EDITOR’S NOTE Founded by
Editor-in-chief Dinara Dultaeva Commercial Director Saule Ashirova Editor Yulduz Latipaeva Graphic designer Ilyas Ayserkenov Editorial team Nigora Jamolova
Dinara UZ
@dultaeva
dultaeva
E
ach journey begins with an anticipation. Packing, leaving the house with a suitcase, heading to the airport... These are already parts of a journey. Preparation for a holiday is already a holiday.
So, what is your favourite destination? Do you like unspoiled new routes or you prefer returning to the locations, which won your heart before? Uzbekistan can offer you both. In this issue of Visit Uzbekistan magazine, you can discover with us the charm of ancient Khorezm, have a glimpse to the backstage of Maru fashion brand, explore the vibrant cultural festivals, happening in the regions almost all around the year, find new recipes of mouthwatering Uzbek Plov, immense into local crafts and experience festive traditions. Our cover is also inspired by a beautiful Khorezmian land, although made in magnificent Ichan-Kala hotel of Tashkent. Being an inner fort of Khorezm’s old capital Khiva, IchanKala invites to a mind-blowing journey back to past. The model’s outfit by Uzbek high-end brand Mursak is also inspired by traditions of Khorezm and topped up with a genuine Khiva hat, well recognized far beyond the city. It is true that every journey is like a little life. It enriches us, transform us and inspires us, that we are no longer the same. So, it is time to take off. To Visit Uzbekistan. And widen your horizons.
Dinara Dultaeva
Contributors Sevara Dultaeva, Farangiz Salokhojaeva, Bargida Muminjonova Proofreader Malika Mukimova Photography Vladimir Kovrein, Andrey Arakelyan COVER Model: Umida Abdurakhimova Photographer: Farrukh Isamukhamedov Dress: MURSAK Atelier Location: Ichan Qala hotel Visit Uzbekistan magazine N18, 2019 Official partner Tourism Development Committee of Uzbekistan
Dinara Media Relations PC Dinara&Co. Trademark Tel.: (+998 93) 500 55 65 www.dinara.co info@dinara.co The magazine is registered by Press and Information Agency of Uzbekistan on 12.05.2017. Registration number N 0915 ISSN 2181-9254 Printed by “Print.uz” 41/2, Mirabadskaya street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Order №0123456789. All rights reserved. © Dinara&Co. © Dinara Dultaeva
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Contents
Exclusive: Interview with Mr. Abdulaziz Akkulov
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
18 Food writer Karen Anand explores plov traditions
The Chairman of The State Committee for Tourism Development
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5 Reasons to visit Khiva
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Where the first world’s religion was born
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Uzbek fashion designer Markhamat Umarova shares insights to haute-couture world
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Miniature art
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Calendar of events and festivals in Uzbekistan
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24 hours in Samarkand
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Investments
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
10 REASONS TO INVEST IN TOURISM IN UZBEKISTAN
The tourism industry of Uzbekistan has a significant potential as the liberalisation of the country’s economy attracts more and more international investors. In 2018 the tourist flow to Uzbekistan increased twice compared to 2017. Traveler’s vote high for Uzbekistan in opinion polls and ratings of National Geographic, Lonely Planet, AirBnB and other sources. Being at the beginning of a new economic endowments is perhaps the best opportunity for investment. Our editorial team has prepared a checklist, why it is worth investing in tourism industry of Uzbekistan right now.
1. GOVERNMENT SUPPORT Government shows a great interest in the development of tourism infrastructure, providing assistance in simplification of processes and encouraging the growth of the segment. The State Committee on Tourism of Uzbekistan presented the Concept for the development of tourism in the country until 2025, where the priorities are: the development of tourism and related infrastructure, the formation of an accessible and comfortable tourist environment; implementation and strengthening of the social role of external and domestic tourism; improving the quality and competitiveness of the tourist product of Uzbekistan in the domestic and global markets.
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4. NEW TOURIST ZONES
2. LIBERALIZATION OF ECONOMY
Free tourism zones are created in Uzbekistan, providing attractive conditions for the construction and operation of hotel and cultural and recreational complexes, shopping and entertainment centres, and other facilities. Among them are Chimgan-Charvak resort area in the Tashkent region, Tashkent City and Samarkand City projects, Ancient Bukhara and others.
Over the past two years, according to the various world rankings, including the World Bank Doing Business, a huge dynamics of changes in the economy of Uzbekistan is visible. In the Ease of Doing Business index - in 2018 Uzbekistan is on the 11th place. Simplification of procedures in the field of hotel business and tourism services continues, including the abolition of certain types of licensing, the transfer of the regulatory function of local authorities to the practice of public control. Cross-border trade and relations between the countries of Central Asia are developing, which leads to an increase in the flow of regional tourists, as well as new opportunities for combined tours and services.
5. TOURIST KLONDIKE
3. TAX INCENTIVES Companies that take part in the construction and modernization of hotels are exempt from taxes for a period of 5 years. For companies that build thematic and ethno-parks these tax incentives are given for 3 years. Foreign specialists working in local hotels are exempt from income tax. Import of specialised equipment and components for the hospitality industry is exempted from custom fees for 5 years. Customs exemptions for the importation of specialized equipment and components for the hospitality industry are valid for 5 years. Entrepreneurs are provided with unused land in perspective areas for the development of tourism, with the right of exemption from land tax. Long-term loans (up to 15 years) with minimal interest and flexible conditions are allocated for the construction and modernization of tourist infrastructure facilities.
Uzbekistan has a huge tourism potential: food tourism; mountain and eco-tourism; tourism on the cultural and historical heritage of the country; alpine skiing tourism; pilgrimage tourism in holy places. Currently, demand exceeds supply in all areas of tourism in Uzbekistan: from infrastructure to tour operators, guides and quality service. Small presence of well-known international hotel brands and high demand for affordable hostels and guest houses opens many opportunities for investment. The low level of competition is evident in the field of smart tourism solutions, the implementation of IT at cultural heritage sites, the development of audio guides for museums, convenient smart-navigation around the cities, online services for booking, etc.
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Investments
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
6. VISAS The visa-free regime for citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, Georgia, Israel, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Turkey, France and Japan contributes to the greater interest towards Uzbekistan and an increase of the tourist flow. Special online services as E-Visa and E-Mehmon to simplify the registration and visa procedures. E-Visa system allows to obtain visa within three days and provides a convenient transit regime for tourists up to 5 days, which does not require a visa when transferring through Uzbekistan. 7. INTELLECTUAL POTENTIAL Uzbekistan is attractive for many types of businesses, thanks to the relatively affordable cost of local specialists. At the same time, the level of education, language skills and talent of the younger generation is reasonably high. More than 500 000 graduates enter the labor market annually, including graduates from international universities and colleges in the tourism and services sectors. In 2018 International Tourism University “Silk Road� launched in Samarkand. This university will prepare professionals and researchers in the field of international tourism.
