Country Profile: Uzbekistan
Striking architecture, hearty food and the prettiest metro stations in the world, Uzbekistan is full of surprises, says Judith Baker
In Samarkand, the very name as mysterious and magical as the legends that accompany it, I am surrounded by blue: the twinkling peacock colour of the domes, the azure tiles and the turquoise minarets. This space of majestic madrassas is the centrepiece of the city, and some say the most awesome sight in Central Asia.
Magic of the Silk Road
Travellers have been mesmerised for centuries by the romance of The Silk Road, with its images of caravans bearing spices and treasures from East to West.
Adventurers such as Genghis Khan, Marco Polo and Alexander the Great are all linked with this remarkable region and now a new generation of explorers are making discoveries here.
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Fair in Tashkent each April showcases this surprising country’s wealth of attractions for visitors, and the region has seen an increase in interest with tour operators reporting markedly increased bookings for their Silk Road tours.
A number of high-end operators offering experiences in Uzbekistan say that the growing interest is down to improved infrastructure, a safe environment and the romantic associations of the area, with its thousands of architectural wonders and UNESCO sites.
Independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Uzbekistan has a history dating back millennia. Most tours start in the capital Tashkent, much of which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1966 but is now rebuilt.
The Hotel Uzbekistan is a typical example of Soviet architecture, as is the city’s metro. Built in 1973, the subterranean system is thought to be the most elegant in the world. Adorned with mosaics, mirrors and chandeliers, each station is different.
The highlight of any trip here is the breathtaking Registan Square in Samarkand, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The three grand edifices here are among the world’s oldest.
In its heyday the square would have been alive with activity as the whole city congregated here to talk, pray and trade.
Also in Samarkand is the Ulugbek Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 1420s it is one of the finest observatories in the Islamic world.
Distinctive cuisine
Uzbeks pride themselves on their unique cuisine, which is rich and hearty. Plov is the national dish and there are 14 different types. The dish is made with rice, meat (usually beef or lamb) onions, carrots and other vegetables, all cooked in vegetable oil.
The cooking of plov is usually carried out by men, while women prepare flat breads which are baked in a special clay oven and often decorated with colouring
“It is easy to combine Uzbekistan with Kyrgyzstan, while Turkmenistan can be reached overland. The really intrepid can travel from China following the
ancient Silk Road”
David Pettitt, Pettitts Travel
and seeds. Although predominantly a Muslim country, the Uzbeks produce some exceptional wines.
Crafts and bazaars
The colourful bazaars and markets in Uzbekistan are a shopper’s paradise. Lengths of brightly coloured fabric, silk rugs and scarves are piled up alongside beautiful ceramics and wood carvings.
The first paper mill outside China was established in Samarkand in 751 and silk paper can still be found, made into books, bags and even little dolls. Clay figures, many with comical faces, are a common sight on pavement stalls.
Travelling around
The best way to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand is by train. The Afrosiyob train runs seven days a week, taking two hours. There are ambitious plans to link all its 14 regions to the capital by high-speed train. Already running between TashkentSamarkand-Shahrisabz and Bukhara, in the near future Khiva will be also be connected by the fast train.
National carrier Uzbekistan Airways
(uzbekistanairways.com) is fast expanding its fleet and its network of flights to over 50 cities around the world is also to be expanded.
Another option for UK travellers to the region is Air Astana (airastana.com), which flies direct from Heathrow to Astana, Kazakhstan, three days a week and connects onto other Central Asian nations.
Moreover, the country is easier than ever to access following the new electronic visa system as well as a scheme allowing visafree entry for up to five days while in transit.
David Pettitt of Pettitt’s Travel says: “Uzbekistan lends itself to visiting the rest of the region. It is easy to combine with Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan can be reached overland at the border close to Dashogus. The really intrepid can travel from China following the ancient Silk Road.’
New product
For 2019, Regent Holidays has put together a new itinerary combining Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. This is because the border between Samarkand in Uzbekistan and Penjikent in Tajikistan re-opened this year, making it easier for travellers to travel between the historical highlights of Uzbekistan and the Fan Mountains in Tajikistan.
Marianne Grimshaw, Asia Travel Specialist at Regent Holidays says: “Interest in Uzbekistan has been really strong this year.
“The small group tour we’re running to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan this month (September) has sold well and we also offer the country on a tailor-made basis or as part of a wider trip – travelling the Silk Road by train, for instance.”