Visit Uzbekistan 22nd Edition

2019 â„–22 Exclusive Interview: Nur 12 Akmal

Your Personal Travel Magazine hours 28 24in Khiva

at the Luxury Symposium 36 Uzbekistan

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Editor’s note

Founded by

Editor-in-chief Dinara Dultaeva Editors Zahra Kazimova, Nigora Kosimova Graphic designer Davron Abdullaev Sales & Distribution Nigora Jamolova PR Department Zarnigor Usmonova Contributors Maftuna Usmanova, Valeriya Galikhanova, Alena Gorbacheva, Alina Hasanova, Akmal Nuriddinov, Irina Perova, Karine Petrosova, Daria Sabitova, Portia Jones, Ian Barker, Odina Ulugbekjonova

W

ith the holidays just around the corner, we are proud to present the 22nd issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine. Year by year, the line between high and off-peak seasons in Uzbekistan becomes blurred. Having been included in the top region of the world to visit in 2020

by Lonely Planet, Uzbekistan is truly a unique place at any time of the year. In this issue we focus on art experiences, which have no season.

We hope that we will inspire you to slow down and embrace the cozy beauty of life. The interview with acclaimed Uzbek painter Akmal Nur is one of the highlights of this issue.

Through his paintings and his values, he teaches us to appreciate the beauty in ordinary things (p.12).

Proofreader Sophie Ibbotson, Juliana Posada-Castro Photography Andrey Arakelyan, Ian Barker, Mukhiddin A Lee, Fatima Arifzhanova Visit Uzbekistan magazine N22, 2019 Official partner The State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development Dinara Media Relations PC

The map of arts and crafts on page 20 is not only educational, but also a great guide to the souvenirs of Uzbekistan. Another gift idea for the holiday season, our new collaboration with La Passion chocolaterie invents an indulgent way of experiencing Uzbekistan (p.44).

Dinara&Co. Trademark Tel.: (+998 93) 500 55 65 www.dinara.co info@dinara.co

And we cherish great plans for the year to come. Together with the magazine’s partners and contributors, we will continue exploring Uzbekistan and inspiring you to widen your horizons of life.

The magazine is registered by Press and Information Agency of Uzbekistan on 12.05.2017. Registration number №0915 ISSN 2181-9254

Happy travels and amazing holidays!

Dinara Dultaeva

Printed by “Jurabek Print” Katta-Su street, Kibray district Tashkent region, Uzbekistan.

Order №0123456789 All rights reserved. © Dinara&Co. © Dinara Dultaeva

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CONTENTS

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

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EXCLUSIVE : Interview with Akmal Nur, artist and chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan

28 24 hours in Khiva with Portia Jones

Discover Uzbekistan by train

TASHKENT

BUKHARA

TASHKENT

SHAKHRISABZ

TASHKENT TASHKENT

Helpline number:

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CONTENTS

UZBEKISTAN’S TRIO: Interview with Viennese art critic Daria Sabitova

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36 EVENT: Uzbekistan as a partner country of the “Luxury Symposium 2019” in India

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INTERVIEW

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Raphael of the East An interview with Akmal Nur Text: Alina Hasanova Talented artist Akmal Nur is the brightest representative of modern fine arts in Uzbekistan. His work is widely recognised both in Uzbekistan and abroad. Akmal Nur’s paintings are represented in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world, and since 2012 he has been the Chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

N

ur means “light” in Uzbek. This name was given to, and chosen by, the artist at the same time. A living legend, Akmal Nur believes in the power of love and shares these values through his masterpieces.

To learn more about Akmal Nur’s work, we visited his workshop -- his personal art space -- where the magic happens and he transfers his ideas to canvas.

The art studio has a cosy, tranquil atmosphere; beautifully wrought iron decorations, unusual figurines, and Rishtan tableware decorate the shelves. It feels rather like a museum, as every item has a story behind it. The panoramic view from the balcony is a bird’s eye view of Tashkent’s silhouette.

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“Confession”, 2017

Which of the world’s artists have influenced your work? Are there any favourites?

Globally, I have always loved Raphael Santi, an Italian artist and a brilliant representative of the Renaissance.

When I entered the Benkov Art School at the age of 15, I started dreaming of seeing Raphael’s works and going to his house-museum. It is true that when you dream about something good, your dreams come true. And a creative person needs to dream.

The right time came. I have visited Italy more than once, going to the same venues as great painters such as Donatello, Michelangelo, Botticeli, and Leonardo da Vinci. I also had the chance to visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and see first hand the poetic works of Renaissance artists. I loved

“Purity”, 2014 them all, but I have always singled out Raphael’s work for its refinement and beauty. I visited the city where Raphael was born – Urbino. In the house where the painter grew up, I prayed quietly to myself that I could feel the light spirit of Raphael. And I think that to some extent the work of Raphael Santi influenced my work as well.

But, of course, I also had a passion for the works of other artists. I love Rene Magritte and Vrubel very much.

What did you like to draw in your childhood?

Since I was a kid, I’ve loved to draw fish (laughs). It is maybe because they were easy to draw. I also liked to draw ships. Then, slowly, I started to paint more and more flowers. A little later, came the ornaments. So I went to the pioneer house and began to learn to draw traditional national paintings and ornaments. But, fate has put everything in its place.

Creative people need to dream What type of literature are you interested in?

I like reading poetry. In prose, I read more philosophical works, like Chingiz Aitmatov and the peculiar thoughts of Hermann Hesse. I like Irving Stone’s Flours and Joy, and Frederick Stendal’s Red and Black. I have reread Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina several times.

I felt so close to the pictures he creates and the states of love he describes: I named some of my works after Anna, and I dedicated my painting Rose to her.

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INTERVIEW

What is the main philosophy of your work?

The goal of every artist, including me, is self-expression, to speak with the audience through the paintings and open my soul.

I do not try to specifically emphasize nationality in my works. However, in my works you can feel that I am a man of the East, it is in my blood. All people were created for love and noble feelings.

But in the modern world, relations have become more pragmatic. That’s probably why I always tried to live in the shell that I created around me and from this shell I tried not to go out into a real, sometimes tough life. No wonder my last exhibition was devoted to light. It’s the light that I miss, the light I’m looking for. Apparently, it is my inner need – to sing about love and beauty, to paint what I would like to convey to my audience.

Every viewer, every person has some pain inside. And I want to tear a person away from everyday routine, away from their problems at least for a moment. I want to elevate a person and say, “You are a woman. You are a man. You must be in a state of love. You have to confess your love to someone”.

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

We are all created for love.

But modern relations are often more pragmatic.

“Gurumsaray master”, 2013

paintings with old people that convey other emotions.

How are your paintings born? Is it the idea first, then the execution, or vice versa?

But life is different, and telling the truth is also necessary. I meet many people, especially when I travel around the regions. When I communicate with the older generation I feel their concern about the future of today’s youth and their values. Therefore, I also have dark

Sometimes an idea may appear suddenly: I can see someone or something beautiful and begin to fix this image in my mind, linking it with something else. I draw sketches, put them aside, review them, and redraw them. In my mind, this image is already alive.

More often, the idea comes first. In each of my works I try to lay down an idea, a meaning as a foundation. And performance is a skill that we have been taught. It is much easier to perform than to rethink what I have seen, heard or read by passing it through the prism of my soul. The second task is to transfer the idea to canvas, the technical execution. A lot of time is spent on technical preparation of the canvas. And the painting is easy.

“Divine fruit”, 2014

Looking at your work we can see many signs and symbols. Tell us about the symbols that you most often depict - fish, stones, pomegranates.

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“God’s grace”, 2013 Where you see fish, you see me. They are my self-portrait because my star sign is Pisces, represented by the fish.

And in the east, fish is a symbol of purity. I often use triangular shapes, which symbolize both female and male origin. Pomegranate in the east is a symbol of family and fertility. An apple is a symbol of love. I like to draw stones. Portraying stones, I lay my thoughts and a special context in them.

Stones of different forms visually look spectacular, and make the viewer go deeper and more seriously into the picture. And the viewer is immersed in these details and signs.

its founders: Alexander Volkov, Nikolai Karakhan, Ural Tansykbaev, Hovhannes Tatevosyan, Mikhail Kurzin and others. Then the next generation: Rahim Akhmedov, Nigmat Kuzybayev, Ruzy Charyev and many other prominent artists who laid the foundation for Uzbek easel painting. I would especially like to note Chingiz Akhmarov, who created a unique direction in Uzbek painting based on our historical heritage – miniature painting. The concept of an Uzbek School of Painting is very broad, and it includes many different schools. It is very reverent, poetic and national.

Do you have any particularly dear to

Could you advise our readers where they

your heart work which would be hard

can become more closely acquainted with

for you to part with?

Uzbek painting?

All of them. All my paintings are my children. They are all good and valuable for me.

Uzbek painting is well represented in the galleries of the State Museum of Art in Tashkent, in Urgench Art Gallery, as well as at the Savitsky Museum in Nukus. The Central Exhibition Hall in Tashkent constantly hosts various exhibitions of different generations of artists. Also, interesting projects and exhibitions are often held at the Tashkent House of Photography, the Kamaleddin Behzad Museum of Oriental Miniature and the International Caravan-Saray of Culture of Ikuo Hirayama. In these places you can see how the creative community lives today.

If it would be possible to return to the past and give advice to younger self.

What would you say to yourself?

I’d say to myself: “Work harder and read more. Find more opportunities to travel the world and visit all the museums more than once”.

Can you describe to us the main features of the Uzbek School of Painting?

When we talk about the Uzbek school of painting, we immediately remember

“In love”, 2019

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EVENT

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Silk Road Treasures Art Reception Text: Zahra Kazimova

The Visit Uzbekistan Partnership hosted a unique event to celebrate the cultural diversity of the Silk Road and to launch the 21st issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine.