8. FESTIVALS 9. SAFETY
More and more international cultural, musical, thematic and sporting events are taking place in Uzbekistan. Festivals and national holidays are celebrated throughout the country almost all year round. Especially, in the high tourist season, in spring and autumn, vivid festivals and bright events held in several regions of the country at once. International music festivals Makom, Sharq Taronali in Samarkand, Adras Festival in Margilan, Boysun Bahori (Boysun Spring) in Surkhandarya - there are many reasons to visit the country.
Uzbekistan is known as a stable and religiously tolerant country. For several years in a row, Uzbekistan has taken the leading place in the ranking of the safest countries. There is a tourist police in all cities, providing comfortable and safe stay of tourists, and even information support to some extent.
10. HOSPITALITY Finally, a pleasant bonus of being in the country and doing business here is the sincere and hospitable people. Usually all guests note the sincerity, openness and friendliness of the people. Rich heritage, colourful traditions and deep respect for the guests - this will make you want to return to Uzbekistan more often.
E-VISA TO TRAVEL TO UZBEKISTAN
A visa-free entry regime applies to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, Georgia, Israel, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Republic of Korea, Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Singapore, Turkey, France and Japan. In addition, citizens of more than 100 countries can transit Uzbekistan for up to 5 days without a visa and can apply for E-Visa for a longer stay.
E-visa: The government of Uzbekistan provides simplified E-visa regime for citizen of more than 76 countries and a 5-day visa-free transit opportunity for more than 100 countries. An electronic visa is issued for 30 days, is single entry and valid for 90 days from the date of its issuance. To obtain E-visa, traveller 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. 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 more than 100 countries who are transiting by airplane, can get a 5-day visafree stay showing an onward boarding pass. Foreign citizens can benefit of a 5-day visa-free transit procedure upon arrival at the international airports of Uzbekistan. Passengers need to provide an air-ticket (preferably Uzbekistan Airways) to the third country and the carrier should inform the border authorities of Uzbekistan about passengers who are eligible for transit visa-free entry. The list of foreign countries applicable for visa-free transit stay continues to expand. You can check latest data on: http://uzbekistan.travel/ Other types of visa: Silk Road – for tourists traveling the Silk Road countries with the possible entry visa of other countries. Golden visa – 10-year visa for foreign investors.
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Interview
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
MORE TO COME
How Uzbekistan doubled the number of visitors and why is it still not enough?
Tourism industry of Uzbekistan is experiencing rapid growth in recent years. In 2018 the number of visitors doubled, reaching 5.3 millions people. This increase is due to gradual reforms in touristic sector, such as introducing a visa-free policy, for 65 countries, developing infrastructure as well as creating incentives for investors in the field. “Visit Uzbekistan� magazine had an exclusive interview with the Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development, Mr. Abdulaziz Akkulov. He answered the questions about reforms, achievements, problems and objectives on tourism development in Uzbekistan.
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— Uzbekistan is situated in the very heart of Central Asia and rich for its historical heritage. Last two years were crucial for the development of tourism in the country. How do you evaluate tangible results? — Indeed, these two years became an important milestone for tourism development in Uzbekistan, implementation of the reforms and testing our market. The main objective is that tourism should become one of the major sectors of national economy. Introduction of green corridors in the airports, liberalization of visa regime, launch of electronic visa, promotion of Uzbekistan’s touristic destinations had lead to doubling of the tourists flow to our country. In 2018 Uzbekistan received 5,3 mln visitors in comparison to 2,6 mln in 2017. Export of tourism services has reached 1 bln 40 mln USD last year. However, there are still challenges in the area, especially, in terms of hotel infrastructure and affordable accommo-
dation. To encourage entrepreneurs, we have simplified the process of licensing and certification for opening a hostel, guest house, homestay. While international visitors mainly come to Uzbekistan on a seasonal bases, which means hotels are overbooked on high seasons, guest houses provided by locals is a great support for the hospitality industry.
Tourism development concept has been adopted for the next seven years, and we believe that more exciting opportunities are yet to come We are also focusing on diversification of tourism products, introducing new areas as farm tourism, wine tourism, winter recreations and others. Tourism development concept has been adopted
for the next seven years and we believe that more exciting opportunities are yet to come. — You introduced liberalization of visa regime. What are the results and further plans in this area? — In 2018 visa-free regime for up to 30 days has first been introduced for nine countries. As a result, number of tourists from these countries had increased significantly. Simplification of the visa system and the creation of favorable conditions for travel companies provoked a great growth of number of tourists: from about 2.6 million to 5.3 million people compared with 2017. And this, of course, increases the income of both travel companies and the state. Considering great interest, the government continued this practice and simplified the regime. At the moment passport holders of 65 states, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for 30 days and 78
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Interview
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Forum on Ziyarat-Tourism in Bukhara attracted over 120 foreign guests
Uzbekistan remains a very important market for many international airlinecompanies, the number of airlines providing their services in our country is increasing because of significant reforms in legislation and the economy countries’ citizens can obtain electronic visa in four easy steps. For travelers who stop over in Uzbekistan up to 5 days visa-free transit regime is also available upon providing of air tickets to the third country. Now our efforts are focused on raising awareness of international audience on tourism opportunities of Uzbekistan to attract more and more visitors to our country.
Since Uzbekistan remains a very important market for many international airline companies, the number of airlines providing their services in our country is increasing because of significant reforms in legislation and the economy. Today these are: Uzbekistan Airways, Aeroflot, Asiana Airlines, Iran Air, Korean Airlines, Somon Air, Turkish Airlines, Fly Dubai, Lufthansa, Transaero Airlines, Estonian Air, Emirates, Czech Airlines and this list will grow. — What is the plan for diversification of tourism-product in Uzbekistan? — Diversification of tourism product is one of the crucial directions of our activity. Most foreign tourists aware of mainly our ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva though there is a
huge potential to develop Agro tourism, Gastronomic tourism, Wine tourism and Ziyarat-Tourism in regions and other old cities of Uzbekistan which have not discovered fully yet. Uzbekistan is an attractive destination for Muslim tourists due to its rich history and culture. Some centuries ago religion, culture, education flourished in main cities and it kept that historic beauty, charm and greatness till today. As pilgrimage tours — Umra runs the whole year, we can offer “Umra+” tour packages to our Muslim tourists as extension of their pilgrimage, from Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Arabian countries, Singapore, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and others. But still there is a lot to do to attract more tourists and increase comfort and service. Now we are developing “Umra+” tour packages, improving logistics
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through negotiating with different aircompanies. We need to build big hotels, complexes which will be able to receive and serve to a big number of people in one go. So, government is encouraging to accelerate these processes by giving subsidiaries and other preferences for entrepreneurs.
operators, as well as 14 representatives of foreign mass media, Uzbekistan once again informed about the country’s tourism potential, recent reforms in the field of doing business in the tourism industry, and opportunities created for foreign investors.
