Before my English language practice I class I had never thought about the idea to write some tips for first-time visitors to my country Uzbekistan. It was pretty enjoyable to read some blogs on the internet and realize that we also could look very different to travelers. Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Asia and it is pretty hot there, so make sure that you can stand the heat if you are coming in summer.
First, what you need to do before coming is learn some common Uzbek or maybe Russian phrases. Many people in Uzbekistan do not speak English, so be ready to explain yourself by gestures. Regarding dress-codel, I read some comments from the article about Uzbekistan and made a conclusion that most people consider my country very conservative because it is a Muslim-majority country and you need to cover your shoulders and knees all the time. I would rather say no, it is not true. Younger individuals tend to dress in Western style and
rarely cover their heads unless they are entering a mosque to pray. Feel free to wear the clothes that you feel comfortable in.
If you are invited to an Uzbek home for supper, bring a little non-alcoholic gift for the host. And don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering any house. We never walk into a house with our shoes on, especially if our mother sees it.
The tradition of queuing is not developed in our country. Do not be offended or surprised if someone pushes you or does not let you go first. Since Uzbek culture is based on respect for elders, we always give way to them. In most European countries it is considered rude to give a seat to older people in public transport, they could be abused. In Uzbekistan, older people responsively accept help from the youth. Sometimes they could even be offended if you don’t give them a seat, they might think that you don’t respect them. It is also considered rude if you don’t greet them first.
In Uzbekistan, people drive a little carelessly. There appear to be a lot of screeching wheels, speeding, and sudden braking. Sometimes drivers don’t stop even if you are at the pedestrian crossing and get angry when you interrupt their path. And keep in mind that when the crossing changes from “walk” to “don’t walk,” automobiles will start driving before the signal turns green.
Men don’t usually greet women by shaking hands. It’s not aesthetic. But if a woman gives her hand to greet, you can shake her hand. We don’t usually start a conversation with strangers about the weather or whatever. But you can ask for help without any hesitation. If a stranger starts a conversation with you he/she probably wants to flirt with you. In this situation, you just can ignore them and they will stop. But it can be different in a situation when you are a tourist and especially if you a have different appearance such as blonde hair, blue eyes, and brown skin, anything that seems “exotic”. Uzbek people might even want to take a picture with you. So, yeah you might feel special there. Once you are in Uzbekistan the people may seem very different for you, but you will see that they are kind and hospitable.
Rahmat (Uzb.- thank you) for your reading and I hope it was interesting and maybe useful for you.
Your lovely Uzbek guide -Tamara