U

zbekistan played a key role in the Great Silk Road, and this contributed significantly to its rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is true to say that this link is being cherished to this day

by Uzbeks of all generations. Elements of traditional culture can still be seen in the works of young Uzbek creative minds and entrepreneurs. Thus, Visit Uzbekistan Partnership had the pleasure of organizing an art reception in order to celebrate the richness of the Uzbek culture. The newest issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine was proudly presented to guests.

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Dinara Dultaeva, Founder of Dinara&Co and editor-in-chief of Visit Uzbekistan opened the night with a speech. “The secret of Visit Uzbekistan’s success is our belief in what we do, love for our heritage, and pride for our country. Most importantly, it is possible because of our partners and their contribution. It is the support of everyone who could and couldn’t show up today, everyone who has faith in us and appreciates our efforts.

This creates the effect of synergy and multiplies the results”, she shared.

More than 100 invitees from different backgrounds, including diplomats and government representatives, entrepreneurs, tour operators, and media and cultural figures, had the opportunity to network, meet future partners and friends, and discuss potential projects and initiatives. It is worth noting that Visit Uzbekistan Partnership is always open to new ideas and collaborations and will be happy to accept proposals to further enhance cultural relationships and promote Uzbekistan’s diverse potential in international arena.

KAMILAKHON KHASANOVA, editor-in-chief of “Lady Queen”: I was very happy to participate in this kind of event. The informal, friendly atmosphere was conducive to meeting new people, networking, and expanding my contact base.

It was clear that a lot of work had been done by the Dinara&Co team.

I want to thank all organizers and participants of the event. The night was incredible!

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EVENT

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The event was held in the magnificent museum-restaurant-theatre Khanstvo Manas, a venue which invites guests to immerse themselves in the true culture and hospitality of Uzbekistan. Guests enjoyed a variety of experiences prepared for the evening, including live ethno music. They had a chance to learn the basics of ceramics from the UNESCO acclaimed master Rustam Muzafarov, and observe the art of traditional embroidery

by Nilufar Musadjanova. Moreover, they also discovered the Uzbek perfume line Begim Treasure Collection, which is inspired by the heritage of world civilisations. One of the best art galleries in Tashkent, Autograph, presented a range of beautiful oil paintings, which were a distinctive addition to the space.

Gastronomic experiences were also a big highlight of the evening, as guests were able to enjoy traditional eastern dishes cooked by talented chefs of the restaurant.

Additionally, Uzbek winery Bagizagan offered a variety of wines for guests to taste and relish throughout the night. Another highpoint of the reception was the fashion show by Anor Couture and Bukhara Brilliant Silk. Their joint capsule collection – which was also shown during Milan Fashion Week – delighted guests with the shine and lushness of indigenous fabrics, and unique designs which showcased traditions and modern tailoring techniques. Along with these experiential activities, guests also had a chance to look through books published by Dinara&Co, and to familiarise themselves with the new issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine.

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Guests at the event were not only rewarded by spending quality time with friends, but were also excited to receive a variety of special gifts and prizes. Lucky winners left with 10 tickets to the one-of-a-kind Silk Route Marionettes theatre, beautiful perfume sets from Begim, subscriptions and discount coupons from OZone fitness centre, and much sought after flight tickets from FlyDubai. Hosts Khanstvo Manas generously provided guests with gift certificates, too. We are sure that everyone who attended the event would be delighted to return to this amazing venue to relive the experience and reminisce about the wonderful memories made there.

LUIZA ZAKIROVA, brand manager at “Begim”: Each time we participate in a Visit Uzbekistan Partnership event, we do so with great pleasure, not only as business partners but as close friends. Once again Dinara Dultaeva and her company organised a reception and presentation of Visit Uzbekistan magazine at the highest level. As a brand which carries Uzbekistan’s values to a global audience, we are pleased with the huge attention Begim received from all the guests – local and foreign – at the event. We are committed to working together to achieve global recognition.

Arts and NUKUS

NUKUS ZHIRAU THROAT SINGING is the traditional music in Karakalpakstan which portrays the life and history of the nation.

This style of singing is also called chanting or overtone singing, and the singer manipulates the voice by changing the shape of the mouth and resonating the air in the throat. This way singers can sing more than one note at the same time. Usually throat singing is accompanied by the traditional Karakalpak instrument known as kobyz, the strings of which are made from horse hair.

KHIVA

BUKHARA

KHIVA

BUKHARA

SHAKHRISABZ

CERAMIC PRODUCTS are one of the most distinctive crafts of Khiva. Original motifs reflect the region’s rich history from ancient times to the present day. Many ornamental items are decorated in the geometric girikh style. You can often find protective symbols within the design: look out for daggers or a bird’s wing. Pottery items are usually painted with white and blue colors, which symbolize the sky and water.

Bukhara is the heartland of GOLD EMBROIDERY in Uzbekistan. It’s a traditional form of applied art which has been passed down through generations. The base for the embroidery is usually a dark coloured velvet, against which the gold threads stand out. This technique has been used to make carpets, curtains, coats, head dresses, and accessories, and Bukharan craftsmen are still creating new designs and patterns to keep the artform alive.

SUZANI means “needlework”, and it is still a prominent artform in Shakhrisabz. Distinctive features of the Shakhrisabz style are floral designs around a stylised centrepiece. A motif called chahar-chirag (four lamps), which is derived from household lamps, is used on the sides of the suzani. The embroidery is so thick that Shakhrisabz’s suzanis are often compared to carpets.

Crafts Map of uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is full of incredible and unique examples of arts and crafts which will impress you with the level of craftsmanship and attention to details. Some regions of the country practice the same form of art, however, have characteristics that are exclusive to that region. We highlighted the most prominent art and crafts from some regions of Uzbekistan for you to discover on your journey through the country. Check in and go explore!

CHUST TASHKENT MARGILAN SAMARKAND

SHAKHRISABZ

CHUST Chust, a city in Namangan region, is famous for its unique KNIVES AND SKULLCAPS. Handmade knives, pichak, by the Chust smiths are considered the best in the country. They are not only beautiful but so sharp that can easily cut the string of hair. Chust is also known for exceptional skullcaps which are bigger and have distinctive embroidery patters such as bodom (almond) and kalampir (pepper). Artists also add small and dainty details making each skullcap highly unique.

SAMARKAND

TASHKENT

MARGILAN

The SILK CARPET of Samarkand are one of the oldest crafts in the region. Depending on the level of complexity of the design, it can take several years to make a single carpet. Millions of silkworm cocoons are required, and every knot has to be done by hand. Dyes are derived from natural products such as pomegranate, indigo, madder, and walnut, and unlike artificial dyes, they don’t fade. Your carpet will therefore stay vibrant for longer.

Tashkent has always been a major centre of WOOD CARVING. Items are usually made from elm, walnut, and mulberry trees, because the texture of their wood allows for intricate carving.

Different sized wooden doors, tables, boxes, columns, and various decorative objects are hand carved with traditional motifs and patterns. Artisans are now teaching this artform to a new generation in order to ensure its survival.

Margilan – the jewel of the Fergana Valley – is best known for KHANATLAS, its traditional silk fabric. Khan atlas’ bright colours and striking designs reflect the energy and spirit of Uzbekistan. Hours of painstaking work are required to produce a few metres of textile. Historically, khan atlas was used as a substitute for money in transactions, demonstrating the high regard in which it was held.

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PROMOTION

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gies for them, implementing investment projects, introducing agro-industrial innovations, as well as providing consulting services to business and investment projects both for B2B and B2G purposes.

Being experts in agriculture, one of the fastest growing industries in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, BMB TRADE GROUP, however, is focused on the expansion, and has ventured into other industries and services as well. Due to their extensive knowledge of the Uzbek market, a remarkable area of company’s expertise is providing consulting services to business and investment projects. Company’s growth can be seen through their role in the creation of one of the first cotton clusters in the country through the Uzbek-American JV LLC “Silverleafe

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BMB Agro Trade Group”. The project combines the processes of sowing cotton, its full processing, as well as the production of textile products for export.

This joint venture has a strong potential in terms of developing the textile industry in the country which creates a wide range of investment opportunities in this sector. Another large-scale project is “Uzbek-Russian JV BMB-NRC Agrologistics” established with the aim to export agricultural products to Russia.

The Agrology complex in Jizzakh region of Uzbekistan is working to fulfill and process permits and legal procedures to ensure safety and security of operations.

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LANDMARK

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Paintings from the collection of Bukhara Museum of Fine Art

DIFFERENT BUKHARA: A HIDDEN MUSEUM

Madina Turdieva resides in Toronto, where she works as a media specialist. A graduate of the Tashkent House of Photography, Madina has displayed her work in photographic exhibitions in Canada, the UK, and Uzbekistan. Here she shares her trip notes with Visit Uzbekistan readers.

centre of the Islamic world; and the diverse, multicultural Bukhara which gathered some of the world’s best artisans in one place. Which Bukhara would I discover this time?

Text: Madina Turdieva “I will take you to Bukhara”, I spontaneously said to my 12-year-old kid. “You will love it.” A speedy train took us from Tashkent to Bukhara in less than four hours.