Moreover, in line with The First International Forum on Ziyorat-Tourism held in Bukhara, on February 2019, which was attended by over 120 foreign guests, including representatives of significant international organizations in the Islamic world, industry-related departments, universities, clergy, tourist administrations, academia, tourist companies in the field of tourism, as well as representatives of local media and tour
— What other measures are taken to attract foreign visitors as well as investors? — The State Committee for Tourism Development together with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan are working to select the best business entities for the implementation of modern information technologies at facilities and cultural institutions. Therefore, in
order to attract investors to the objects of cultural heritage, the government provides different privileges and bonuses for investors who create touristic infrastructure on the territory. For example, the leasing facilities for up to 30 years is provided. Moreover, tenants are free from paying rent for the first five years, in condition that the amount equal to the five year lease is invested for the restoration and conservation of tangible cultural heritage sites in which they are located, as well as compliance with the standards for the preservation of tangible cultural heritage. We continue to enlarge touristic infrastructure in Uzbekistan, providing more services of high quality and our aim is to reach 9 mlns of visitors a year.
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The Magazine
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
VISIT UZBEKISTAN MAGAZINE FLASHBACK
Visit Uzbekistan is the first magazine for travellers and business visitors of the country. Started as a quarterly magazine in 2016, it is now published more frequently and 17 editions were issued in 1,5 years. Editions are available in many languages, including English, German, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Turkish, Italian, French and others.
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he magazine provides quality content about the culture, art, gastronomy, nature, traditions, heritage, lifestyle, people as well as useful information about events, festivals, tourist itineraries, maps, shopping, restaurants, special offers, promotions around Uzbekistan.
As an official partner of The State Committee of The Republic of Uzbeki-
stan for Tourism Development, each issue of the magazine is distributed during the world’s leading tourism fairs and international events, at Uzbekistan’s Embassies functioning around the world and during the special presentations abroad as well as business forums and high level delegation’s visits in Uzbekistan.
Latest copies are also available through Embassies in Uzbekistan, hotels, restaurants, railways, travel agencies, foreign companies and our partners. If you love Uzbekistan as much as we do, collect magazine editions, which will invite you to unforgettable journey and breathtaking experiences of Uzbekistan.
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July 2017. Embassy of Uzbekistan in the UK, British-Uzbek Society and Dinara&Co. Publishing company held a presentation of culture, tourism and gastronomy of Uzbekistan in London. Summer garden party titled Seven Wonders of Uzbekistan attracted roughly 200 high profile guests, including members of parliament, officials, business people, tourism companies, media representatives.
January 2018. Participation in the exhibition FITUR Madrid. National Pavilion of Uzbekistan. At the tourism business forum in Madrid and other events. March 2018. Participation in the largest tourism fair in Europe ITB Berlin
June 2018. Participation at the KOTFA exhibition in Korea.
March 2018. Participation in the MITT exhibition in Moscow
April 2018. The special issue of the magazine was distributed during the official visit of the President of the Turkish Republic Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Uzbekistan, the Uzbek-Turkish business forum and other events devoted to the visit. Since then, the magazine has become the official partner of the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan and has expanded the geography of its presence at international and government events.
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The Magazine
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
September 2018. Participation in the exhibition TOPRESA Paris
In September 2018, a special edition was devoted to Uzbek-Indian relations distributed in events during the State visit of the President of Uzbekistan in India and in January 2019 at the Dynamic Gujarat International Investment Forum, where Uzbekistan became a partner country.
October 2018. Participation in the exhibition TTG Incontri Rimini, Italy
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Media Highlights
Gourmet Secrets
of Karen Anand
Culinary expert and explorer Karen Anand has been writing extensively on the subject of food and wine for 30 years. Apart from having her own brand of gourmet food products, she has anchored top rated TV shows, run a successful chain of food stores and worked as restaurant consultant for international projects. She has visited Uzbekistan twice during last two years and shared her gourmet discoveries in international media.
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
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Popularly known as pilaf or pullau, the good old rice dish is called plov in Uzbekistan I can do without most carbs at a pinch, but a hot dish of any sort of rice whether it is simple dal-bhaat, a fluffy Chinese egg fried rice or an exquisite biryani, just makes me melt. Now to something nearer home – the pilaf, pullau or plov as I recently discovered on a trip to Uzbekistan. Plov is served after the myriad of salads and appetisers very much like the Middle Eastern mezze. It is washed down with hot green tea. One of the nicest places to enjoy the ritual is sitting on a wooden charpoy rather like a bed without a mattress (sori) in a chaikhana, which is more like a casual restaurant than a tea house. There are as many versions of plov as there are of biryani. I was fortunate enough to be able to take a class at the Tashkent equivalent of Hospitality School (Association of Cooks of Uzbekistan) where I learnt that unlike biryani, it is not the ingredients which makes the dish but the process. All that really goes into a plov is onions, carrots, chunks of lamb, lamb fat, dry berries or raisins, seasoning, cumin and thick rice. That’s it. According to legend, plov was invented in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great who instructed his cooks to prepare a light but filling rice dish for his army with what was on hand. They used lamb or quail and sometimes a bit of chilli in addition to the staples. Interestingly, Uzbeks believe that only men should prepare plov. It helps to know a bit of the history that connects all the rice dishes of this region and traces the history behind our pullau and biryani. Central Asia, through various wars and invasions and then the Silk Road, was mostly influenced by Turks and Persians. In the 13th century, the region was invaded by the Mongols under Genghis Khan. They employed Persian cooks and invited Persian travellers and nobles who documented what they saw. The cooks introduced nuts to enrich dishes and thicken sauces, mutton fat as a cooking medium and mutton (goat) as a delectable meat, dry fruits in rice, and went so far as to perfume both savoury and sweet dishes with the essence of orange, rose and kewra (screwpine). Although
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Media Highlights
Islam forbids alcohol, they drank wine, a tradition continued by the Moghuls right up until Aurangzeb, the austere. Uzbeks also have a thriving wine culture. The Mughals (from the word Mongol, which differentiated them from the Muslim Sultanate which came before) added further refinement to the cuisine as part of their overall lavish lifestyle. Pullaus, biryanis (from the Persian word ‘birinj’ for rice), kormas, saalans (curried dishes), kebabs and sweets were everyday fare. They were made with rice, meat and meat stock cooked together whereas in biryanis, rice was cooked separately and then mixed with cooked or marinated meat and then cooked again. Same, but different Babur introduced grapes and melons to the area, fruits he missed from Central Asia and which he couldn’t find “on the dusty plains of Hindustan”. While the Mughal court dined lavishly, the more humble Muslim citizens dined on kebabs, keema and naan (something you will also find in Uzbekistan even today). The main difference is that Uzbek food lacks any kind of chilli. I did see some red powder in the bazaars, which tasted similar to Hungarian paprika. At the Plov Centre in Tashkent, large degchis of plov are doled out to hungry customers. They cut huge chunks of lamb separately and pile it on top of the rice. You can also have slices of horse meat sausage and boiled eggs as optional add-ons.
