The Uzbek population is mainly made up of ethnic Uzbeks who are classified as a Turkic population, but there are significant minorities of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks and Tartars. A majority of the population are Muslim. But there are Orthodox Christians and Buddhists, Jews and Jews that reside in the country. As with Central Asians, Uzbeks are famously welcoming. It is customary to shake hands with people and ask questions about their families, health, and personal lives.
Uzbekistan tours are a great time to taste the local cuisine and get some of the tips you learned back with you. A typical meal might consist of dishes like palov, which is rice mixed with carrots, onions and meat, or mutton that is cooked in the oven known as a Tandir. Uzbeks can also indulge in manti dumplings and various Kebabs. You can indulge in Uzbek cuisine with traditional green and black teas, in addition to drinking yogurt, which is known as ayran. Even though Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim nation, it’s a secular, meaning you can drink local wines produced in the region.
Uzbekistan is part of the Central Asian group between Asia and the Middle East. Its neighbors are Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan has also a coastline across the Aral Sea and the large but shallow lake Sarygamysh. The Kyzyl Kum (also known as the “red sand” desert) is a vast majority of the country. A small part of the Fergana valley has fertile land. Uzbekistan’s mountains comprise the Tian Shan Range in the south of the country.
The bazaars in Uzbekistan are a dream for shoppers. The bargaining here is not just a way of life but it’s also a good laugh. The Tashkent markets, especially the Chorsu Bazaar, are great for finding bargains. Look for Soviet-era memorabilia, such as stamps and portraits of Lenin as well as military uniforms and the hats. There are also local souvenirs such as intricately patterned pottery, colorful clothing, rugs and jewellery constructed from silver of the traditional. The Bukhara bazaar is perhaps the most photogenic, with its rows of fresh produce and smiling locals.
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