Unexpected Uzbekistan
At a time when many travellers are sceptical of
travel to Muslim countries, I visited Uzbekistan in Central Asia and found not
only a safe, beautiful destination but one positioning itself as one of the world’s
‘must see’ places.
Called the pearl of Central Asia, Uzbekistan, home
of the Silk Road, has been traversed by traders, invaders, adventurers and
explorers for over 2.5 millennia. The names of Marco Polo, Genghis Khan and Alexander
the Great are associated with the nation, drawn by its access to riches and
treasures and the route that joined East to West in civilisations of long ago.
Yet this part of the world is still relatively undiscovered
by British travellers. But that looks set to change as Westerners gradually embrace
the wonder of cities such as Samarkand; the very name as soft as silk, and a romance
and intoxicating beauty found nowhere else in the world.
I was in Uzbekistan at Easter this year when the 5th International Uzbek Tourism
World of Leisure
exhibition took
place to demonstrate
the tourism potential of Uzbekistan and its history and cultural attractions. Stands
showcasing the 14 regions of the republic participated with 233 Uzbek travel
companies taking part. But this was no
formal presentation. The Uzbeks danced, played, sang and cooked their way into
the hearts of the foreign visitors who were there to experience firsthand what
this nation has to offer today’s discerning tourists. Food here plays a big
part at any occasion and after a few days I was becoming a connoisseur of plov,
the famous Uzbek dish of rice, vegetables and meat, usually lamb.
Uzbekistan is 90% Muslim, so I was
surprised to find in Samarkand not only the charming Catholic Church of St John
the Baptist but next door to it a Russian Orthodox Church and an Armenian
Church, the only one of its kind in Central Asia. On Easter Sunday all had
their doors open and my guide was more than happy to escort me to visit. The
fact that these churches – and not far away, a synagogue, stand side by side
with mosques speaks volumes about the rich history of the Uzbeks and also their
accepting nature which embraces all cultures and, in 2017, extends a welcoming
hand to tourists of all nationalities and creeds.
Islam here is more cultural than religious. Expect
to see as many young women in T shirts, jeans or summer dresses as those in
more traditional dress and hijab. Alcohol is widely available – the Uzbeks have
been producing some of the region’s finest wines for centuries, although their
national drink is tea best enjoyed at one of their traditional tea ceremonies.
Yet is the grandeur of the mosques that took my
breath away. There are more than 2000 mosques in the country, ranging from the
simple to the dazzling.
Uzbekistan Top five:
The highlight of any trip here is the breath-taking Reghistan square in Samarkand , (built between the 15th-17th centuries) a space of majestic madrassas (religious schools) ––the centrepiece of the city, and some say the most awesome sight in Central Asia. The three grand edifices here are among the world’s oldest preserved madrassas, a wealth of azure ceramics, with interiors of gold.
Tashkent– Uzbekistan’s capital – was completely
destroyed by an earthquake in 1966, while the country was under Soviet rule,
but now rebuilt the old and new stand side by side.Dont miss the atmospheric
Chorsu Bazaar and the Kukeldash Madrasah, the best known historical monument in
town built in the 16th century.
Bukhara. One of the oldest cities in the world, it
is home to the Kalon Minaret, one of its defining symbols, built in 1127. At 47
metres high it is thought to have been the tallest building in Central Asia.
Khiva. The walled open-air city of Khiva is a living
museum where it seems time has stood still. Protected by UNESCO it is still
populated by Uzbek families and businesses. Dating from the 6th century, it was
a successful and valued Silk Road trading city – and its ornate mosques, vast
mausoleums and madrassas have been painstakingly restored.
Natural wonders. As well as the cities with their
fascinating mosques and mausoleums, Uzbekistan has mountain ranges with great
skiing, wild open spaces and waterfalls, rivers, lakes and deserts. You can
take a jeep safari through the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara Kum Deserts and even stay in
a traditional yurt.
www.uzbektourism.uz
