The majority of Uzbekistan’s population are composed of ethnic Uzbeks who are a Turkic group, but there are also significant minority groups of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks and Tartars. The majority of the population is Muslim. But there are Orthodox Christians and Buddhists, Jews and Jews that reside in the country. Uzbeks are, like their Central Asian counterparts, are popular for their warmth and welcoming. It is customary to greet visitors with a handshake, and it’s considered appropriate to ask questions about the person’s health and family but without having to wait to hear back.
Uzbekistan tours allow you to experience the local cuisine and give tips to others. The typical meal can include palov (rice cooked with meat, onions, and carrots) or mutton cooked in the form of a pan called a tandir. Uzbeks also eat dumplings called manti and a local variety of kebabs. You can enjoy your Uzbek dishes with traditional black or green tea, or even a drinking yogurt, known as ayran. Uzbekistan is a majority Muslim country, is also a secular nation that permits you to sample local wines.
Uzbekistan is part of the Central Asian group between Asia and Middle East. Its neighbors include Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan has a coastline that runs along the Aral Sea as well as the vast, but small, lake Sarygamysh. The Kyzyl Kum (also known as the “red sand” desert) is a vast majority of the country. Only a tiny portion of the Fergana valley has fertile land. The Uzbekistan mountains include the Tian Shan Range in the south of the country.
Uzbekistan’s bazaars are a shopper’s paradise. The bargaining here is not only a normal part of the culture but also a great laugh. The Tashkent markets, especially the Chorsu Bazaar, are great for uncovering bargains. You can find soviet souvenirs like stamps, portraits by Lenin, military uniforms and caps. Other souvenirs available from the local market include pale and intricately-patterned pottery, colorful rugs and clothes and jewelry made with traditional silver. With its rows of fresh vegetables, smiley locals, and a beautiful bazaar at Bukhara it is among of the places that is most photographed destinations in the world.
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