Image Source – karunaezara
Uzbekistan, a jewel at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, beckons with its mesmerising blend of history, culture, and architectural grandeur. For the discerning traveller from India looking to embark on a memorable escapade in 2024, Uzbekistan offers an enchanting array of experiences.
To top it all one encounters a friendly welcome at every turn. And why not since there is an Uzbek equivalent of the famed Indian hospitality proverb ‘Atithi Devo Bhav’ (Guest is like God), ‘Mehmon otangdan ulug’ and it means ‘The visitor is dearer than your father’!
Here are the top 10 things you must do in Uzbekistan, each woven with intriguing trivia to enrich your journey.
1. Discover the Registan in Samarkand
The Registan was the heartbeat of ancient Samarkand and remains one of Central Asia’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by three ornate madrasahs, the square is an awe-inspiring testament to Islamic architecture.
Trivia:The tiles that adorn these structures are inlaid with ultramarine from lapis lazuli, sourced from the nearby mountains of Badakhshan.
2. Explore the Walled City of Khiva
Step back in time as you wander through the open-air museum of Khiva. This entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its well-preserved Islamic architecture.
Khiva’s inner city, or Itchan Kala, features 250+ ancient homes and hosts numerous workshops where artisans continue age-old handicraft traditions.
3. Silk Road Echoes in Bukhara
Bukhara evokes stories of mediaeval merchants and scholars. With landmarks like the Ark Fortress and the majestic Kalyan Minaret, the city’s rich history is palpable at every turn.
Did you know the Kalyan Minaret was once used as an execution tower, where criminals were thrown to their deaths.
4. Marvel at the Bahá’í Temple in Tashkent
Tashkent’s modern marvel, the Bahá’í Temple, stands out with its contemporary design and spiritual significance. You might have seen India’s own Bahai Temple, the Lotus temple, in New Delhi, an architectural and aesthetic marvel.
It is one of the handful of Bahá’í Houses of Worship in the world, each designed with elements symbolic of its environment.
5. Be awed by what has to be among the wonders of the Islamic world
The oldest Quran in existence (best estimates date it to the eighth century). Inside the 16th-century Hazrati Imam complex in Tashkent, you will find its swollen pages of gazelle skin inscribed with the bold black letters of the Kufic script. It had been the private Quran of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, and it was Timur who, having laid siege to the civilised world in the 14th century, brought it from what is now Iraq to his capital at Samarkand.
It is also a reminder of the role which Central Asia once played in Muslim history – a fact often overlooked after seven decades of Soviet-imposed atheism.
6. Indulge in Uzbek Cuisine
The cuisine of the nation is as varied as its landscapes thanks to its rich culinary legacy. Plov stands out as a national staple among these. With over 60 regional variations, this hearty rice dish is flavoured with meat (often lamb or beef) and carrots.
Samsa and other delectable savoury pastries are native to Uzbekistan and are ideal for on-the-go snacking. With a wonderful crunch with every bite, these flaky pastries are usually filled with spiced pork and onions, with sometimes a hint of pumpkin or potatoes added.
In Uzbekistan, every meal offers a chance to enjoy the warmth of the people and discover just how intricately food is woven into the fabric of this dynamic nation.
7. Enjoy the Melodic Blend at the Sharq Taronalari Music Festival
Discover the world of traditional tunes at the UNESCO-sponsored Sharq Taronalari Music Festival in Samarkand. This festival is more than just a collection of concerts; it’s a colourful celebration of global musical history that exemplifies the ability of music to unite people from different cultural backgrounds. It’s a location where artists from all backgrounds come together to share their sounds, weaving an entrancing musical tapestry that fosters respect for cultural diversity and world peace.
8. Discover Tashkent Metro’s Architectural Wonders
Explore the Tashkent Metro, a subterranean system that is both useful and a showcase for amazing Soviet-era buildings and artwork. This underground marvel of a metro system spans more than 22 miles and features 48 stops, each with a different theme. From cosmic blue faience paintings that highlight the accomplishments of space exploration to lavish chandeliers reminiscent of a grand ballroom, each station is a cultural time capsule. This metro provides a daily commute that resembles a trip through a public art museum.
9. Uncover the Fergana Valley’s Silk Threads
Take a tactile journey to the Fergana Valley, an area renowned for its rich craft legacy in addition to its scenic splendour. The old craft of silk weaving is still practiced in Margilan, which is located in the centre of this valley. Here, craftspeople continue to use ancient methods to spin cocoons into opulent threads. See firsthand the painstaking technique of silk weaving, which has been passed down through generations, and learn how important this beautiful art is to the local economy and cultural identity.
10. Witness the Aral Sea’s Heartfelt Legacy
Explore the eerie Moynaq Ship Graveyard, the setting for the terrible Aral Sea story. It was formerly one of the biggest lakes in the world, but its dramatic decline has left a strange landscape filled with rusty wrecks of abandoned ships. These spectral boats serve as a startling reminder of the enormous influence that human behaviour may have on the natural world while also telling a tale of ecological mishandling. In addition to being a visual feast, the location invites contemplation on the alterations we make to our surroundings and the traces we leave behind.
From the buzzing bazaars brimming with vibrant fabrics to serene moments of historical reflection, Uzbekistan promises a travel experience replete with discovery and delight. Whether you’re looking to trace the footsteps of ancient traders, indulge in gastronomic adventures, or simply soak in the stunning vistas, Uzbekistan in 2024 is poised to offer a unique journey tailored for the adventurous soul.