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
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Erdemir Taner, the chef of the Hyatt Regency Tashkent preparing plov
This is the recipe from chef Erdemir Taner from the Hyatt Regency Tashkent. A passionate chef from Turkey who has been living and working in the region for many, many years, chef Taner specialises in regional Uzbek cuisine in his restaurant Khiva. What makes him most happy is taking visitors around Tashkent’s busy Chorsu Bazar to discover traditional ingredients and local produce. Since he speaks perfect English, this is quite a treat. Here is his recipe for plov. It has become so popular that he serves it at breakfast too! Ingredients
Ingredients of plov 800 g meat (lamb or mutton) 300 ml vegetable oil 1.5 kg carrots 1 or 2 onions 100 g fat (optional) 1 kg rice
800 g chickpeas Barberry (also known as zereshk or berberis), Cumin Raisins salt 1.2 litres water Method Dice the fat and melt it in a kazan (traditional Uzbek cauldron). As a result you will get small pieces of fried fat called jizza which are often eaten as a snack. Dip large pieces of meat (including bones) into the melted fat, stir fry over high heat until golden brown. Meanwhile, cut the carrots into strips, the onions in half circles, and clean the rice. Depending on the region, family habits and tastes, plov is made with orange or yellow carrots. The orange ones are sweeter.
Once the meat is fried, add the onions, then carrots. Add water, just enough to cover the ingredients. Add spices and chickpeas. Stew everything until tender and juicy. Make sure that every ingredient is well cooked. Now zirvak (the base for the plov) is ready. The most important part is adding the rice. In Tashkent, plov is prepared primarily from white varieties – Lazer and Alanga. Add rice in an even layer over the zirvak, add some more water if necessary, again just enough to cover the rice. Put a lid over the pot and watch the magic of the main dish of Uzbek cuisine in process. In 20 minutes, the rice is ready. It should remain al dente. If not, let it simmer further for a while. Take out the large chunks of lamb and cut into small pieces. Place the meat on top of the rice before serving. The article is reprinted from www.hindustantimes.com
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Promotion
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
The first Uzbek Pizza — Chopar Pizza Italian and American pizza have long been a “on-duty” dish in most countries of the world. But have you ever tasted Uzbek pizza?
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he first thing that catches the eye in any of the nine branches of Chopar Pizza is the interior, completely made in the national style. The company also created recipes which have no analogues and are adapted as much as possible to the tastes of local people. Another distinctive feature of the Uzbek pizza is the use of cornmeal, which makes the pizza not only nourishing but also healthy and light.
What does Chopar mean? The word Chopar is translated from Uzbek language as “messenger’, which most clearly reflects the whole essence of the brand - its national basis and fast delivery service.
Range of Pizza Chopar offers more than 15 types of pizza. The most popular among them are: “Khanskaya” – with kazy (horse
meat), “Bayram” - with delicious meat products, “Green” - with seasonal greens, “Chocolate” - with Nutella paste, vegetable one “Polvon” - rich in vitamins and “Turon” - the first pizza in Uzbekistan cooked on black dough. Of course, there are classic “Margarita”, “Pepperoni”, “Barbecue” and “Hawaiian”, which regularly hit the tops of sales. Chopar also offers a unique Chopper pizza-burger, designed for one person.
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PizzaFest! In the beginning of 2018, the Chopar team held the first Pizza Festival in Uzbekistan, which became a landmark event in the fast food industry, gathering the most notable members of this field together.
Who did this? Chopar Pizza was founded in 2015 by Akhmad Melibayev, who is also the founder of the chains like Les Ailes, Froozy and PapaRazzi. In early 2018, the company under his management acquired the Hot-Dogi Dog chain and The Burger in the center of Tashkent, transforming it into a completely new BRO project.
The main goal was to popularize the culture of pizza consumption in the country, as well as to unite its producers for the further promotion and development of the industry. In two days the festival was visited by more than 20,000 people, among whom were representatives of embassies and diplomatic missions. The event included a number of conferences. Among the participants were speakers from Kazakhstan, Russia and Italy, as well as local and foreign companies such as SuperMuka (Russia), Delovaya Rus (Russia), OEM-ALI S.p.A (Italy) and others.
Locations: • Chopar Pizza Andijan • Chopar Pizza Karshi • Chopar Pizza Tashkent: — Samarqand Darvoza Shopping mall — Compass Shopping mall — Parus Shopping mall — Makro Shopping mall (Sergeli) — C-1, Uzbekiston Ovoza str, 49 (EcoPark) • Chopar Family Tashkent: — C-1, Yahyo Gulyamov str, 38 (British Embassy) — Buyuk Ipak Yuli underground station (in front of Makro).
Convenience The Chopar network has grown to nine branches throughout Uzbekistan just in three years of being in operation, each of which has a delivery service. All orders are accepted through a single city number of the call center, it is also possible to use the Telegram-bot (@ chopar_bot).
Chopar Family Chopar Family is the youngest project of the chain with a bias in restaurant layout. It is located in the heart of the city. In addition to original pizza, the menu includes a variety of dishes - from cereals for breakfast to steaks for dinner.
facebook.com/choparpizza
@choparpizza
www.choparpizza.uz
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Travel
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Khiva is the first city of Uzbekistan listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. The people of Khorezm are freedom-loving, proud of their dignity, temperamental. This land is famous not only for its history, but also for talented scientists and artists, including “father of computer science� and the creator of algebra Al-Khorezmi. Through ages, Khorezm opposed authorities of any conqueror. To visit Khorezm is to get to another universe, absolutely ancient universe of incendiary music, amazing crafts and hospitable people. Farangiz Salokhojaeva
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5
reasons to visit
Khiva
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1. ENJOY MUSIC AND DANCES Music is the great love of Khorezmians. Even newborns move to the rhythm of the fiery clang dance. There are many folklore festivals around the year in Khorezm. Once you are there, local people will make sure you learn their dances and love celebrating life.
2. TO ADMIRE CRAFTS Locals teach their children crafts from an early age. The city is considered to be the center for the production of artistic metalwork, the art of woodcarving for gift knives with a pointed blade “Guldor Peach”, carpet-making, and jewelry art.
3. TO EXPLORE ICHAN-KALA Ancient Khiva is also called “Egypt of Central Asia”. The city has more than a dozen of fortresses. The main attraction of the region is the fortress Ichan-Kala, surrounded by a clay 10-meters wall located on 10 hectares of land. In the open-air museum, about 60 grandiose structures of the 5th6th centuries are concentrated: palaces, mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, minarets.
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4. TO TASTE LOCAL CUISINE Many dishes in Khorezm are based on pastry. In the restaurants of Khiva, you will find dishes like Shivitoshi (dill noodles), Gumma (fried dough pockets filled either with meat or vegetables) and Plov. Ijjan. The region is famous for its fish from the Amudarya or from fishponds. Restaurants offer fresh fish, taken out of the water in the presence of the customer. The main course is usually accompanied by a big choice of salads and fruits, according to season.
5. TO GET TO THE TOP The top of the minaret of Islom Khoja provides a sense of the bird’s-eye panorama. The ascent to the highest minaret of Khiva can be a real adventure. At the entrance instructor warns everyone: the climb is steep, the walls are narrow, the ceilings are low, the steps are slippery and the first 20 meters will have to go in complete darkness.
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Landmark
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
JUMA MOSQUE Juma Mosque was one of the most remarkable buildings of Khorezm in the Middle Ages. It dates from the 10th century, but was rebuilt in the 18th century and it is believed that this monument is one of the most ancient mosques in the region.
