Uzbekistan
You will be fascinated by the blend of history and Arabic, Persian, and Mongolian culture. Located on the ancient Silk Road connecting Asia to Europe, Uzbekistan thrived during the era of camel caravans.
It is a country where the turquoise hues of mosques, madrasas, palaces, and minarets, along with the legends of its sites, make you feel like you’ve stepped into an oriental tale. Here, you will encounter warm and welcoming people, savor intensely flavored fruits, and discover vibrant dances, oriental music, wisdom, and lively places unlike any other.
The Official language in Uzbekistan
The official state language is Uzbek, which is part of the Turkic language family. Since 1993, Uzbek has been written using the Latin alphabet. Prior to 1920, written Uzbek was known as Turki. In 1926, the Latin alphabet was introduced, but in 1940, the Soviet authorities mandated the use of Cyrillic script. In 1993, Uzbekistan reintroduced the Latin alphabet, with updates to its writing system in 1996, and it has been taught in schools since 2005.
Russian Language
Russian plays an important role in interethnic communication, particularly in urban areas. It is widely used in technical fields, science, government, and business. Approximately 14% of the population speaks Russian, and it is commonly spoken as a second language by a significant number of residents, especially following the renewed ties with Russia since 2003.
What to Wear in Uzbekistan?
When planning your trip to Uzbekistan, pack clothes appropriate for the season. For the hot summer months, opt for light, breathable fabrics, while in winter, ensure you have warm clothing to protect against the cold.
Uzbekistan does not have a strict dress code, and in larger cities, modern attire is commonly seen. However, in smaller towns, you may encounter women dressed in traditional Islamic clothing. In these areas, it is recommended to wear modest clothing, a guideline that also applies when visiting places of worship, mausoleums, and museums.
Don’t forget to include a head covering in your luggage, such as a scarf or hat, to protect yourself from the sun during the day. Sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen are also highly recommended.
What's the Weather like in Uzbekistan?
When to visit Uzbekistan: The weather is generally favorable during the months of April, May, June, August, September, and October. For Tashkent, the best months to visit are March through October.
The warmest months in Tashkent are typically June, July, and August, while the coldest months are January and December. Cities such as Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva, Urgench, and Termez enjoy good weather for at least eight months of the year, making them ideal destinations.
What Do We Pay with in Uzbekistan?
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the sum, which is divided into 100 tiyins. Although banknotes are issued in denominations ranging from 1 to 25 and from 50 to 1,000 sum, smaller denominations (under 100–1,000 sum) are rarely used in practice.
The currency is called SUM and it is available only in the form of banknotes. The official exchange rate is approximately 2,000 sum to 1 euro. As a tourist, it is important to exchange money only at authorized bank branches to ensure a fair and secure transaction.
What is Worth Visiting in Uzbekistan?
The city Samarkand— a real open-air museum
Situated at the foothills of the Alai Mountains at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, Samarkand is one of the most important cities on the Silk Road. It was here that Timur Lenk established the capital of his empire, bringing the most talented craftsmen from conquered territories to create some of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in Samarkand.
The city has also experienced periods of destruction, particularly during the invasions of Genghis Khan's armies. Today, Samarkand is the third-largest city in Uzbekistan, with a population of approximately 600,000.
Bukhara — the Former “Center of The World” of The 14th Century
Bukhara, a city with a history spanning over 2,500 years, is often referred to as the 'happy land.' It is a must-visit destination, offering a wealth of attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Ark Fortress, the Samanid Mausoleum (an architectural landmark of the region), the Coumpol Bazaar, Medrese, the Lyabi-Khauz complex, the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and the spice market.
Bukhara is rich in mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools), showcasing its deep cultural and historical roots. It also boasts one of the most vibrant bazaars in Uzbekistan. For those looking to purchase traditional items like carpets, lamps, or ceramics, Bukhara is the perfect destination.
Khiva
Khiva is the kind of city that transports you to a bygone era, with the main monuments perfectly restored. The old town of Khiva is within the walls of an ancient city built over 2000 years ago.
Within its walls, you’ll find caravanserais, palaces, mosques, and madrasas, all beautifully restored to their former glory. These historic spaces are now home to lively cafés, restaurants, boutique hotels, camels, and a variety of handcrafted goods.
One of the most fascinating landmarks is the Kalta-Minar Minaret, entirely covered in shimmering tiles. According to legend, one of Khiva’s emirs in the 19th century dreamed of constructing an enormous minaret so tall that Bukhara could be seen from its top. However, with Bukhara over 400 kilometers away, the ambitious plan was deemed impossible, and the construction was abandoned. To this day, the Kalta-Minar Minaret remains unfinished, adding to its unique charm.
The Gastronomy in Uzbekistan
The food in Uzbekistan is as diverse and varied as the country itself, therefore you will always have something to choose from. Dishes differ depending on the region, so the type of meals served in the west, such as bread, are usually different from those of Khiva in the northwest.
Shashlik
This traditional Uzbek dish is typically made from mutton or beef and is often served with pickled onions. The best way to enjoy it is as a complement to Uzbekistan’s main national dishes, although it can also be savored on its own as a side dish.
For those who prefer poultry, a chicken version of this dish is widely available in many Uzbek cafés, where it is grilled over hot coals for a smoky flavor. If you’re a fan of barbecue, shashlik is sure to delight your taste buds.
Samsa
Samsa is a popular type of local fast food that can be found almost anywhere in Uzbekistan, from cafés and fast-food shops to the homes of locals.
This savory pastry is typically filled with onions and meat and is often baked in the oven. However, many varieties are fried for a crispier texture. You’ll also come across samsa with alternative fillings, such as pumpkin or potato, offering a delicious twist on this traditional favorite.
Pilaf
The national dish of Uzbekistan is pilaf, a flavorful rice-based meal made with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, pork, or lamb. Its main ingredients are onion, carrot, and rice, but it can also include nuts, raisins, dried fruits, and various seeds for added flavor and texture.
It is believed that there are over 1,200 different recipes for pilaf. Although its origins trace back to India and the Middle East, in Uzbekistan, the preparation of pilaf is considered a true art form. Each region has its own unique recipe, making it easy to distinguish Tashkent pilaf from Bukhara pilaf.
Bread
Lepioshka, a traditional Uzbek bread, is shaped like a flat, round loaf and is incredibly delicious, especially when purchased fresh and warm from street vendors. Just out of the oven, its flavor is unmatched. This delightful bread typically costs around 3,000 sum (approximately $1.25).
The Fruits
Fruits have a flavor and taste like you don't find anymore: apricots, peaches, plums, apples and figs are among the most aromatic.