You discover a different Bukhara every time. There is Bukhara the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its glorious architecture; Bukhara the intellectual

My trip started by visiting Bukhara Museum of Fine Art right next to Lyab-i Hauz. Located in the historic building that was built in 1912 as Central Asia’s first central bank, the museum drew my attention with its colorful poster showcasing Benkov’s famous Tajik with Tea Bowl. After being warmly greeted by the museum staff, I rushed to the second floor of the museum to see the finest works by Pavel Benkov, Mikhail Kurzin and many other talented artists

who came to Bukhara under interesting circumstances. I became a fan of Mikhail Kurzin’s works and Russian avant-garde art after seeing some of his paintings at Savitsky Museum in Nukus long time ago. Talented and brave, Kurzin was one of many painters who were repressed and prosecuted by Stalin and his regime for their rebellious art, and he spent time in Uzbekistan in exile. As a result of this connection, Uzbekistan has the world’s second largest collection of Russian avant garde art in Nukus, plus more artworks in Bukhara where many of the artists lived. The destiny of Pavel Benkov, another great artist,

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intertwined with Bukhara in a different way. He came to Bukhara in 1928 and simply fell in love with the city and its people, deciding to stay in Uzbekistan and thus contributing significantly to the development of Uzbek art.

After spending time enjoying the museum, I wandered around the ancient streets of Bukhara and found myself at the Ark, the marvellouslooking fortress which was home to the emirs of Bukhara until it was bombed by the Red Army in 1920. In one of the museums inside the Ark I discovered the throne of the Emir of Bukhara.

The photograph next to it aroused my curiosity. It was a famous image of the emir by the Russian photographer and scientist Prokudin-Gorskii. One of the pioneers in color photography, Prokudin-Gorskii traveled to different parts of the Russian Empire, including Central Asia to take one of the first color photographs using a railroad-car a darkroom provided by Tsar. Many of Prokudin-Gorskii’s photographs had a tumultuous existence. Only half of his 3,500 negatives survived the photographer’s emigration after the execution of the Tsar. When the Prokudin-Gorskii family arrived in Paris, the negatives and photo albums were stored in a basement, not

Bukhara is like a song of a morning bird: that song is never the same. surfacing again until four years after the photographer’s death. His son sold them to the United States Library of Congress in 1948 as the family was worried about them getting damaged.

Purchased for $3,500-$5,000 at that time, the negatives were digitized and made publicly available by the U.S. Library of Congress starting in the 2000s.

I started my trip wondering which Bukhara I would discover during my visit, and the answer came out naturally: I discovered a Bukhara with art in every corner. I discovered places which surprised me with their fascinating history and beautiful art.

When you visit, take a deep look at the talented people of different ethnicities and religions who have shared their homes and created stunning art. You will be surprised.

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LANDMARK

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UNDERGROUND INSIDE TASHKENT’S SPECTACULAR METRO Text and Photo: Ian Barker

Ming Urik station

I

f there was a quiz question to name five things you know about Uzbekistan you might firstly get that it was a former Soviet republic.

Secondly, that its capital city is Tashkent or, for those with a bit of geographical knowledge, that it is one of only two double-landlocked countries in the world. Some historians may also know that it lies along the ancient trade routes between the East and West, known as the Silk Road, but few would guess that Taskent has one of the most ornate networks of metro stations in the world.

For decades, photography was strictly forbidden in the Uzbek capital’s underground. It was considered to be a military installation and of state national security – similar to bridges, railway lines and army bases – and imagery of it was banned. In June 2018, the restrictions were lifted, and photographers were finally allowed free rein inside what is thought of as one of the most beautiful Soviet metro systems ever constructed.

The conception of the Tashkent Metro started in 1968, two years after a major earthquake struck and destroyed the

city in 1966. Construction on the first line opened on November 6, 1977 with nine stations. This line was extended in 1980, and a second line was added in 1984. The most recent line is the Yunusobod Line, the first section of which opened in 2001. Completed in 1977, Tashkent’s underground was the seventh built in the Soviet era. Each station is a work of art, featuring stylistic interpretations of Soviet and Uzbek history and culture that place the system among the most visually impressive undergrounds anywhere in the world.

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Kosmonavtlar station Like the other Soviet-era metro systems of Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev and Minsk, Tashkent’s metro was designed not just to function, but to bring art and culture into the daily lives of Soviet citizens. Upon completion, and with the Cold War growing in concern, the stations also served a double purpose as fallout shelters in the event of a nuclear attack. Where the different lines intersect, tunnels lead to the joining stations. Advertising boards are mostly for tea and English exams. Only since June 2018 has the Tashkent metro lost its classification as a military installation, finally making it possible to photograph.

Ever since, a steady stream of photographers – tourists and locals alike – have passed through, snapping selfies, not just traversing the Uzbek capital, but also capturing the journey itself.

Many stations, particularly those included in the initial 1977 construction, reflect aspects of Uzbek history or Soviet culture. Some have pictorial colourful mosaic historical scenes, while others show flourishes or geometric patterns. One of the most popular, Kosmonavtlar station with its deep blue colour space, theme, pays tribute to the early pioneers of the Soviet space programme, most notably the world’s first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. Alisher Navoi station (perhaps the most architecturally pleasing in the

Alisher Navoi station entire system) resembles the interior of a mosque with its domed roof and arches, Its name bears testament to the enduring importance of the Silk Road writer and poet in Uzbek culture, Alisher Navoi. The glitzy diamond ceiling of Dustlik and pillared tomb of Toshkent are also worthy of a visit.

The stations’ themes touch at times upon more modern topics, as well.

The green and blue mosaics inside Pakhtakor station (which translates to ‘cotton picker’) point to the historical importance of cotton to the Uzbek economy.

Yunus Rajabiy shows perfect symmetry with metal light fixtures and large marble pillars. The station is named after an Uzbek musician and is connected to Amir Timur station, so both can be seen in one visit. With the cost of around 12p per trip on the underground, from which you could spend all day travelling the 29 stations without coming up for air, this has to be the best value historical day out you could spend in Tashkent. Don’t forget to take a packed lunch - and of course your camera. www.barkinmadphotography.co.uk

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MY PERFECT DAY

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

24 HOURS IN

KHIVA Text: Portia Jones

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A walled pedestrian city, Khiva with its quaint labyrinth of streets and sparkling tiles looks like it was built specifically for tourists. Yet this “museum” city has so much to offer.

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t first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking Khiva’s old town, a walled pedestrian city, was built specifically for tourists. The glittering turquoise tilework, sand-coloured city walls, immaculate market stalls and towering minarets give the impression you have accidentally wandered into a living museum.

There’s more to the 6th century city of Khiva than you might imagine though. This striking Silk Road old town is actually full of history and culture and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over hundreds of years. It is probably best known as being an important trading post that connected China and Rome during the Silk Road glory days.

Must-visit the Old Town of Khiva Khiva is divided into two distinct areas: the Ichan-Qala area that is home to Khiva’s old town and the modern DichanQala area, which is where most of the residents live. Most tourists just visit the historic old town. Spend a day at this UNESCO World Heritage site and you will see busloads of tour groups wandering around this compact, touristfriendly, walled city.

Must-visit the Juma minaret The best views of Khiva are from the top of the Juma minaret, the tower of a 10th century mosque and one of the highest points of the city. The long ascent up a narrow staircase is not for the faint of heart, especially in the scorching hot summer temperatures.

Must-admire the exquisite tiles of Khuna Arc The Khuna Arc is an impressive fortress and former residence of Khivan rulers dating back to the 12th century.

It was expanded in the 17th century to include the khans’ harem, a mint, stables, mosque and even a jail.

The real draw here is the phenomenal, ornamental tile work that is a lasting relic of Silk Road riches and glory. This is also definitely a picturesque spot to get those quintessential Silk road snaps.

There is also a free evening performance that features traditional music, dance and costumes. Whilst it is impossible to follow the narrative due to the language barrier it will still keep you interested for the 20 or so minutes it lasts.

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OPINION

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DISCO VERING SAMARKAND W I T H

S A M U E L

Z I N G E R M A N

Text: Karine Petrosova

Samuel Zingerman is a young blogger and model in Uzbekistan. He has won gold medals in international competitions and festivals. He is going to start his blog about the cities of Uzbekistan, which will be the first such project led by a 7 year old boy.

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O

ur hero, Samuel Zingerman, is a second grader who loves football, acting, drumming, hand-to-hand fighting, and chess, is learning English, and dreams of attending cooking lessons.

Samuel also likes to travel and find new hobbies!

How did you come up with the idea of a Travel Blog?

On the first day of a competition we usually get to know each other by showing a short clip of our homelands. This summer, I took part in a competition in Los Angeles and talked about my beautiful and beloved Uzbekistan, its cities, delicious fruits, kind people, and beautiful nature.

When I was on a photo shoot in Khiva, I was very impressed. I probably took 1,000 photos! So I often show them to my foreign friends. That’s how I came up with the idea of recording a video from Samarkand, where so many things were interesting and surprising.

Tell us about the first issue? What will it be about?

We spent a whole day in Samarkand with a professional videographer. We chose some unusual locations – a paper factory, a silk carpet factory –

and some beautiful sites in the city. At the carpet factory I met the founder, Muhamad Evaz. He is 99 years old.

As a young man, he lived in America, in Chicago and his English is fluent.

Although he is almost 100, he still comes to the factory every day. What a fascinating and interesting life! We were shown the process of making carpets, how to paint threads, how to weave. I also tried it myself. Then there was a paper mill. Did you know that if you read a book printed on Samarkand paper, your eyes wouldn’t hurt as they would hurt from the ordinary paper?

There is a very cozy courtyard, where we walked and did not notice how 3 hours flew by.

What else did you like in Samarkand?

Lots of things. I cannot remember all the names of places, but as we walked with a guide it was very interesting. The observatory of Ulugbek – a grandson of Amir Timur – was impressive. During the trip I also learned some history about

Samarkand that I want to share with you. In the past, Samarkand was the place where all educated and smart people gathered together. To this day, all ancient relics are kept carefully and with love in this city. The city is inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to go on a trip and have a photo shoot in Bukhara, Khiva, and Margilan.

My mother loves chapans (a traditional coat) and she told me about the factory where they are made. I am very excited to see the Yoddgorlik factory and learn how to create them. We might also go to Termez, a city that has such a beautiful nature. I also dream of an international project: a trip to Italy, the UK, and the USA to shoot programmes about talented, creative people who show their diligence and prove that everything is possible in life if you try hard enough.