The main room of the mosque is the large hall, where Friday prayers are held directly. It is supported by 213 wooden columns. Different in size, architectural form and time of creation, they all have one common principle - the magnificent filigree art wood carving.
Despite the tradition, the Juma Mosque has neither entrance arches, nor entrance portals, nor even traditional dome ceilings. Instead, the Juma Mosque is a one-story structure with a massive wall and three entrances.
Many tourists say that Juma Mosque is a place with amazing energy. There was a temple here long before the arrival of the Islamic religion in Khorezm.
Photography: Vladimir Kovrein
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Gallery
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
SUZANE: A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT TYPES
Tashkent region — The embroidery of Tashkent craftswomen has a peculiar style. Here there are two types of large decorative embroidery. The main motive is the large dark red circle that tightly fill the surface. In later products, embroidery completely fills the fabric, leaving almost no gaps in the background. The characteristic motifs of stylized stars, the sun, branches with flowers are necessarily present in the creation of the ornament.
Fergana region — Great masters of hand-made embroidery workers have lived in the cities and villages of the Fergana Valley for a very long time. Their products are usually performed on dark green or purple silk or satin and are distinguished by a light elegant pattern that is freely placed over the non-sewn background surface.
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As the most widespread form of art, the embroidery was an opportunity for every woman to reveal her creative potential. Cotton and silk, skillful hand and unlimited patience, it would seem this was all that was required to create these textile masterpieces. Girls were taught from childhood to exercise control over the needle, needlework traditions were carefully passed down from mother to daughter. Cotton or tailor-made silk was used for the base of a suzane.
Nurata region — Nurata embroidery has clear and peculiar, pronounced features that make it easy to distinguish them from the suzanes of other areas. Local embroideries are decorated with floral bouquets that cover the white background of the fabric.
Bukhara region — A distinctive feature of Bukhara embroidery is the masterly use of a chain stitch, in which a wide variety of products is made, as well as subtle colorful combinations of blue, gray, mauve, pink and light yellow tones together with red, crimson and green in embroidery colors. Suzanes of Bukhara have diverse compositions and patterns. Most often there is a closed composition with highlighted central and angular elements. It amazes with its diversity in the details depicted.
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Gallery
Surkhandarya region — Surkhandarya embroidery is characterized by a variety of original, surprisingly colorful and bright ornaments, endowed with ancient magical meaning. People believe that some symbols on the tissue can bring luck. The style is rich in floral ornaments with all sorts of floral variations.
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Samarkand region — Suzanes of Samarkand, unlike Nurata and Bukhara, have a larger and laconic pattern. Their main motive is a round rosette of crimson tones, surrounded by a leafy ring. The artistic merit of Samarkand embroidery lies in the decorative and clarity of a simple large pattern.
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History
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Many researchers consider Central Asia, and in particular the ancient Khorezm, as the birthplace of the first world religion of Zoroastrianism and its prophet Zarathustra.
Zoroastrianism and its tradition of worshiping fire was the state religion of the three great empires - Achaemenids, Persians and Sasahids from the 4th century BC to 7th century AD. Various historical monuments, ancient temples, half destroyed by time, on the territory of Khiva, testify to us that Khorezm was the birthplace of Zoroastrianism. For the first time, at Humbus-tepa site, in the south of Khorezm, scientists found the remains of a temple and a place of worship of fire of the 5-4 centuries BC.
Khorezm
world’s religion cradle
“On this monument, in the central hall, we discovered the altar of fire. This is a unique discovery for Khorezm and for all of Central Asia, because all the earliest Zoroastrian temples that we knew before date back to the 1st century BC. This temple, according to the findings, can be attributed to the end of the 5th beginning of the 4th century BC. This is one of the oldest temples in Central Asia, - ”says the archeologist Sergei Baratov. According to scientists, Humbus Tepa was considered the southern center of Khorezm pottery. Local products, with the characteristic for this territory ornament and seals of masters, were delivered to all corners of the ancient oasis. AVESTA The holy book of Zoroastrianism was the Avesta, from which we learn that the founder of the religion was Zarathustra. The book was written for several centuries, so the name of the prophet is stated in a different way (Zoroaster, Zarathushtra, etc.). According to Zoroastrianism, Creator of all was Ahura Mazda. He chose Zarathustra to convey divine teaching to people.
“On this monument, in the central hall, we discovered the altar of fire. This is a unique discovery for Khorezm and for all of Central Asia, because all the earliest Zoroastrian temples that we knew before date back to the 1st century BC. This temple, according to the findings can be attributed to the end of the 5th beginning of the 4th century BC. This is one of the oldest temples in Central Asia, - ”says the archeologist Sergei Baratov.
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Now the Avesta is not only an ancient collection of scriptures, but also a unique source that allows understanding ancient Iranian philosophy, studying the process of formation of the first states of Central Asia. In one of the madrasas of the city of Khiva there is the Museum of Avesta. It is located here, because once in ancient Khorezm the sacred collection Avesta
was written, in which Khiva is referred as “Urva�. As can be seen from historical sources, the Uzbek people appeared a long time ago, almost at the dawn of civilization. Uzbeks are proud of this and keep their history, protecting the beliefs of their ancestors. The postulates of Avesta call for love, good, respect and opposition to evil, and therefore do not lose their relevance so
far. Avesta is studied all over the world. In 2001, under the auspices of UNESCO, its 2700th anniversary was celebrated. Zoroastrianism, being the first world religion, is still considered pagan today, since it carried the idea of fire worship in itself and followed the cycles of nature. However, its principles and canons formed the basis of such world religions today as Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
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Fashion
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MARU:
A brand inspired by traditions
Photographer: Pavel Kim Models: Darya Matveeva, Ekaterina Kuznetsova
Each time visiting fashion show of Uzbek designers, you can’t stop admiring the abundance of colors of national fabrics and creative solutions of fashion models. We visited studio of Markhamat Umarova, one of the talanted designers, owner of brand MARU.
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mong the variety of high-end names of local couturiers, the brand MARU stands out. Its author, Markhamat Umarova, is not one of all. MARU is a big name that has long been associated with chick, sophisticated ideas and super quality outfits. On a warm spring evening, the designer’s studio was all in working process, but at the same time, cozy atmosphere.
The conversation was fascinating; Markhamat shared her impressions, future and current projects. “I never limit myself,” says the master. I do not seek to participate exclusively in international fashion shows. For me, our local defiles are also important, because I get new and useful information for myself. For several years already, I have been taking part in the Atlas Bayrami International Festival, organized by UNESCO in the city of Margilan. Fashion experts from many other countries always come to it. I participate in Atlas
Photographer: Talgat Girmanov Model: Mavlyuda Isaeva
Photographer: Pavel Kim Models: Darya Matveeva, Ekaterina Kuznetsova
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Fashion
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Bayrami as a coach, I also present my collection and I always find it very interesting. Recently, I was a part of Kazakhstan Fashion Week, where Italian couturiers and major Italian fashion experts were members of the jury in the “Fashion for future” competition. The concept of the competition was to create modern, innovative fashion solutions, preserving traditions. This principle is very close to my creativity, since it precisely underlines the brand MARU “Respecting traditions and in harmony with the present.” In my work,
Photographer: Talgat Girmanov Model: Mavlyuda Isaeva
I always strive to use a modern approach to cutting, to creating models, but without violating the traditional principles of using national fabrics”. Our conversation progressed over a cup of fragrant hot tea. Markhamat Umarova told about the unique experience and exclusive knowledge that she gains while studying national textiles in the regions of Uzbekistan. “I deeply study the national costume. In addition, I learn about Uzbek oral folklore: legends, various parables, as well as other types of crafts, about traditional architecture, because it’s all really very interconnected, it’s a whole ecosystem”.
