The majority of Uzbekistan’s population are made up of ethnic Uzbeks who are an ethnic Turkic group, however, there are significant minorities of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks and Tartars. A majority of the population are Muslim. There are Orthodox Christians and Buddhists, Jews and Jews who live within the country. As with Central Asians, Uzbeks have a reputation for being warm and welcoming. It’s customary to greet people with a handshake, and it’s considered appropriate to ask questions regarding the person’s family or health – without necessarily waiting for an answer.
Uzbekistan tours are an excellent occasion to try traditional cuisine of the country and to take some tips with you. A typical meal might include palov (rice combined with onions, meat, and carrots) or mutton baked in the form of a tandir. Uzbeks can also indulge in manti dumplings and many kebabs. Take advantage of your Uzbek food with a cup of traditional black or green tea, or some drinking yogurt, known as ayran. Although Uzbekistan is a largely Muslim nation, it’s secular, which means that it is possible to drink local wines that are produced in the region.
Uzbekistan is part of the Central Asian group between Asia and Middle East. Its neighbors are Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan has also a coastline that runs along the Aral Sea and the large but shallow lake Sarygamysh. Around 80% of the country is covered in the Kyzyl Kum, also known as the “red sand” desert. There is only a small portion of fertile land located in the Fergana Valley. Uzbekistan’s mountains comprise the Tian Shan Range in the south of the country.
The bazaars in Uzbekistan are a paradise for shoppers. Here, haggling is not only a fashion of life, it’s also a good laugh. The Tashkent markets, specifically the Chorsu Bazaar, are great for finding bargains. Look for Soviet-era memorabilia, such as stamps, portraits of Lenin, and military uniforms and caps. There are also local souvenirs like intricately decorated pottery, vibrant clothes rug, jewellery and rugs constructed from silver of the traditional. The Bukhara bazaar is perhaps the most attractive, with its fresh produce stalls and smiling people.
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