Instagram: @samuel_zingerman

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Uzbekistan’s Mountains Text: Valeriya Galikhanova If you want to visit Uzbekistan in winter, you can always go to the mountains. This will bring colour to your stay during the coldest period of the year.

CHIMGAN SKI RESORT From December to March, the most popular places for outdoor activities in Uzbekistan are the ski resorts. Only 80 km from Tashkent, and at the food of the mountain of the same name, is Chimgan, a perfect resort for families and beginner skiers.

The clean mountain air, picturesque surroundings, mild winter temperatures and sunny days, long ski slopes and absence of queues for the lifts create ideal conditions for freeriding, back country, and heli skiing. In Chimgan there are about 10 cable cars and more than 20 pisted slopes of varying levels of difficulty (though mostly red and blue), covering 150 km and rising to a height of 1,980 m. Skis and sledge rentals are also available. Every year there are festivals of extreme sports among skiers and snowboarders. The resort also has a comfortable hotel where visitors can rest after an active day, and prepare for their next adventure.

BELDERSAY SKI RESORT Just five kilometres from Chimgan, at an altitude of 1,500 m, is the Beldersay ski centre. The snow here lasts longer than in Chimgan, but the red and black slopes are for more experienced skiers. There are two cable cars. The Beldersay ski track is one of the best sports tracks for downhill skiing in the CIS and meets the standards of the International Ski Federation. The length of the track is 3017 m., height difference is – 765 m., and an average slope is 26° (maximum slope is 52°). The absolute height of the top mark of the track is 2350 m.

Accompanied by a local guide it is even possible to try off-piste skiing on virgin snow, but always follow the rules as un-pisted slopes have an increased avalanche risk.

In summer, the Chimgan and Beldersay ski resorts are great places for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, horse riding tours and climbing. Many trekking routes start from here as well.

PROMO

SILK ROUTE MARIONETTES

T H E A T R E - S T U D I O

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VISIT UZBEKISTAN

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ashkent’s “Theatre-Studio Silk Route Marionettes”, led by Shirin Pulatova, is the first and only professional marionette theatre in Central Asia. Based on the centuries old Uzbek tradition of chodir khael (threaded dolls), the new theatre brings together the cultural legacy of qo’girchokchi (puppeteer) with fresh music and modern stage technologies. It creates performances which appeal to audiences of all ages,

from children to those in old age. The marionettes living and acting in the performances educate and bring up both children and adults; arouse interest in the creative perception of life, revive the euphoric feelings from the contact with the miracle of stage “revival” of colorful dolls and their transformation into memorable images. The use of marionettes in drama is educational but also inspires creativity in those who watch the shows.

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The puppets respond to the slightest movement of their strings. Their gestures are humanlike, and as the show goes on, they are transformed from toys to characters who seem full of life. We start believing that they are real. Producers have taken classic and modern fairytales and combined them with advanced digital sound, lighting, and visual effects to create a magical, memorable world. The theatre currently has seven different plays in its repertoire, so there is plenty of reason to have a return visit to the studio.

Each marionette is handmade in the workshop by an actorpuppeteer. The actors are professionals, and though the marionette is in theory their subordinate, it is as if it becomes an extension of their personality and soul. This is what gives the performances power. The moveable elements of the puppets are made from wood. The face is sculpted from clay, and other body parts are made from foam so that the puppet does not become too heavy. When the body is complete, it gets a handmade outfit from silk, satin, and adras fabrics. In rehearsals, the actor must first learn to make his puppet walk: it is like teaching a child its first steps.

At the same time, an actor must find the right voice for his puppet. The voice needs to be unique to the puppet’s character, and memorable. In some cases, the puppet will not only speak but sing, and the beautiful songs are complemented by live music and light effects.

Although it seems that actions on the stage are automated, in fact everything is manual, even the changing of the scenery.

The cast works hard to create the spectacle and make it engaging for the audience, who are able to sit back and enjoy it from the comfort of 150 soft armchairs in the spacious auditorium.

Aladdin and his magic lamp In the eastern bazaar, among melons and watermelons, Khoja Nasreddin begins to tell the story of Aladdin: “In one beautiful city there was a good and kind. . .”, “Angry, sobering. . .”

Khodja’s donkey interrupts, and the famous fairy tale finds a new and unusual life on the stage of the same new and unusual marionette theater. This fairy tale, like a magic lamp shimmering among the treasures, fascinates the audience with its magic again and again. The courtyard in front of Aladdin’s house is so ordinary and familiar, with a tapchan and vineyard, and in contrast - the cave of the evil Wizard, with candles, jinn, scary books and an old phone. Loved and deceived Aladdin and willful but faithful Princess Boudour. Snow-white moldings of the palace walls and clay blowing; ghosts and gold coins, magic of spells and magic of ordinary words. And a genie woven from fire and smoke, who can fulfill any wish, is only to be ordered. But does he have the power to disobey an order for a friend? And what will happen to the heroes of the story, told under the cheerful clatter of donkey hooves?

“Theatre-Studio Silk Route Marionettes” is a completely new, modern puppet theatre, and a protegee of the Vienna Puppet Theatre in Schonbrunn. Werner and Zinaida Hirzer, the founders of the Viennese theatre, are true masters of their craft, and trained Silk Route Marionette’s actors in their puppetry techniques.

Recently, the Tashkent theatre’s main troupe has been on tour in Austria, introducing European audiences to their oriental version of Aladdin and his magic lamp. The Tashkent and Viennese actors were able to exchange experiences and participate in a professional masterclass, as well as giving joint performances and sharing their puppetry secrets. This was the first time Uzbek puppetry had ever been seen in Austria.

The bright and memorable performances of the puppet theatre amuse both children and their parents. Fabulous onstage action fascinates audiences with its magic. Come and see the beauty of these unique marionettes with your own eyes.

We are delighted to invite you to the “Theatre-Studio Silk Route Marionettes” and wish you a wonderful time!

Address: Karatosh st., Shaykhantahur district, “Samarqand Darvoza” Mall, 4th floor.

Phone: +99893 5152051, +99895 1988383

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EVENT

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan at

The Luxury Symposium Text: Zahra Kazimova

Uzbekistan participated as a country partner at “The Luxury Symposium 2019” in New Delhi, India in October. The event was organised by non-profit organisation “The Luxury League” and hosted by Ritu Beri, Uzbekistan’s Brand Ambassador for Tourism and Culture in India.

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t the prestigious event dedicated to the luxury industry, Uzbekistan was represented by the delegation of 60 people. This included local government representatives from Samarkand, Namangan, Khorezm, and Bukhara. In two days of the symposium, the number of guests exceeded 10,000 people who could get acquainted with the stands of Uzbekistan, as well as with more than 100 brands, among which Uzbek brands, such as “Bukhara Brilliant Silk”, “Begim”, “Anor Couture”, “Dilnoz Collection”, “Dilrabo Design”, “Visit Uzbekistan” magazine and “Dinara & Co” publishing.

“The Luxury Symposium 2019” was held in two formats - a large-scale exhibition with stands of various brands of Uzbekistan, India and other countries, and the symposium itself, which was attended by senior officials, government officials of India, ambassadors, various experts and guests from the UK, India, the USA and other countries, creative representatives, as well as mass media. In particular, four government ministers became the honored guests of the event: Minister of Road Transport and Highways and Minister of Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises of India N. Gadkari, Minister for Cultural Minorities M. Nakvi, Minister of Skills and Entrepreneurship M. Pandey, Minister of Health and Social Security, Minister of Science and Technology H. Vardhan. Among the participants were also members of the Indian Parliament, representatives of the state government, prominent cultural and public figures of India and several foreign countries.

From the Uzbek side, the ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, Farhod Arziev, deputy chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Ulugbek Azamov, deputy chairman of the Samarkand region Botirjon Nurullaev, deputy chairman of the Khorezm region Temur Davletov, founder of the

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EVENT

“Begim” perfume house Gulchehra Begim Mahmudova, and the chief editor of Visit Uzbekistan magazine Dinara Dultaeva participated in discussions. The speakers noted the rapidly developing cultural relations between Uzbekistan and India and discussed new ways of preserving the heritage of the countries.

As a result of the symposium, the award ceremony “The Luxury League Awards 2019” was held, where the founder of the “Begim” brand Gulchekhra Begim Makhmudova received an international award for her outstanding contribution to the development of the perfume industry.

Uzbekistan’s participation in “The Luxury Symposium 2019” was so successful that the Khorezm region officials proposed to organizers to hold this event in 2020 in Khiva.

On the first day of the symposium, a gala reception was organized at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Delhi, at which the traditional culture of the country was presented. Guests enjoyed performances by “Surkhon” music group and the Khorezm ensemble. They also tried national treats from Uzbekistan and were surprised by the gastronomic features of the country.

Co-founder of The Luxury League, the Ambassador for Tourism and Culture of Uzbekistan in India, Ritu Beri, noted the following: “I visited Uzbekistan in September and was able to attend the Kokand International Handicraft Festival. I was impressed by the culture and heritage of the country, as well as by the examples of modern applied art. We were pleased to invite Uzbekistan as a partner country and present all the diversity, richness and bond between the cultures of India and Uzbekistan at the symposium. I think that both countries will have many joint projects ahead to promote the national brand and to demonstrate the cultural heritage on a global level”.