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The master is always looking for new sources of knowledge and inspiration, and she claims that the heritage of Uzbek national culture is so rich and has not been fully studied. “During my visit to Japan, I studied the characteristics of the traditional kimono. I was particularly impressed with the seam technique and having studied it, when I returned to Tashkent I was able to successfully apply this unique technique in creating new models. It turned out very original.” MARU brand is focused on active and energetic women living in the rhythm of a big city, but at the same time, not forgetting about beauty and femininity. The outfits created by Markhamat Umarova from Uzbek national fabrics are all practical and have a modern style. “When participating in fashion shows abroad with my foreign colleagues, I always notice that the collections of Uzbek designers are always very cheerful. After all, our hand-made fabrics are
Photographer: Kristina Kim Model: Mavlyuda Isaeva so authentic. They are connected with the nature of Uzbekistan, with different traditions, with the mentality of our people. And I feel great pride in my nationality, because we are in fact very different in the richness of culture, even from our neighbors. Once, during my trip abroad, I was interviewed where the question was: “Is it easy to be a designer in Uzbekistan?” I replied: “Easy! Because in our country there is such a rich variety of fabrics and this is all closely connected with our culture and history. We are very lucky in this matter and there are always sources of inspiration.”
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Traditions
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The legacy of the centuries
Farangiz Salakhodjaeva
By the number of national traditions and customs, the Uzbek wedding can rightfully take the first place among others. Each region of the country holds wedding ceremonies in its own way. However, there are basics that are mandatory for all. Uzbek wedding begins with morning pilaf for men. After a hearty wedding breakfast, the groom with relatives hasten to the beloved with music, dancing and a fiery torch in the shape of a heart. Meanwhile, in the house of the bride they prepare seven dishes that should be on table of the newlyweds during the ceremony. The traditional “dastarkhan” and kurpacha for the celebration should sewn by the bride herself from a multitude of colored scraps, that are joined together
in a single cloths. It is believed that it will bring peace and happiness for the future of the family. The bride is dressed in a special national white dress and jewelry. The girl’s hair plaits in two pigtails. It is a symbol of that now she has a couple. Once the groom arrives to parental house of bride, he meets with her family and relatives. The groom’s party is hanging chimildik in the corner of the room - the sacred
tent of embroidered suzane for the newlyweds. The groom enters there first, greets everyone with bows, and then the bride does the same. The groom’s friends are served sweet water and treats. In gratitude for this, the the groom’s party gives money. The arrival of the bride begins a series of small ceremonies, which are accompanied by traditional folk songs and dances. So, the bride is taken to the groom’s house, where a fire is lit in the courtyard and they pass around it three times.
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Meanwhile, in the house of the bride they prepare seven dishes that should be on the dastarkhan of the newlyweds during the ceremony.
Dastarkhan and kurpacha for the celebration should be sewn by the bride herself from a variety of colored patches, which are combined into a single canvas. This is done to ensure that the family will be large and friendly.
The bride is dressed in a national white dress and jewelry. The girl’s hair is braided in two braids. This is a symbol of the fact that now she has a pair.
The groom’s friends are served sweet water and treats. In gratitude for this, the the groom’s party gives money. With the arrival of the bride a series of small ceremonies begin, which is accompanied by unusual chants and sayings. So, the bride is taken to the groom’s house, where a fire is kindled in the yard and they pass around it three times.
A ceremony of Kelin Salom (a bow of the bride) is performed at the groom’s house. The bride bows to each member of her new family and guests, showing them her respect. All guets come to the bride with gifts and wishes. This rite is accompanied by music and chants. For each bow, the bride receives a gift and a blessing and, in response, gives small souvenirs. They say, the gifts given to the bride and sweets from the wedding bring happiness.
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Craft
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Davlat Toshev:
The spiritual connection of miniature arts Sevara Dultaeva
Davlat Toshev is a miniature artist based in Bukhara. Creating unique patterns, he develops creative works of traditional miniature painting. The master has represented the Uzbek art of miniatures in France, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Russia, Italy, Ukraine, taking part in international festivals and running solo exhibitions. Mastering the painting, calligraphy and miniature, he works on the restoration of the cultural heritages of Uzbekistan (ancient books, manuscript) and has gained an international recognition in this area. FOR ME, MINIATURE IS LIFE The history comes alive through the miniature paintings, as it is directly interrelated to the ancient folios I work with and restore. Sometimes I even cannot tell anything with my words that my paintings say. When people like to purchase the pieces, they choose exactly that one, which has deep meaning for their life
and has a spiritual connection. It seems like the work knows that it was created only for his ‘owner.’ I am indulged in the Sufism, the spiritual philosophy and my paintings speak on it, as every single line, each element we draw, including colours and patterns has its meaning. Therefore, masters are required being knowledgeable, reciting thousands of books and
always making research, but the main secrets are being passed from teacher to student, in a Sufi tradition. Miniature is a very complicated art itself with the number of various elements and patterns telling you a hidden story. That is why it is very delicate craft. Sometimes it took me several months to complete one piece. But I just live with it.
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HOW IT STARTED Actually I haven’t studied arts in any school, miniature became my passion naturally. Our family environment was a reason for that. My father always was interested in reading ancient books and I remember that our home was full of such books, when we were young children, although it was prohibited by the Soviets. Our father restored of the old manuscripts, which had been written in a spectacular Arabic and Persian calligraphy and I was fascinated by the images inside of them, the tiny patterns of each element were mesmerizing. I felt the spirituality of them, but never realised what a heritage my father kept. This was the starting point. But only when he passed away, I found out that he was a Sufi scholar and according to tradition, it must be me who continues his works. Then my brother, who is a miniature artist with academic degree, taught me the main principles of the miniature art. Later on I had an apprenticeship experience with master of decoration and this helped me a lot to understand deeply the meaning of each pattern, that basically has a secret explanation and speaks in their own language even with a little dot. I learned the calligraphy, the ancient paper making and the restoration of the cultural heritages. As much as I am working on miniature, as much I discover the new world of this art. I try to share my knowledge and skills with others. I have number of students and my daughters also continuous my works. But still this art is not so popular
among professional artists. That’s is why I’m working on opening of a new centre for miniature art, where I’ m going to support young talents, teaching them a miniature painting and restoration techniques, organize exhibitions for them, collaborate with international art network and show the peculiarities of this art to foreign guests.
