Pilaw is one of the oldest dishes, which supposedly appeared in India or the Middle East more than 2 thousand years ago. Nowadays, plov is considered one of the most popular dishes in Central Asia, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Turkey and the Middle East. Even Alexander …
Five Vegetarian Dishes You Must Try in Uzbekistan
Uzbek cuisine is very rich and abundant in many delicious and flavorful dishes. Every sophisticated gourmet will find a dish to his liking, whether he is a meat-eater or a vegetarian. Today we want to tell you about five dishes that are great for vegetarians …
Kurash is a national competition in Uzbekistan
The kind of national belt wrestling, officially included in the world network of non-Olympic sports and supported by UNESCO, is Kurash. Kurash in translation means “to reach the goal by the fair way”. This type of martial art appeared on the territory of present Uzbekistan …
Hospitality in Uzbekistan is a centuries-old tradition
Hospitality is a vital principle of all the peoples of the East and one of the characteristic features of the people of Uzbekistan. Not accepting a guest or not giving him due respect means to disgrace the family, clan, and makhalla. Uzbek families in the …
Mahalla – Uzbek Quarter or Guzar
A whole system of relations between residents of the same neighborhood, existing in Uzbekistan for hundreds of years and significantly influenced the development of the Uzbek way of life and traditions. The center of a makhalla is usually a mosque or teahouse. In ancient times, …
Folk games in Uzbekistan – Kupkari
The equestrian competition among the peoples of Central Asia – kupkari – (In translation from Turkic “kup” means “many” and Persian “kari” – “deed, work”, i.e. “deed of many”). In Uzbekistan the kupkari competition is also called ulak, buzkashi. In this game, skillful riders compete …
Presentation of the rope-walkers – darbozov. Traditions of Uzbekistan.
Among the various traditions of the peoples of Central Asia we can single out into a separate category the traditional entertainment during the festivities. These are, of course, dances, songs, but also include puppet shows, wrestling, races and performances of rope-walkers – darbozes, as they …
Khatna-kilish (Sunnat-tuyi)
Khatna-kilish, sunnat-tuyi or circumcision. A very important rite that all boys go through. It is an ancient event sanctified by Islam. People call it a “wedding” Parents, from the birth of a child preparing for the wedding: sew blankets, bed linen, festive clothes. The rite …
Beshik-tui – the first swaddling of a baby
Joyful and important event – a new person was born! The appearance of a baby in an Uzbek family is accompanied by the ancient ritual celebration “Beshik tui” – “Wooden cradle”. The ritual has survived in the culture of the Uzbeks from time immemorial and …
Fatiha tui – Uzbek Rite of Wooing or Engagement
Fatiha tui. An interesting custom with a simple meaning is engagement or matchmaking. According to tradition, the parents of the groom, most often the aunts, less often the mother, find the bride themselves. However, today’s young people tactfully advise in which direction it is better …
Nikoh tui or Uzbek wedding
One of the most magnificent and colorful Uzbek ceremonies is the nikokh tuyi or wedding. The biggest event that is celebrated noisily, richly and with many guests. Everyone is invited: relatives, neighbors, colleagues, friends and acquaintances. On the wedding day, the ceremony begins early in …
Morning pilaf is one of the old and obligatory Uzbek rituals
Morning pilaf is one of the long-standing and obligatory Uzbek rites, in which only men participate. This meal is usually timed to coincide with large celebrations, at the birth of a child, on the occasion of circumcision, in honor of the return from military service, …