Several articles were published in the Indian newspaper Sunday Guardian Live which highlighted the discussions with the representatives of the Uzbek delegation. During “The Role of Ambassadors in Nation Branding” panel, Farhod Arziev talked about the bond between Uzbekistan and India, he shared, “It is

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

exciting, convenient and challenging in India. If we go back in history, socially, culturally and cuisine-wise, there is a comfort and synergy between both countries”. Another session titled “Cultural Tourism and Branding of a Nation” explored branding countries through the cultural heritage. Ulugbek Azamov emphasized the fact that Uzbekistan, like India, branded itself on historical tourism. He said, “Tourists visit Uzbekistan for the monuments and mosques. But now they also come to experience culture and lifestyle. The tourism is growing steadily by 30% and there’s good opportunity”. Moreover, interesting discussion emerged through the session about changing meaning of luxury in an era of globalization with Dinara Dultaeva, Pradeep Sachdeva and Ayush Kasliwal. The newspaper also published an interview with Dinara Dultaeva where she talked about her journey in the world of publishing and tourism in Uzbekistan and similarity in Uzbek and Indian cultures.

It is true to say that India and Uzbekistan have long-standing relationships and events like this help these relationships become closer and more diverse. They help us think of creative and unique ways of promoting the cultural heritage of our countries in the international arena, and share our lights with the world. It will be interesting to observe how the friendship of these two countries develops even more, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone at the Luxury Symposium 2020 next year.

See you in Khiva!

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A PARTNERSHIP FOR TOURISM GROWTH Supporting Uzbekistan’s economic and touristic growth is key for the Visit Uzbekistan team. With our international partners, we are launching a new partnership for public and private sector stakeholders to develop and promote the tourism sector, enabling Uzbekistan to realise its potential.

Benefits of joining the Visit Uzbekistan partnership includes: Collective B2B and B2C marketing; Hospitality and communications training; Representation at international trade shows and consumer travel events; Market reports and analysis;

B2B networking opportunities; Access to international consultants and service providers; Designated website and social media channels.

The Visit Uzbekistan website will be launched along with the partnership in autumn 2019. For more information, please contact Dinara Dultaeva (dinara@dinara.co).

ADVISORY COUNCIL OF THE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP VISIT UZBEKISTAN: Sophie Ibbotson, Ambassador of Tourism of Uzbekistan in the UK, Founder of the Maximum Exposure Agency, UK. Provides strategic development planning, market research and reports, PR and logistics services, and introductions to business and policy leaders.

Egor Sharai, chief editor of Concierge Magazine, United Arab Emirates. The magazine is published in Dubai in 4 languages for a quarter of a century and plays a leading role in the UAE tourism market. Company provides support in entering the market and promotion destinations in GCC countries.

Axel Porsch, founder of Porsch Communications, Germany. Communication consultancy firm (media planning, media purchasing, media optimization), works with advertisement agencies as well as with direct clients.

Yulia Shukina, founder of the Know-How Media agency for the promotion of countries, Russia. The company is an integrated approach to promotion touristic-products of the National Tourism Offices, hotels, airlines, travel companies in social networks and in the media.

Tan Bilge, head of media buying agencies in Turkey and Germany. Media Ltd. is an Istanbul based international media groups with expertise of TV, print, digital and outdoor media. Covers media buying in Germany, France, Middle-East, Italy, UK, India and China.

Karen Anand, Karen’s Gourmet Kitchen Pvt Ltd, India. Karen is a famous businesswoman, food writer, founder of gourmet manufacturing in India. Since 2018 she started organizing luxury tours to Uzbekistan from India.

Mauro Lovecchio, founder of Studio Lovecchio in Italy, the Czech Republic, China, and Uzbekistan. The company consults on investment in real estate and tourism infrastructure (Italy, Estonia, Uzbekistan).

Gleb Borukhov, Investment Director, Realia Capital Group, London. Investment management company works in a multifamily office format and manages the capital of private wealthy clients. As part of its investment activities, Realia specializes in structuring and managing direct private investments.

Giorgi Tskhakaia, co-founder of the Azerbaijani company GLCC Solutions for state reform consulting. The consulting company covers the entire range of public sector reforms.

If you want to get more information about the Business Club Visit Uzbekistan, we are ready to provide you with a presentation or answer your questions by phone.

Tel.: +(99893) 390 00 98

info@dinara.co

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IMPRESSION

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Uzbekistan’s Trio with Daria Sabitova Text: Alina Hasanova

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In September Daria Sabitova - Viennese art critic, touring lecturer, founder of the school of art history “Art Salon Vienna” has visited our country. Daria shared about her very colorful and exciting trip on her Instagram page. We decided to learn more from Daria about her impressions.

Why did you decide to visit Uzbekistan?

Have you been interested in the culture or history of the country before this trip?

The decision to visit Uzbekistan was spontaneous, though deliberate. Before I had only seen Samarkand in the paintings of the Soviet artist Pavel Benkov. This trip took place as a birthday gift. Because of my work, hobbies and lifestyle, I travel a lot and it is my great passion. I have been thinking about Uzbekistan since last year, then decided and planned a trip within a week. To be honest, before this trip I didn’t have the slightest idea about the country.

What did inspire you to choose the route?

Can you name three locations that became special for you and why?

The route Khiva-Bukhara-Samarkand was chosen for a reason. I wanted to step back from the conventional arrival in Tashkent because there are enough modern cities everywhere. I wanted to see the exotic antiquity: mosques, madrassas, minarets, mausoleums. In that sense, I liked Khiva the most - the atmosphere is fabulous, and Ichan-Kala seems like a real-life illustration of “1001 nights”. Time in Khiva flows in a special manner, and I had a feeling that the city was lost somewhere between the centuries. Regarding Bukhara and Samarkand, I was surprised with their incredible lighting. The blinding sun of the desert in a peculiar way harmonizes with the azure of the sky and turquoise majolica of madrasah.

It is interesting to know your impressions about the applied arts of Uzbekistan. What did you buy as a souvenir?

The applied art is something that Uzbekistan can be proud of - finest silk carpets, fabrics painted in the technique of ikat, ceramics and wood carving, and especially the magnificent laukh - a book

rest! I have always been dreaming to touch the wooden doors in these cities. It is definitely worth coming here with an empty suitcase. The quality of souvenirs is great and prices are affordable. I do not prefer to buy different magnets and mugs when I travel, instead I bought a chapan and some hats. I am going to wear them for my performance or in everyday life, combining with casual clothes.

It is usual to hear Uzbekistan be called a “gastronomic paradise”. Can you name three dishes that you especially liked?

In terms of gastronomy Uzbekistan impressed me with the skillful use of spices and a variety of plov. The preparation of plov was quite different in all three cities. I like plov very much and I liked the one from Khiva the most: sweet and spicy. I also liked manty, salad and all dishes with mutton: lyulya-kebab, for example. And of course the Uzbek tea drinking culture will not leave anyone untouched. In any incomprehensible situation - go and drink tea!

Because of your profession you travel a lot around the world and communicate with many people. How can you describe the

Uzbek people?

Uzbeks won me over with their hospitality, polite and respectful attitude to me as a guest, and sincere desire to help. Locals were always ready to offer assistance and care for us like for children. It is important to note that no one tried to trick us. Such kind and touching attitude is rare to find anywhere now.

What are three words you can associate Uzbekistan with?

Three words: endless hospitality, bright color and oriental wisdom.

ART

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

&

Text: Fatima Arifdjanova, Yulya Darkova

“Artists in Shahi-Zinda”, 1943

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Photo made with mobile device

“Girlfriends”, 1952

Have you ever watched an artist? Here he stands in the open air and draws, and his paints are not at all what you see ... He somehow gives off light in a special way, deepens the paints, sees what suddenly becomes obvious to you, but was not noticed at all before. This is a special gift, gift of an artist.

More than once I noticed how paints lay in a special way, and especially the shadows on the canvases of Pavel Benkov, Ural Taksynbaev, Nikolai Karakhan and many others. So much ocher, terracotta and the sun you can find nowhere else.

If you are familiar with the art of Pavel Benkov, then you probably paid attention to the play of light and shadow in his works. It can be assumed that this is an artistic technique for conveying the mood, but it turns out that it is something more.

I have never seen such beautiful shadows before.

First of all, they are very soft and light. There is no contrast to which we are accustomed to on a clear day, when the sun is at its zenith. It feels like the shadows are burnt out or just dusty.

Secondly, light and shadows create a special lace pattern. Very often, patches of sunlight in the shade “Girlfriends. Letter from the front”, 1945

are compared to peas. Indeed, sometimes it seems that everything is covered with sun peas.

Great number of sunny days and trees make these patterns very common in Uzbekistan, and they surely inspire and appeal to artists and photographers.

And you yourself have watched this more than once ... whether you are walking around the city, or in the vicinity, whether you are passing by villages or in the mountains, everywhere there is a game of colors and shadows. In a special way light from the sun falls on a dusty road through the crowns of trees or dense vineyards. The earth is covered with sunny polka dots, which makes us so childishly joyful.

Look, is this a vision of the artist? What is it that gave him a special vision to the paining? How many masterpieces can be seen with your own eyes, if you are just in the middle of the street and start playing with your imagination? Take a thinking brush and start drawing. We ourselves become participants in such paintings ... We ourselves are artists ...

Photo made with mobile device

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COLLABORATION

VISIT UZBEKISTAN

Presents

Visit Uzbekistan and La Passion chocolate boutique found themselves having the same desire to tell the world about Uzbekistan. It is true to say there are variety of ways of doing it, but we chose the sweetest one. This shared value inspired us to collaborate and create a collection of chocolates which highlight the peculiarities of every region of Uzbekistan.

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U

zbekistan is like a box of chocolates. You never know what story lies behind each treat. Although our love for our country occupies big parts of our hearts, that does not mean we do not have a spare space for chocolate. Chocolate is always a good idea, especially if it helps connect us with treasures and traditions of our beloved country.