ENERGY OF HOME I think living in Bukhara is grace for me, as I can feel the energy of this magnificent town, which was a witness
of the greatest historic events and gave birth to the greatest persons, scientists who contributed decently to the world culture.
MY JOURNEY My personal exhibitions were organised in Russia, Spain, Germany, France, USA, Switzerland. Initially, I was invited to the Leiden University in Holland to help with restoration of ancient oriental books. The most of them were our historical folios, came from Bukhara. Can you imagine my temptation working on them? It was such a huge responsibility and honour at the same time. I tried to explore carefully every small element, every single dot of calligraphy in order to show correctly the initial picture and the story. Since that time the restoration of the world heritage became an inherent part of my mission. This experience shows me that the huge number of the antique books of Uzbekistan dated from 12-19 centuries, are the priceless treasure of the world collection and I’m doing my best to make them alive. And the only thing that drives me is my passion to share about my country, its soul and the spirit. I am ready to do this whenever I can. My doors are always open to the guests and I love to talk to people, show my studio and treat them with delicious Bukhara plov.
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Cartoon
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Kseniya Tsoy (al.fergani) travelling doodler from Uzbekistan has shared her story to our magazine. More you can find at https://medium.com/@alfergani/i-amfrom-u-z-b-e-k-i-s-t-a-n-bc5e2298a680
i am from
U-Z-B-E-K-I-S-T-A-N Over the years of living and travelling around the world I met a lot of different people from all over the globe and every time I would introduce myself as someone from Uzbekistan, I’d hear the funniest reactions — almost everyone from almost everywhere didn’t know where — or what — Uzbekistan was — what was this long cumbersome word that few people could pronounce…
M
ter to take you on an adventure to this hidden gem of Central Asia.
any times I had to swear it is indeed a real country ;) And many times people would actually be interested to know more — “so what is it like, U-Z-B-E-K-I-S-T-A-N?”
Meet al.fergani, the little Uzbek girl :)
Inspired by this, I have long wanted to create a simple doodle to introduce and share all the beautiful little things about my home. So I came up with a little charac-
Of course, this style wouldn’t represent the country’s fashionistas nowadays, but is here to introduce you to our unique cherished traditions. Let’s start?
The legend of Uzbekistan tells that in the beginning of the time when God was dividing land to the people, the Uzbek modestly stood on the side and smilingly let everybody pass first. As he was the last in the line he came up to God to receive his piece of land and God exclaimed “Oh my child, I see you are indeed generous by heart! But what to do, I have no more land left! Well, I guess I’ll have to give you a piece of heaven!”.
This “piece of heaven” lies in the very middle of the biggest continent, tucked in between Black Sand deserts and Heavenly mountains. The land of a thousand legends and millennia of history, it is the home of architectural jewels of the mystical Silk Road — Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva — if you haven’t heard of Uzbekistan, maybe you have heard at least one of these names.
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These picturesque ancient cities and exquisitely patterned mosaics are the cherished heritage of Central Asian Medieval Renaissance. The blue-tiled domes of fairy-tale-like buildings is an image close to heart of every Uzbek, and a reminder of the beautiful blue skies that unites us all together.
If you are lucky to ever visit Central Asia, it is the green lush meadows, white cotton-like clouds and blue peaceful skies of Uzbekistan’s modestly pure nature that will linger in your memory long time after you leave. You probably would not have guessed that it is these beautiful landscapes that symbolically make up the country’s flag palitre. But still it is the people that make this place a heaven on Earth. The extraordinary hospitality of Uzbeks is what truly wins one’s heart. We love inviting new friends to our hearts and our homes, and we make sure one doesn’t leave without a proper taste of “dastarkhan” — the Central Asian dining ritual of enjoying abundant culinary pleasures in the company of friends and family. Dastarkhan is not dastarkhan without green tea, “plov”, “non”, fresh seasonal fruits and savoury sweets.
Did you know that tea plays a very important role in our culture, and is the embodiment of Uzbek hospitality? Almost everyone you meet will invite you “to have tea” in their home, and you really should never say no. It is so much more than tea: Uzbek “tea” is spiced with friendship, served with warm smiles, and packed with good memories.
The Uzbek New Year, and the people’s most cherished holiday — “Navruz” —, is celebrated on the 21st of March. Taking its roots in Zoroastrian tradition, it is celebrated on the night of the vernal equinox, to mark the time after which day will be longer than nights, and light will symbolically win over darkness. Navruz means literally “New Day” and celebrates the coming of spring, reawakening of nature and new beginnings. It is also the day that wherever I am in the world I miss my home the most :)
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note
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
Useful phrases
for guests of Uzbekistan Hello Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Have a nice trip All right / OK. Goodbye How are you? May I have your name? It’s nice to meet you Just a minute please Thank you / Thanks Please Welcome May I take a look at it? Wow! Why it’s so expensive? Make it cheaper! Ok See you later I’ll come back later What time is it? How do I get there? How far is it? How much is it? What is it? Sorry Exit / Entrance Toilet Can you help me? My number is
Assalomu Alaykum Khayrli tong Khayrli kun Khayrli oqshom Oq yo’l Yakhshi Khayr Yakhshimisiz? Ismingiz nima? Tanishganimdan khursandman Bir daqiqa Rakhmat Markhamat / Iltimos Khush kelibsiz. Ko’rsam maylimi? Voy, nega buncha qimmat? Arzonroq qilib bering! Kelishdik Ko’rishguncha Keyinroq kelaman Soat nechi bo’ldi? U yerga qanday boraman? Qancha uzoq? Nech pul? Bu nima? Kechirasiz Chiqish / Kirish Khojatkhona Yordam bera olasizmi? Mening raqamim…
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Event calendar
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
YEAR ROUND FESTIVALS Uzbekistan is a fertile land with hospitable and welcoming people. Throughout centuries, its residents have been hosting colorful festivals and holidays with traditional games, sportings and performances. A calendar of the most interesting and significant annual festivals in Uzbekistan will offer you a good excuse to visit the country throughout the year. as sumalyak, khalim, variety of pastry, fresh greens plates and seasonal products. This holiday is held every year from 18 till 22 March.
meat to the key place. It is played both by professionals and amateur adrenalin lovers. The festival takes place in the mountains and hills.
Nationwide
Samarkand region (Urgut, Kushrabot) Kashkadarya region, Kitob town
January-February
Lyabi Khauz, the main square of Bukhara and 11 other locations, bringing together the exhibitions of traditional crafts, folk performances, wine tastings, food samplings and many more.
Mountain Sports Season and Eastern Bazaars The Observer, a British weekly mentioned Beldersay, a mountain resort near Tashkent as one of the world’s mind blowing destinations for skiing. A long cable car, extreme ski routes, warming food and drinks as well as unspoilt nature of this location allows Beldersay to compete with world famous mountain resorts.
Bukhara region, city of Bukhara
April Festival “Boysun bahori” The festival “Boysun bahori” is a holiday of unique cultures! In our time of globalization, unique rituals and traditions are sometimes lost, and only in remote places from large cities can one still see a particular culture.
