UZBEKISTAN- AN ARCHITECTURAL JEWEL
Uzbekistan formerly part of Soviet Union is located in Central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan to the south. It houses some of the premium architectural jewels among the Silk Road countries including turquoise domes, complex Islamic tile work, minarets and other well preserved relics which can be found in the ancient cities Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. These relics date back to the time when Central Asia was a hub of empire, education and trade. These cities epitomize the West as symbols of oriental beauty and mystery. They were located on the major trading route between China and the West known as the Silk Road.
Uzbekistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union in 1924 and later became an independent republic in 1991. It is a dry landlocked country having continental climate with little rainfall. It has extreme summers and winters and houses some of the world’s highest peaks. During the ancient times, this area was important as the most valuable trading route from China to the West and the riches brought were used to build stunning mosques which attract tourists even today from all over the world.
ECONOMY
Uzbekistan maintains very rigid economic controls which often repels foreign investors. The economy is mainly based on commodity production such as cotton, gold, silver, copper, uranium, coal, natural gas and oil. The country is the second largest exporter and sixth largest producer of cotton in the world. It is also ranked seventh in the world for gold production. As Uzbekistan has less than 10% of irrigational land, only 28% of the population depends on agriculture contributing 24% to its GDP. The government discourages the development of independent private sector and thus remains to be a dominant influence on the economy. The government also discourages foreign imports by imposing high import duties to boost locally produced goods. The national currency is Uzbek and there are hardly any ATMs found in the country, so the travellers must carry hard cash with them.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Uzbekistan consists of a very young population and ranks on top in Central Asia in the population. About 80% of the total population comprise of Uzbeks and the other ethnic groups include Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks and Tatars. There are also few Koreans and Armenians found here in certain locations. Islam is the dominant religion comprising of 88% of the Muslims. Buddhism and Christianity are other common religions found here. Uzbek is the official language of the country used in administration, education and commerce. People living in Bukhara and Samarkhand speak Tajik because of high concentration of Tajiks living there. Russian is considered as the second language spoken widely for interethnic communication, mainly in cities for science, technology, government and business use.
Uzbekistan has a rich culture due to the presence of many ethnic groups and cultures in the country. The country enjoys a high literacy rate of more than 99% among adults. The spellbinding architecture and artefacts bring proud to the country’s cradle of ancient culture. In sports, one of the world’s best sprinters in cyclists Djamolidine Abdoujaparov is a resident of Uzbekistan making this sport popular here as well. The classical music of the country called shashmaqam is also world renowned and was born in the former capital Bukhara. It is a form of sufi music having poetic verses of the experiences of the lives of the local people.
TASHKENT
The country’s capital and largest city is the hub of Central Asia having a cosmopolitan population enjoying the live culture. Although a very small part of old architecture is preserved due to its demolition after the massive earthquake, the new city is rebuilt with broad streets and new buildings. Some of the old buildings can still be seen in the old town which is made of narrow winding alleys and stands in total contrast to the modern Tashkent. Tourists interested in the history and heritage of the country can visit the State Art Museum housing a collection of paintings and Bukharan royal robes, Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts displaying antique jewellery and embroidered wall hangings and Amir Timur Museum. Shopping lovers must go to the Chorsu Bazaar which is the most famous farmers market of Tashkent. There are other bazaars offering excellent Asian carpets, silk and decorative Uzbek knives. For entertainment, there are theatres showing traditional Uzbek singing and dancing like in Alisher Navoi Theatre.
ATTRACTIONS
Samarkand:
One of the oldest cities of the world, the numerous monuments here amaze tourists with their refined architectural shapes, mosaics, intricate ornamentation and blue tile domes. Registan Square is the centrepiece of this historical city which ensembles of majestic medressas built in the 15th century. Other monuments of interest here are Bibi Khanym Mosque, Gur Emir, and Observatory of Ullug Beg, Afrasiab Museum and Shah-i-Zinda.Bukhara:
This city was once renowned as the centre of learning throughout the Islamic world. The city houses more than 350 mosques and 100 religious colleges. The great sufi idol Sheikh Bahautdin Nakshbandi also lived here. Tourists can go to the Borzi Kord which is a famous men’s bathhouse but can be reserved after hours for mixed use and Hammom Kunjak which is a women’s bathhouse. There is also the preserved Ark or the palace of the Emirs along with Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque open to non Muslims and the Abdul Aziz Madrasa.Chatkalsky Reserve:
Tourists can find rare animals her like the snow tigers, Tian-Shan grey bear and the Berkut eagle in this narrow unspoilt gorge ideal for animal lovers.Caves:
Experienced cavers can explore the deepest caves of Asia at Boi-Bulok and Kievskaya. Others can see beautiful gypsum formations at Kugitang cave, mummified bears in Baisuntau and underground lakes and rivers in Tian Shan.Khiva:
This is a well preserved city which has turned out into a museum town with less population. The tales of slave caravans, and terrible journeys across the deserts remind of its popularity in olden days as a market for captured Russian and Persian slaves. There are also a number of shrines. Museums, mosques and other historic buildings to see which look stunning in the moonlight.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
The transportation system in Uzbekistan is best developed in entire Central Asia having a sub way system which is rated as one of the cleanest systems in former Soviet Union. The train links connect all the major towns and the former republics of the Soviet Union. Travellers would love to visit these ornate stations. There one international airport in Tashkent catering many flights to Europe, Asia and America. Uzbekistan Airways is the national carrier having excellent international connections with all major cities like Bangkok, Baku, Astana, Delhi, Moscow and Paris. Travellers can also enter the country from the borders of its neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan by minibuses, taxis and trains. For travel within the country, there are government run trams, buses and trolley buses operating within the country. Cars can also be hired for travel from the car renting agencies.
The communication system in Uzbekistan is also well developed with the advent of technology. There are several internet cafes in the capital Tashkent and the mobile telephone coverage is good in the populated areas mainly operated by MTS-Uzbekistan which is the largest mobile operator in the country. The landline telephone network is also well developed offering free calls within the city limits. For postage, there are a number of international courier services operating in Tashkent. Letters to US and Europe can else take as long as two weeks to two months from the post office. Although freedom of press is guaranteed the state has a tight control on the media. There are both private and state run TV and radio stations along with some foreign channels widely available through cable TV. The country does not have any independent daily newspapers.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
Travellers can find a range of cuisines in the hotels of Uzbekistan including Russian, European and Korean. The country is famous for its great variety and quality of bread. Tourists must try the national delicacies like samsa readily being sold in the streets, skewered chunks of mutton barbequed over charcoal called shashylyk and the famous unleavened bread called lipioshka served in restaurants and streets. The staple food of the people here is plov made of mutton and rice and popular both for celebrations and daily routine. In drinks, tea is most popular followed by kefir which is a thick drinking yogurt often served in breakfast.
Recently many hotels of good standard have come up in Uzbekistan but the tourists have to get a paper slip stamped from the hotels confirming their stay there. There are some hotels owned by foreign companies which provide good facilities of shower, en suite toilets and many more. Travellers are advised to get their booking done from Uzbek tourism which generally have one hotel in all major areas and readily accept foreigners. Camping and caravanning is also possible in the mountains for adventure lovers. There are also few bed and breakfast available created by government and available at cheaper rates.
Tourists will not be disappointed to visit this breathtaking beautiful country with its good spirited and genuinely hospitable people who would definitely add a charm to your visit here.
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