This is the reason why Visit Uzbekistan decided to collaborate with La Passion and offer you the “Uzbekistan Collection”. 14 treats handmade by the masters of La Passion with quality and natural ingredients are carefully selected and inspired by every region of Uzbekistan. We believe that it is a unique and definitely the sweetest way of experiencing this country.

The book that comes with the chocolates will help you learn more about each treat, its origin and the legend behind it. This way you know exactly what you are tasting – a special piece of history. As holidays are approaching, we recommend the chocolate box as a perfect gift that will impress anyone and become a centerpiece of your coffee table. What is more, we offer the service of personalization where you can brand your chocolate box and the book according to your preferences.

Choose this gift as a present for your corporate staff and put the logo and the colour story of your company on it. We are sure it will not leave anyone indifferent and probably boost your company’s productivity! You can also use it as a present for your guests and business partners and this clever advertisement option will ensure your company is remembered leaving them with positive impressions about you and our country Uzbekistan.

Here is an example of a chocolate treat from the “Uzbekistan Collection” and its story.

SAMARKAND

Dark Chocolate with Soyaki raisins According to the legend, Amir Temur’s beloved wife, BibiKhanum, was fond of Soyaki raisins and always ordered to add them to her food – from traditional desserts all the way to the main dishes, like famous Samarkand pilaf. Since then, the pilaf in the region is always made with Soyaki raisins. We decided to experiment with this treat and discovered a beautiful combination of rich dark chocolate and sweet Soyaki raisin.

Taste the love of the royals!

PREORDER NOW! “Uzbekistan Collection” is ready for preorder. Get it just in time for the holidays! Call La Passion or Visit Uzbekistan.

ABOUT LA PASSION

Handmade chocolate in Tashkent!

La Passion founded in 2013 in Uzbekistan is the first handmade chocolate boutique and workshop that combines premium quality and unique taste. The company specializes on creating exquisite treats ready to buy from the store, along with taking orders on making chocolate gifts: original compositions, bespoke sculptures, caramel and chocolate figures and more. All products are made exclusively from high quality Belgian chocolate – Barry Callebaut, Belcolade.

Company strives to provide every lover of real chocolate with varied and tasty delicacies, thanks to a careful selection of components, as well as unique production technologies. At the same time, they always remain true to their rule – only fresh and natural ingredients, the absence of preservatives and the originality of the recipe.

CONTACTS La Passion Address: 6 Babur Street, “Next” Mall, Yakkasaray district, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Call at: +99893 393 88 58, +99898 3688585 Visit Uzbekistan Address: 60B Konstitutsiya Street, Mirabad district, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Call at: +99893 390 00 98 We will be happy to hear from you!

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THE ART

OF UZBEK BREAD Uzbek cuisine is well-known for its variety of recipes with meat and bright taste of spices. Every dish is delicious but not complete without bread. Uzbek bread is special and unique in different regions of the country. Let’s take a journey to learn about the Bread.

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he traditional bread recipe and style varies by location and population. All 12 provinces propose several shapes and forms of bread in Uzbekistan. Let’s discover some of them.

Traditional Uzbek bread (obi-non, non (na’n), tandyr non) has different names but one unforgettable taste. A typical non is a soft, circle shaped, gold-colored baked good with decorative stamp in the centre that perfectly reflects our warm sun. The bakers, like great designers, can play with the decoration adding the sesame seeds and glazing the surface with milk to enhance the shine.

The process of cooking bread sometimes looks like the creative work of a painter, as it is not so easy to make a design of the usual bread. The baker works with their hands and makes a circle without any baking pans, then repeats it hundreds of times baking at least 300 pieces of bread for the morning. Then, shaped bread goes to the tandoor, which is a special clay oven, and has a cylindrical form. After some time, hot, crispy but also fluffy with the most delicious taste bread is ready.

Bakers also bake a festive bread, patyr, - bread which is almost like obi-non, but has more fat and butter, and is much heavier. This type of bread is always a centerpiece at weddings, traditional events and celebrations. Tasty treat with an amazing smell and appearance is also considered a gift when visiting friends and relatives.

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Text: Nigora Kosimova

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SAMARKAND BREAD

FERGANA BREAD

Samarkand legendary bread is known for being dense and heavy weighing about 2 kilos. It is glazed with milk which gives it a toasty colour, and decorated with black sesame seeds clustered in the center. Locals recommend to eat it with soups, as well as use for dieting as a healthier option.

Just a few hours from Tashkent, there is Fergana, where you will be amazed with the size of their traditional bread. It is about 50-60 cm in diameter, and this surface is like an art canvas for bakers. On the bread that is usually shaped like a flower, daisy or sunflower, they also draw mesmerizing ornaments and patterns.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BREAD: • Cutting bread with knife is considered offensive to the bread.

Uzbeks never cut bread, instead tearing it with hands into smaller portions.

• Bakers put their own stamp known as chekich (see the photo on the front) in the center of the bread. It not only identifies the baker, but also helps prevent the dough from rising in the center.

• Bread is considered sacred, and putting it upside down is disrespectful.

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OSHI SOFI

PILAF FROM BUKHARA Text: Alena Gorbacheva

In the associative chain of an experienced tourist, Uzbekistan is monolithic with the words “Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, pilaf.” It seems that these four words can accommodate the entire spectrum of centuries-old history, rich culture and unique traditions of the country.

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most honourable dish at weddings, big holidays and even funeral ceremonies. To this day, osh is considered to be not only a tasty and nourishing food, but also healing. Recipes and cooking technologies for pilaf with chopped meat and rice were common already in the XVI century.

A

n experienced guide or a local resident will probably tell you that you should start your journey through Uzbekistan with a meal of osh (pilaf), as this dish is called in Uzbek.

The reason for its preparation, which by the way in the past centuries was exclusively for special holidays by the nobility, now extends to casual family gatherings and traditional events.

If you ever wondered how many types of this Uzbek dish exist, you will hardly find an exact answer, because in every region of the country a skilled oshpaz (a chef specializing in cooking pilaf) or an amateur cook have their own recipe and cooking technique. However, at a first glance an experienced connoisseur of Uzbek national cuisine will determine which pilaf it is - Bukhara, Ferghana, Tashkent, Khorezm, Samarkand or Kashkadarya style.

We asked the Bukhara guide, a native resident of this ancient city, the blogger Akmal Khamraev, to tell us the legend about pilaf and share the recipe for making one of its types - the famous Bukhara “Oshi Sofi”.

- In ancient chronicles dating back to the X-XI centuries, it is mentioned that pilaf was mainly the food of rich people and was served as the

History confirms that in the past centuries the first thing they offered to restore physical strength after an illness and exhaustion was always osh. No wonder the pilaf was the main food of the soldiers of the great commander Amir Temur, and presumably Alexander the Great.

In folk medicine, pilaf cooked according to the recipe of Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), “Oshi Sofi” (which means “clean dish” or “diet pilaf” in Farsi), was considered healing. It was recommended to consume in case of malaise, exhaustion, long-term starvation, serious illness and other ailments.

One of the beautiful legends tells that the son of the ruler of Bukhara fell madly in love with a beautiful girl, the daughter of a craftsman from a poor family.

According to the laws of that time, he could not marry a woman who was not from a noble circle. The prince was overcome by love anguish, he literally went out before his eyes, lost his sleep and refused to eat. His relatives, concerned about the state of his health, brought him to Abu Ali ibn Sina. Questions about the causes of the disease did not yield any results: the man in love did not want to share his emotions. Then Avicenna resorted to his methods - he could determine ailments by heart rate. Having found the reason, the healer ordered to call a man who knew all the neighbourhoods of the city.

When he started calling their names, ibn Sina began to watch the pulse. One of them caused a fast heartbeat

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Pilaf is prepared according to the special recipe and technology – only in a copper cauldron

in the prince. Then they invited the one who had information about the residents of the specified quarter. The healer, while continuing to monitor the rhythm of the heart, determined which name of the head of the family caused excitement in the patient. It was a craftsman, so they called him and asked to say the names of his children. The heart of the prince beat faster when he heard the name of the one he was desperately in love with. Avicenna solved the mystery and prescribed a treatment: to eat “Oshi Sofi”, which would bring back his appetite and restore strength. And then get married. Perhaps, for this reason, pilaf is considered the main dish of a wedding celebration.

As a guest in Bukhara, you should definitely try “Oshi Sofi”, Akmal Khamraev claims. Moreover, it is prepared according to the special recipe and technology - only in a copper cauldron, where ingredients are boiled in advance separately from each other, and only in the final stage the components of the osh steam in one cauldron.

HOW TO COOK To prepare “Oshi Sophie”, you need the following ingredients: beef, onions, carrots, rice (preferably varieties of “Alanga” or “Laser”, except “Devzira”), chickpeas (large yellow peas), dried raisins (osh maiz), cumin, salt to taste.

The peculiarity of this type of pilaf is also in jivoz oil (rugani jivoz). This is a combination of sesame, linseed, cotton, grape, watermelon and melon oils, which every oshpaz uses to their taste.

Beef meat is cooked with onions in a copper cauldron until it is not fully cooked, and the resulting broth is used in further stage. Pre-soaked rice also goes through a cooking process in a separate vessel until it is incomplete.

In order to drain the rice, a special colander “Buro” (reed mat) is used, which, thanks to the natural material, gives the finished dish a unique and savoury taste.

Afterwards, prepared products are stacked in the copper cauldron in a particular sequence. First goes carrots (yellow and red), then beef meat with onions, again carrots, soaked chickpeas, raisins, cumin and salt, and lastly rice.

Meat broth and water is poured on top to a certain level, which depends on the type of rice used. The cauldron is covered with a lid; however, instead, it is better to use the “Buro” colander.

When the “Oshi Sofi” is almost ready, the boiling jivoz oil is poured on pilaf. After a specific time, the cauldron is opened, but by no means the finished dish is getting mixed. Layers of rice, followed by carrots with raisins and chickpeas, and only then chopped pieces of meat are served out on a lyagan (a large flat plate ed.). Bon Appetit!

