Category III Language, meaning it is a difficult language to learn for English speakers .

The guide describes Uzbek as a ‘ hard ’ language, placing it in the same difficulty category as Russian, Hindi and Turkish, which take the average learner approximately 1,100 hours to learn .

Basic Uzbek Words and Phrases

Greetings in uzbek.

Hello – Salom

Good morning – Xayrli tong

Good afternoon – Hayrli kun

Good evening – Hayrli kech

Good night – Hayrli tun

Goodbye – Xayr

How are you? – Qalaysiz?

I’m fine! – Men yaxshiman

Related Post: Best Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Important Uzbek Words and Phrases

Introductions in uzbek.

I’m from Australia – Men Avstraliyadanman

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Why I Love My Motherland, Uzbekistan Essay

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I went east, west, south and north, but I have never found a place better than my motherland. The air that my great ancestors breathed. The water that cured diseases that was said it was incurable, and the land which carries great secrets of the past. My motherland is Uzbekistan the country which shook the world with it might and power. In my motherland children my age and other ages are no less and never were. They are the most active and the most intelligent children of this century and the century after that.

If we want to be champion we will be champion we just need to have an intention and self-trust to be unstoppable. In the same time we must thank our president and our ancestor for bringing us to this peaceful and adequate time. Many years our ancestors fought for this freedom right now we have ,so their generation or us to live in this type of great atmosphere. Many years of hard work showed its result. Abu Ali Ibn Sino, Mirzo Ulugbek, Abu Rayhon Beruniy, Khorazimy, Abu Nasr Farobiy and other of the greatest pioneers, astronomers, mathematicians, physicians, philosophers and so on.

Their love for knowledge made them write about their discoveries and the books which they wrote on papers are really precious like every page of their book is made out of gold. If I would take Mirzo Ulugbek (1394-1449) as an example he opened the secret to stars by building the first observatory in Samarkand. Our ancestor, Mirzo Ulugbek. spended most of his life in the observatory studying stars. He discovered more than thousand stars and named them in his book called “Ziji Jadidi Kuragoniy” ,is a book that contains the name of stars, which helped astronomers in the future.

This was only one of our ancestor that gave us pride in the pages of astronomy. Imagine what others did, they also made huge discoveries, which gave us pride in other the pages of knowledge. Our ancestors did have any advanced technologies of this year, but we have the right now in our peaceful and human rights protected motherland Uzbekistan. This means we can also achieve greater goals in the present and future which may be added to the book of knowledge, making us pioneers and helpings our future generation to develop more.

In my motherland not only knowledge played role, but in the same time religion which our ancestors were played a vital role, which is Islam. Nowadays, entire Islamic countries respect our motherland, because of our ancestors who added their part in history of Islam. They are Al-Bukhariy, Tirmidhi, Motrudiy, Naqshbandiy and so on. These days most of the Islamic countries won’t recognize us until we say one of our ancestors name for example Al-Bukhariy. When they hear this name they will be really proud to see the generation of Bukhariy, and will show respect.

The reason why Al-Bukhariy is famous is because he collected hadith and made it a book. Hadith is the words or acts of the Prophet (P. B. U. H). This means we can raise our heads up also in the pages of religion. As you can see what type of great people which our motherland raised. This people makes us love our country more and more. We should be thankful for our leader, Islam Karimov, has been taking care of the children of Uzbekistan. Even the world agrees that our leader is one of the best leader, politician and philosopher in the world.

He gave us opportunities by creating many types of organizations for young generations such as “Kamolot”. Islam Karimov said,” Our children must be even better and smarter than us”. If you noticed that when he means children he means us. Now tell me who would not love a country or motherland such us Uzbekistan. Many people that includes children are dying in other countries. They don’t understand what peace and adequateness means at all, because they have not lived enough to taste it. In our motherland it is the opposite of all this, we have no war, no drought, no natural disaster neither unintelligent leader.

The reason of all this peace is our president’s love for his motherland and it’s children which means us. Another examples for why we cannot live without loving our mother land is because it supplies us with electricity, oil and gas. In some countries, such as the ones in Africa are not supplied with this precious energies. This means we have to save some of those ,so our future generation would not suffer in the near future because they do not have enough energy. Even for the energy we must or have to thank our leader ,because he did not let us stay undeveloped such as the countries in Africa and other parts of Asia. Sports-is the ambassador of peace,” said our President Islam Karimov.

So, to have an ambassador from peace our country has been increasing the enthusiasm of the future generation to sports. Youth my age are now becoming leader athletes of the world. My country has been increasing and reconstructing gyms or places to train in an specific sports. Many types of tools that will be used in sports are being imported and manufactured in high quality in our country. We have won many golden, silver, bronze medals in worldwide or international competitions.

These days we have more 100 types of sports being thought in our country and in the same time more than hundred thousand young professionals. This professionals are now putting the world in wonder, making them think, “Is there a limit in knowledge and power of Uzbekistan? ”. I will answer that question explicitly there is no limit. In every country, includes Uzbekistan, there is one huge problem which is pollution. Pollution means exhilarating the air, water and earth. Pollution is causing several types of diseases, which is killing people.

The pollutants are damaging the air which has been kept clean in the past centuries. Earth is being unable to fertilize, so that plants or vegetables that feeds people are getting lesser or the number is decreasing each year . Water the most important compound element in the world is losing its crystal clean looks, and is getting infected by anonymous diseases that is incurable. In the same time our motherland is being damaged and weakened. It sustained us with many things and as a repay we are damaging it and in the same time not leaving a chance for our future generation to see how powerful this sacred place were.

This must not go on this way we must stop this type of living and start a new and safe environmental living, which means polluting less and cleaning more. Today is the 21st century, so there are lots of technologies that helps safe the environment, and thanks to our President we have those technologies. He separated enough money to buy build solar panel and hydroelectric station. This means we are developing really fast and in the same time steady. In the near future which is less than a decade we will also buy wind turbines which are good for the environment.

If we are developing this way, maybe after a less or more than a decade we will be driving electric powered cars in the streets of Uzbekistan. Electric cars are better than petroleum using cars, because petroleum cars will produce a huge mass of poisonous gas, but in another hand electric cars are the opposite. This type of technology will really help us save our precious motherland, but one of the most important traditions we have that was left by our ancestors is called “Hashar” or cleaning of places such as the streets that will be used to reach the school or office.

This type of tradition will make a person love his country and people who spend their lives to protect it. Our motherland gave us many things, but did we repay our motherland. Our motherland gave us peaceful place to live, sustained us with clean air and water and in addition electricity, gas, and petroleum for our cars. In the meantime, our motherland is giving us free twelve years of golden knowledge that is rare in some country,so we can reach up to our great ancestors, which changed the history and they way people live in the world in their time and in the future. Now tell me again, why should not we love our motherland?

I think that only dumb-minded, selfish, bad intentional people would not love our or their motherland at all. I am really thankful for our President Islam Karimov, one of the most successful, spirited, kindhearted, long-range planning and intelligent, for leading us to the correct path and a great future. I will always wish him to get what he intended and to have a successful future. I love my motherland and all the things in it the air, the water, the earth and the people who live in our motherland Uzbekistan with me, and I also wish that they will serve our country and do their best to repay it.

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