Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is one of the most prosperous countries in the region. It has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, thanks to the wide mix of ethnic groups that have populated it for centuries. Learn more about life in Uzbekistan in this article.
It’s the region’s “cradle of culture”
The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road.
But it’s also unexpectedly cosmopolitan
Uzbekistan’s rich history is threaded throughout its modern-day existence. However, it’s also surprisingly modern with bustling cities such as Tashkent known for their European atmosphere. Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city is a multicultural and modern metropolis. It’s also the economic and cultural center of the country, as well as one of Central Asia’s wealthiest cities.
Sprawling Tashkent is Central Asia’s hub and the place where everything in Uzbekistan happens. It’s one part newly built national capital, thick with the institutions of power, and one-part leafy city, and yet another part sleepy Uzbek town, where traditionally clad farmers cart their wares through a maze of mud-walled houses to the grinding crowds of the bazaar. Tashkent is a fascinating jumble of contradictions that’s well worth exploring over several days.
It’s known for its hospitality and it’s culinary
Uzbekistan remains an extremely friendly country where hospitality remains an essential element of daily life and you will be made to feel genuinely welcome by the people you meet.
The hospitality of an international study destination can make or break your experience, and Uzbekistan and its people shine in this area.
Uzbekistan food has some interesting things going for it, such as a lamb and noodle soup known as lagman. Drawing influence from the culinary traditions of Russia, Asia and the Middle East, Uzbekistan’s other culinary highlights include the national dish of plov, shashlik, shurpa, dimlama, and samsa. Uzbekistan is also a carnivore’s dream as meat is often center stage, although noodle and dumpling dishes are also popular.
Transportation in Uzbekistan
If you are arriving in Uzbekistan by air, you will likely land at Tashkent International Airport. Other regions such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Urgench are served by a few flights from Russia. If you plan on booking a domestic flight, you will have to do this at the airport in most cities.
Uzbekistan’s road network is fairly reasonable, with traffic driving on the right. While it is possible to hire a car and drive on your own, it is more advisable to hire a car with a driver, especially for longer journeys. The speed limit within towns and cities is 50 km/h, while on intercity roads it is 100 km/h. Uzbekistan is connected by road to all surrounding countries.
When it comes to public transport, Tashkent is one of two cities in Central Asia to have an underground service. The capital has two railway stations, north and south. The main population centers of Bukhara, the Ferghana Valley and Nukus, Samarkand and Termez are all well-served by trains.
Tashkent has regularly scheduled bus, tram and trolley services. Buses also provide connections with all the cities and major towns in Uzbekistan. Buses are cheap and on the whole, fairly reliable.