FACTS ABOUT PILAF: Every year, a large-scale festival “Silk and Spices” is held in Bukhara, where all kinds of Uzbek seasonings and fabrics are presented.

Traditionally as part of this event, contests among oshpazs are held. In 2019 the festival took place for the 18th time.

Pilaf is mentioned in the literary monument of medieval Arabic and Persian literature “1001 Nights”, and in the works of Avicenna (980-1037) as a remedy.

In 2016 Uzbek and Tadjik pilaf was called the object of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. In 2017 at the festival of traditional culture “Uzbegim” in Tashkent 7,36 tons of pilaf was prepared. The record was included in the Guiness Book.

According to the legend, the name “palov osh” consists of the first letters of all its ingredients: P (piyoz) – onion: A (ayoz) – carrot; L (lakhm) – meat; O (Olio) – oil; V (vet) – salt; O (ob) – water; Sh (shaly) – rice.

365 pages / 230 photos Language: Russian and English Circulation: 2000 units VIP edition: 100 units Printing: Turkey

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THE KING OF FRUITS IN THE EAST

P O M E G R A N AT E Nature crowned and presented arils similar to gems for pomegranate, which justifies the status of king of fruits. As much has been said about its taste, usefulness and healing features as about sacral symbolism.

POMEGRANATE IN HISTORY...

Pomegranate culture in Central Asia is no less than two thousand years old and perhaps much more. This is evidenced by some archeological findings in the Khorezm castle of Toprak-Kala, existence of which dates back to the beginning of the IV century. The remains of the castle’s wall paintings show the image of the fertility goddess Anahita with fruit in her hand.

In the famous historical work “Babur-nama” (“Babur’s Notes”) you can also find a mention about a pomegranate. Its author, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, is a great Uzbek poet, thinker, historian and statesman, the founder of the Babur dynasty and empire, wrote: “Another city is Margilan, the west of Andijan. It is a good city, which is full of all grace. Pomegranates and apricots are plentiful and delicious there. There is one kind of pomegranate called donakalan; in its sweetness you can feel a light pleasant [sour taste] of apricot. These pomegranates are preferred over Semnan pomegranates”.

In every true story there is a place for legends. One of them tells that before each conquest Amir Temur ordered to fill his stone bowl with pomegranate juice (the famous stone bowl is located in the Samarkand mausoleum of Gur-Emir - the family tomb of the Temurid dynasty). Warriors were to make a sip of scarlet fruit drink. In the same way they swore an oath to the commander.

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...SYMBOLISM Thanks to the bizarre structure of the fruit, inside which the scarlet arils are placed close to each other and dressed in a strong skin, the pomegranate represents a strong family bond, unity. A large number of arils made it a symbol of fertility, prosperity and abundance. In the East, flowers and fruits symbolize friendship, so the pomegranate is often presented as a gift. ...MEDICINE Pomegranate juice was the favorite drink of pharaohs, who believed in its miraculous features. It is no coincidence that this fruit was also the favorite of the outstanding healer, philosopher and scientist Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), because grain, fruit peel, flowers and leaves were widely used in folk medicine, and today – in cosmetology. He wrote that pomegranates of all varieties are characterized by antiinflammatory, anti-fever, diuretic and astringent properties.

Tasty and nutritious sour-sweet juice is able to quench thirst, restore the body when exhausted, strengthen immunity, and it is useful for precluding from heart failure and low hemoglobin.

It is also an excellent antioxidant for cancer prevention. ... COOKING Pomegranates dominate not only on the eastern dastarkhan, but they are also an indispensable ingredient in the Uzbek national cuisine. Delicious and juicy ruby arils give a delightful sour-sweet taste for hot dishes and serve as a magnificent decoration of salads, snacks and desserts, and also Uzbek pilaf.

Sauce, marinades, soft drinks and sherbets are made of its juice.

... ART The ornament of pomegranate fruit and its flower is one of the most widespread in art. This is confirmed by images on Egyptian pyramids, magnificent ancient Byzantine fabrics, patterns of ancient Greeks and Arabs, motifs of masterpieces of world art.

Pomegranate in embroidery is also used in practice: the fruit skin was used for dyeing fabrics and threads for embroidery, tanning light leather, and black paint was prepared from dried leaves. Beautiful wood that could be processed and polished was used to make a variety of small crafts, accessories and souvenirs.

POMEGRANATES OF UZBEKISTAN A usual pomegranate has a maximum diameter of up to 18 cm and contains up to 700 seeds covered with a juicy shell.

Heavenly fruit is harvested in the middle of autumn. One tree can give up to 50-60 kilograms of harvest. There are more than 350 varieties of pomegranate.

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Art like business

Business like art

Being a successful entrepreneur is not easy, but Nodira Arapova proves that if you set your mind right and focus on your goals you can achieve everything you want. She runs a successful business and manages art projects in order to raise awareness about the culture, art and national costumes of Uzbekistan.

N

odira Arapova is a designer, artist and founder of The Beauty Bar, premium class beauty salon in Tashkent. The young brand has already gained a great reputation and is trusted by many loyal clients.

The salon offers a wide variety of services using only quality products in a stylish and comfortable space in the very centre of Tashkent. Experienced masters of the salon just like artists come up with unique looks, create and capture the beauty, thereby highlighting the fact that the beauty industry is so closely related to art.

Along with managing The Beauty Bar, Nodira launched a project about the Uzbek style and the diversity of the national costume. Every year she produces and presents art projects - videos for Uzbekistan Fashion Week which you can find on her Youtube channel.

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First video showcases the appearance of Uzbek women in 14 regions of Uzbekistan. Nodira carefully curated all outfits which reflect the mode of life and spirit of every region. It is fascinating to see how different and distinctive a national costume can be! It is a great source if you want to learn more about Uzbek national dress and see how it complements the true beauty of Uzbek women.

The second video guides you through the fashion timeline displaying the changing image of an Uzbek woman over the 100 years. Yet, every presented look is not just about the outfits and the hairdo of women in each decade, rather it is the snapshot of time in Uzbekistan’s history. The looks of these women reproduce the ups and downs, the joys and struggles and everything in between that they had to go through in order to be where they are today.

Nodira believes that it is important to remember the origins of fashion styles because they all tie together to the events which were happening throughout our history. In a sense, that is the way of acknowledging and paying respect to our heritage.

Moreover, it is interesting to note how the styles and designs

popular in the beginning of the century are coming back and are being incorporated into the everyday looks of modern Uzbek women. No wonder they say that fashion is cyclical.

Nodira also shared that the next video, which is about the historical Uzbek costumes and lifestyle, is in the works and will be released soon on her channel.

Nodira’s main goal regarding this project is to tell the world about different lifestyles of Uzbek people, show the level of craftsmanship of the national costume and the richness of traditional fabrics. She hopes to inspire designers to learn more about the Uzbek dress and incorporate designs, patterns and materials in their collections. On top of that, Nodira is working on another new surprise project that will encompass all of the beauty of the Uzbek nation and will be helpful for the guests of the country and anyone who is interested in its culture and history. We definitely recommend following Nodira’s journey to find out what she is working on. We wish Nodira a good luck and prosperity on The Beauty Bar and all of her current and future projects!

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2010

CONTACTS Address: 1A Navoi street, Hyatt Regency Tashkent, 7th floor, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Call at: +998 95 194 50 00, +998 99 884 50 00, +998 91 132 22 33 Facebook: @beautybar.uz Instagram: @beautybartashkent, @nodira_arapova Watch the videos at Nodira Arapova Youtube channel

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What you give is what you get A story of Zumrad and Kimmat Text: Sardor Gaziev Paintings: Odina Ulugbekjanova

O

nce upon a time there was a buoyant girl. Her name was Zumrad. She found it very amusing to kid everyone. Her jokes were quick-witted and inoffensive. She would wake up the earliest and tease the rooster, outrunning it in crowing. The rooster would get mad and try to retaliate by hiding her belongings and picking at her freshly-baked bread.

Later, the father would wake up and start searching for his “kovush” (traditional Uzbek footwear) hidden in the sleeves of his “chopon” (traditional Uzbek coat). While the daughter was laughing at him, he would secretly plug up the spout of the

teapot with a piece of bread and ask her to pour out some tea for him. But the girl, of course, would take another teapot, by that fooling her dad – her teacher of jokes and tricks. That’s how cheerfully the father and his daughter would begin a new day, until the step-mother woke up.

The step-mother observed intently to predict the tricks of her step-daughter and husband; she was distrustful and, therefore, irritated. Deciding to relax by sipping a cup of tea, she grabbed the wrong teapot. When the husband tried to intercept her actions, she became suspicious and stopped him by giving him a menacing look. The bread, clogged in the

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spout, had already got soft, and when the step-mom lifted the pot quite high thinking there was little tea left, it all poured out at a gulp right onto her from head to toe. “It’s all Zumrad’s deeds and it’s time for her penalty” – she thought and decided to not let her eat all day long, – “and her dad, that tries to take the blame, should sleep in the guest room today.”

She had to wait for ages, as she had no clue that the dry twigs of these places had already been picked long ago, sold and turned into ashes, and father had to go so far that daughter fell asleep.

She dreamt about her mother. She and the father both young were laughing.

Zumrad would always wake up at their laughter and pretend to be still sleeping, for she could admire them for longer.

Step-mother’s daughter would wake up the last. Despite being two years older than Zumrad, she tried to look like a child, and it was so tempting to make fun of her. Oh, and her name was Kimmat. Zumrad, on her way to meet Kimmat to help her wash up, was repeating like a spell to herself “Don’t you make fun of her! No jokes! No tricks!