Mountain resorts (Beldersay, Chimgan) of Tashkent, Jizzakh, Khashkadarya, Surkhandarya regions
March
Uloq-kupkari. Horse games
Navruz (Eastern New Year)
One of the most spectacular events is Uloq-Kupkari, a national sport, somehow reminds somehow polo. It is attended by 100 horses and riders along with thousands of spectators. The aim is to get a trophy – goats or rams
Navruz is one of the widely celebrated national holidays in Uzbekistan. Celebrations include a lot of folklore events, national dressing and special dishes cooking
Surkhandarya region, Boysun district
June 25-27 May Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara The authentic festival Silk and Spices takes place at
Bukhara Day The festival “Day of the city of Bukhara” under the motto “Bukhara - the pearl of the East”. Within the framework
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of the festival, a marathon “I love Bukhara”, a trade fair, folk festivals, exhibitions, concerts of folklore ensembles, a scientific and practical conference and other festive events will be organized. Anyone can take part in them. In end of the holiday colorful gala concert will be performed. The festival usually held twice in a year ( June and October).
of Uzbekistan. Guests are invited to exhibitions and fairs of traditional textiles, defile, folk festivals with performances of folklore groups. Fergana region, city of Margilan
Bukhara region, city of Bukhara
27-30 November International Short Film Festival PROlogue
August
The program of the event includes pitching new film projects, master classes on directing, camera art and drama. Also awarded ceremonies of “Best Actor of the Year” and “Best Actress of the Year” are held as a part of the event.
“Shark taronalari” Festival of Oriental Music The grand event attracts musicians and singers from more than 60 countries. Shark Taronalari International Music Festival takes place in Registan Square in Samarqand every other year.
Tashkent city, The Palace of Youth Creativity
Registan Square, Samarqand city
July Republic festival of Youth folklore Festival “Youth folklore”, with the participation of storytellers, bakhshi, akhuns who widely promote national art, customs, traditions and values.
October Contemporary Arts Biennale
Republic of Karakalpakstan, Amudarya region, “Chilpik” fortress
September International Festival of national fabrics “Atlas Bayrami” The aim of the “Atlas Bayrami” (Holiday of Atlas) is to preserve the rich intangible cultural heritage, as well as to support the traditional crafts
The largest exposition of fine and modern arts attracts more than 100 painters, photographers, designers and visual arts specialists around the world. The exhibitions are located in all the galleries and creative spaces of Tashkent as well as special events in Bukhara, Samarqand and other cities are held depending on the program. The event takes place once in two years. Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts Tashkent
December Vine and Gourmet tours The new wine is usually decoupaged in December. It is one of the best seasons to visit wine manufactures and ancient wine caves in Tashkent and Samarqand, taste different types of wine and spoil yourself with winter specialty food. What an excellent excuse for the end of the year indulgence. Tashkent and Samarqand city
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Travel
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
“QR-JOURNEY�
ALONG KHIVA
ICHAN- KALA Ichan Kala is open-air museum in Khiva. It is the old part of the city, surrounded with wall. Here on the vast territory of 26 hectares the exotic image of the eastern city has been preserved. But the most striking is that Ichan-Kala is not a frozen museum city. It is a home for 300 families, mostly engaged in crafts.
NURULLABAY PALACE The oldest monument on the territory of Uzbekistan is the Summer Palace of the Khiva Khans Nurullabay (Nurullaboy Hovlilari) in the city of Khiva. The palace is striking in its magnificence and is very different from other palaces built by khans in different periods; it looks more like the residence of the European monarch in the Art Nouveau style.
JUMA MOSQUE Of all Khiva mosques the Friday-prayer Juma Mosque located in the center of Ichan-Kala takes the most prominent place. Its main distinctive feature is its architectural design, which is uncharacteristic of mosques. Despite the tradition Juma Mosque has no arched entrances, portals or even domes.
KALTA-MINOR MINARET It is difficult to imagine ancient Khiva without this monument of oriental architecture. The Minaret of Kalta-Minor has become the real symbol of the city. It amazes with its size and unique design. Foundation of the minaret is 15 meters, diameter at the foundation is 14,5 meters and the height is 29 meters. But this massive tower has only third part of the project height.
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My Perfect day
VISIT UZBEKISTAN
24 hours in Samarkand
Benjamin Bairrington, Mathematics and Physics teacher. California, USA
Amazed by architecture, the history and extremely delicious plov
I
came to Samarkand from Tashkent early in the morning by fast train. Instead of the natural beautiful karst mountains, the city was filled with the human made beauty of mosques and mausoleums.
The first place we went to was the Guri Amir. A great conquer, leader, and someone generally well liked by all. I had also heard of his untimely end trying to invade China. However today I witnessed his final resting place. The graves of his family and him are quite different than what I would recognize in the United States. Obviously the Guri Amir was a bit more elaborate and colorful, but both retained a degree of simplicity and humility. The walk-around orbited the long slabs of stone representing each of the graves. It only took a few minutes to drive over to the Registan. At that time, the sun was high in the sky shining onto the blue tiles of the three buildings. While I had been amazed of the exterior – the interiors were surreal. After the Registan, we went to the silk rug factory. First I saw a small demonstration of silk thread manufacturing. There were silk eggs, various plants for dyes, and a few vats. Scattered across the ground was little fibers of silk of
various colors. It seemed that this factory gave tours quite often. I was able to imagine the process of stenciling in patterns from the various silks. It was quite impressive. I was invited to sit down upon a chair covered in rugs and drink a cup of tea. “I would like to present to you this rug here.” The woman laid down a sky blue rug on the floor. “What I really like about this rug is that if you rotate it, it will change color.” She turned the rug one-hundred eighty degrees. Indeed, the sky blue shade became a deep ocean blue. “This is a rug that has two different colors – two different rugs. But I will only charge you the price of one rug”, she said. The time came to have lunch. We went to find a good authentic restaurant. The street was quite narrow, which made parallel parking extremely difficult. We got out and walked into one of the local venues. We were seated upstairs and offered a pot of tea. To my hungry delight, we were given a massive pile of fried bread with meat inside. Additionally, we were given a spicy tomato dipping sauce. The first piece was absolutely lovely. The second piece was good, as was the third, fourth, and fifth. However, by the sixth
piece I was suffering. To my horror I had underestimated the size of the pile. There were still four pieces left. Then we were served with an extremely delicious plov. We then proceeded back to the tour. The simplest explanation I was given about The Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis was that it was the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin’s last resting place. It was also the burial site of many other great people as evidenced by the many graves laid across the property. Upon approaching the entrance, there was a staircase leading to the top. My guide paused and looked at me. “Count the number of steps it takes to get to the top. If you count the same number of steps when you go back down, then it is said that you can be assured your previous sins will be forgiven by God.” The trip in Samarkand ended with a pleasant visit to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. At that point in the journey, I was tired and was glad to enter a location that was quiet and peaceful. I sat on one of the benches for a while and chose to simply absorb the ambiance of the place. I knew that it might be a long time before I ever return. Satisfied, I took one last deep breath before returning to the train station.
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