Uzbekistan | where-in-the-world

Learn More About the Cities I Have Visited and

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Tashkent

"The city probably dates from the 2nd or the 1st century BC and was variously known as Dzhadzh, Chachkent, Shashkent, and Binkent; the name Tashkent, which means “Stone Village” in Uzbek, was first mentioned in the 11th century."

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Gain More Background About the Country

History:

"Uzbekistan occupies the heart of the area of Central Asia historically known as Turkestan. Some of the earliest known inhabitants of this region were Indo-Iranians, who are thought to have migrated to the region around the second millennium b.c. By the 4th century b.c., after the campaigns of Alexander the Great, trade along the Silk Road increased, and the area emerged as an important trading center; cultural contact intensified, and a variety of religions flourished."

Facts and Trivia:

"The Uzbek master chef is able to cook in just one caldron enough plov to serve a thousand men."

Customs and Culture:

"As a rule, men shake hands to each other and show their interest in each-other's health, business and other things. It is appropriate to greet women with slight bow, attaching right hand over the heart."

Key Events Timeline

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Quick Facts: Entry & Exit, Safety & Security

Vaccinations: Routine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, Typhoid

Visas: Required

What to Pack: "Though there is no required dress code for travelers to follow in Uzbekistan, conservative dress is common throughout the country. Pack long pants or skirts and shirts with long sleeves and high necklines."

Samarkand

History:

"Samarkand is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia. Known as Maracanda in the 4th century BCE, it was the capital of Sogdiana and was captured by Alexander the Great in 329 BCE. The city was later ruled by Central Asian Turks (6th century CE), the Arabs (8th century), the Sāmānids of Iran (9th–10th century), and various Turkic peoples (11th–13th century) before it was annexed by the Khwārezm-Shāh dynasty (early 13th century) and destroyed by the Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan (1220)."

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Aydar Kul Camp

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Nurata

Aidar Yurt Camp

To learn more, check out my blog postings:

Shrine, Camp, Swim, Camel Ride & Bonfire

Interview with the Camp Host

Bukhara

History:

"Bukhara is an ancient oasis city along the fabled Silk Road and it is said that the sun shines up from the city for it is so noble. For centuries it was a centre of trade and Islam, earning the title Bukhoro-i-Sharif, or "Noble Bukhara" among Muslims (one of the seven holy cities of Islam). The city itself boasts impressive architecture and history. It is one of the few places in Central Asia where one can feel the heartbeat of ancient Central Asia. Most of the city remains intact and most of the 250,000 inhabitants are members of families who have lived there for generations upon generations."

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Khiva

History:

"According to archaeological evidence, the city existed as early as the 6th century AD, but it was first recorded in the 10th century by two Arabian travelers. In the 16th century it became the capital of the khanate of Khiva. By the 17th century the city began to develop as a slave market. During the first half of the 19th century alone, some one million Persians, as well as an unknown number of Russians, were enslaved and transported there before being sold. Many of them were set to work on the construction of buildings in the walled Ichan-Kala (Royal Court), which is the most striking feature of the historic city."

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