At least not today!” It was helpful, but only for some time, until this rooster started distracting her. While she was kicking it away, the stream of water moved away from Kimmat and trying to catch it with closed eyes, she fell with a boom into the drain where all the waters from the courtyard flowed down to. There was such a terrible howl that even the birds on the trees flew up to the sky. The step-mother came running, even more furious than before, father – scared like a ghost, and the cat hoping for a tidbit, while the whole family was in a fuss.

While she was dreaming about this, it got dark, and her dad was back and already seeking for her. He headed for home shouting out her name with a hope that she had gone back there.

However, Zumrad was either so tired or the dreams were quite sweet, that she snored it all away. When she got up, it was all dark and the sounds of night embraced the woods. Zumrad wished her dad would appear behind a tree and shout ‘Hey! Here you are!’; but, unfortunately, it didn’t happen. At dawn, she made her way to a glade, where she met an old lady in a white dress who was picking berries. She turned around, when Zumrad greeted her. She said: “Hello, girlie, you resemble this berry – so little and all smeared! What are you doing here, sweetie?”

But this time, the mother’s fury wasn’t going to soothe unless she punished the girl, who was still laughing at what happened. There had been many shouts and screams, when finally, Zumrad and her dad gave up and decided to leave this house. He had nowhere to go because he earned his living by gathering dry twigs, so, he took the daughter to the forest in mountains. It was getting colder, and dad told her to wait for him under a huge elm-tree until he brought some wood. Zumrad, in turn, started creating coziness from what she found around and in their bags.

She moved the rocks, laid an old coat, spread all the goodies that they found along the way and went on to wait.

Zumrad thought it was time to play a trick on her father to end the day the way it started. Having observed around, the girl found a corner from where she could watch her dad and hid there.

Zumrad told the whole story, the granny was attentively listening and sharing

some berries. At the end of the story, she offered to go to her home and then decide what to do to find her dad.

Zumrad agreed and they started living together. She was helping the granny with the chores, and granny, in turn, was filling the girl’s soul with love and care, as if just refilling the emptiness left after her mother’s decease.

Zumrad either just got accustomed to it, or, indeed, liked her routine at the granny’s so much that would rarely recall her dad. It all seemed great; yet once hearing rooster’s crow, she started weeping as never before.

Noticing her crying, the granny suggested that Zumrad try searching for her father by herself. She took some snacks, warm clothes, and some things which granny gave her as gifts and headed for the forest accompanied by their dog.

They were wandering for a long time and found that place where she saw her dad last. She sat on those rocks and suddenly heard her rooster crowing. She couldn’t mistake it, as she had played with it every day. She replied it crowing back and finally reached her home. Her father was happy over the moon, she was laughing so as to hold her tears.

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Although the step-mother was happy as well, she didn’t show it and went on to appraise the gifts. Kimmat was also happy about the presents, but not about her comeback. There were dazzling dresses, jewelry, garish handkerchiefs and soft silk cloth. Kimmat, discovering it all, started weeping and demanding that she have it, too. Zumrad was trying to calm her down by offering her it all.

Nevertheless, she persuaded them to take her to the same place so she could receive gifts like those.

The next day, they took her to that place where father lost Zumrad. Old lady was picking berries again, and noticed Kimmat sleeping. She came around and woke her up. The girl didn’t like her, however, knowing this was the woman with gifts, she agreed to come along with her. When they came to the granny’s, she took the honorable seat in the house, ate up everything she found and fell asleep. The next morning, she went to wash up, and the water from the jar streamed right on to her dress.

At rage, she wanted to smash the jar against the floor, when the voice of the granny stopped her: “It’s a very whimsy jar, it demands a special care. Unless you caress it and ask politely to let you wash up, it’ll stay mischievous.”

Kimmat kept on fighting with the jar, when the granny came up to her and asked the jar in a polite way and it did as told. After that, they sat at the table to have breakfast, and when Kimmat stretched her hand to grab a piece of fresh bread, it hurt stinging her fingers.

The old lady laughed saying: “This bread was made of such wheat that grew near thorns and became like thorns itself.

Before eating it, you need to say special words and ask for permission to taste it.” Hence, the bread became softer, and indeed, it was so magically scrumptious that just melted down in her mouth.

When she wanted to drink, no matter how hard she tried, there was not even a droplet coming out of the teapot. The granny, with a warm smile on the face, said: “Well, dear, everything in the house has its nature, they are just bored and should you want anything, you’ll have to play their game.” Kimmat didn’t believe that things could feel and have their own rules, so she just walked away

in anger. The sun started burning and Kimmat’s thirst intensified. Making sure that the granny didn’t see her, she approached the teapot: “Hey, my little lovely teapot, don’t be greedy, let me enjoy your tea” – she said and finally poured some tea. She was so happy about her first achievement, as she had never succeeded in something herself.

Then, she played tag with slippers, hide and seek – with the wind, she watched for her own shadow and caught it.

The next morning, when she got up, she couldn’t believe whether or not it was all a dream. She liked it all so much that didn’t even notice how she laid the table and made the breakfast. Kimmat was so cheerful that hugged and gave a kiss on the cheek to the granny when she came over.

Kimmat desired to tell everything to her mom and asked the grandma to show her the way home. The granny agreed and prepared a bag with some food for her. She also gave another bag with gifts, but Kimmat wanted that greedy teapot, whimsy jar, hilarious slippers and

everything else with its temperament.

On their farewell, the lovely granny gave her a piece of advice: “Darling, you are a bit resentful, if you get disappointed with everything, then everything in this world will try to disappoint you.

Similarly, if you take everything with joy, then the whole world will try to cheer you up. Try to find a reason everywhere to smile and be happy, even if at first sight it all seems wrong.”

That’s how the granny left. Soon, Zumrad and her dad found Kimmat, while she was blissfully playing with a ladybug that was crawling on her finger.

Having reached their home, Kimmat was enthusiastically introducing the greedy teapot and other gifts. At the end, they all jumped for joy and hugged each other. Henceforth, they found a lot more items in their own house with their special characters. That’s how a happy family was built. It wasn’t easy though… They had to get lost first, then find themselves in strange places, however, they all got together at the end after all the tests that the life threw at them.

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A VISA-FREE ENTRY REGIME APPLIES TO CITIZENS OF ANDORRA - ARGENTINE - ARMENIA - AUSTRALIA - AUSTRIA - AZERBAIJAN - BELGIUM - BELARUS - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - BRAZIL - BRUNEI - BULGARIA - CANADA - CROATIA - CZECH REPUBLIC - CHILE - CYPRUS - DENMARK - ESTONIA - FINLAND - FRANCE - GEORGIA - GERMANY - GREAT BRITAIN - GREECE - HUNGARY - ISRAEL - INDONESIA - IRELAND - ICELAND - ITALY - JAPAN - KAZAKHSTAN - KYRGYZSTAN - LATVIA - LIECHTENSTEIN - LITHUANIA - LUXEMBOURG - MALAYSIA - MALTA - MOLDOVA - MONACO - MONGOLIA - MONTENEGRO - NEW ZEALAND - NETHERLANDS - NORWAY - POLAND - PORTUGAL - REPUBLIC OF KOREA - ROMANIA - RUSSIA - SAN MARINO SERBIA - SLOVAKIA - SLOVENIA - SINGAPORE - SPAIN - SWEDEN - SWITZERLAND - TAJIKISTAN - TURKEY - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - UKRAINE - VATICAN. IN ADDITION, CITIZENS OF 53 COUNTRIES CAN TRANSIT UZBEKISTAN FOR UP TO 5 DAYS WITHOUT A VISA AND CITIZENS OF 76 CAN APPLY FOR E-VISA FOR A LONGER STAY. Starting January 1, 2020, a visa-free regime will be introduced for citizens of 20 countries for a period of 30 days. Countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Commonwealth, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.

E-visa: The government of Uzbekistan provides simplified E-visa

regime for the citizen of 76 countries and a 5-day visa-free transit opportunity for 53 countries. An electronic visa is issued for 30 days, is single or multiple entries and valid for 90 days from the date of its issuance. To obtain E-visa, a traveler should apply on e-visa.gov. uz at least three working days before the planned date of arrival to Uzbekistan. E-visa will be issued within two working days excluding the day of application. The issued E-visa is sent to the e-mail of the applicant. The amount of the consular fee is $20 for single entry, $35 for double entry and $50 for multiple entries. Payment for E-visa can be made online from any bank card. An electronic visa is not attached to a travel document (passport). When crossing the border, a foreign citizen provides an electronic visa in paper or electronic form.

Visa-Free Transit: Passport holders of 53 coun-

tries who are transiting by airplane, can get a 5-day visa-free stay showing an onward boarding pass.

Foreign citizens can benefit from a 5-day visa-free transit procedure upon arrival at the international airports of Uzbekistan. Passengers need to provide an air-ticket to the third country and the carrier should inform the border authorities of Uzbekistan about passengers who are eligible for transit visafree entry. The list of foreign countries applicable to visa-free transit stay continues to expand. You can check the latest data on: WWW.UZBEKISTAN.TRAVEL

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10 Reasons

to Visit Uzbekistan A book has always been considered as a perfect gift.

As you are looking for some unique memorable souvenirs from Uzbekistan, you definitely need to bring with you the book 10 reasons to Visit Uzbekistan.

Why? Here are reasons: On 304 highly visual pages the book presents masterpieces of photography, some specially made for the project, others taken from the 15 years long archives. More than 250 works of the prominent photographer Ernest Kurtveliev reflect an extraordinary atmosphere, picturesque nature and marvelous architecture of Uzbekistan, as well as authentic lifestyle of its openhearted people.

Preview and order: www.uzbekistanbook.dinara.co For wholesale orders call +998 (93) 390-00-98 Bookstore Tashkent: +998 (71) 252 74 99 e-mail: info@dinara.co