10 interesting things about Uzbekistan

1. Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia

This Central Asian country was once part of the Soviet Union and is officially known as the Republic of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is bordered to the north by Kazakhstan, to the southeast by Tajikistan, to the northeast by Kyrgyzstan, to the south by Afghanistan and to the southwest by Turkmenistan.

With a population of 32,364,996, Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia, but the majority of its population lives in the underdeveloped rural areas in the east and south of the country.

2.Uzbekistan's signature dish is plov.

This dish is a mixed rice dish consisting of fragrant rice, carrots, peas and lamb. All are put in a cast iron pan and fried for many hours. When cooked, the chef will add onions, spices and shred the meat, so visitors will enjoy a very special national dish of the Uzbek people.

However, plov is prepared in different ways depending on the region, so its taste in different places will not be the same. According to ancient stories, plov was invented by Alexander the Great's chefs.

In addition to the above ingredients, plov is also made with peas, carrots, raisins, dried apricots, pumpkin or quince. Spices such as chili, crushed or dried tomatoes are also added to this dish.

3. Country of melons

Uzbekistan can be said to be the land of melons with more than 150 different varieties of melons grown here throughout the seasons and in all shapes. They are grown even in desert areas with quite high technology. Since ancient times, merchants on the Silk Road have known Uzbekistan for its famous melon growing techniques.

4. Bright and pristine Eastern culture

Traditional Uzbek music is inimitable, diverse and has many different genres. Songs are often related to traditional customs, rituals and the production processes of local people. Uzbek dances are often soft, graceful and expressive.

An Uzbek dance. Source: Embassy of Uzbekistan in Indonesia

5. Embroidery

One of the country’s most prominent cultural features is lace. Colorful embroidered fabrics with exotic designs have attracted traders since the ancient Silk Road. As a major transit point on this route, Uzbekistan used to export its lace to countries all over the world, especially China.

6. The cradle of Algebra

The mathematician Muhammad Al-Muso Khorazmy is credited with being one of the first to lay the foundations of algebra. His arithmetic books are said to have been translated into Latin and then spread to the West.

7. The law is quite harsh

Tobacco and alcoholic beverages are prohibited for people under 20 years of age:If you are a tourist, you will have to be careful when visiting Uzbekistan because this country has quite harsh laws. Gambling and drugs are banned in Uzbekistan, and smoking and alcohol are banned for people under 20. Homosexuality is also illegal here and the penalty can be death.

No photography:The government here is quite allergic to photography. So be careful when taking photos of government buildings, public buildings or transport hubs. It is best to ask the locals before taking pictures.

Don't shake hands with women:In Uzbekistan, handshakes are only accepted between two men. For women, we must place our hand on our left chest and bow.

8. The cleanest subway system in the world

The stations here have a very unique design, reflecting the Central Asian folk art style, with details of alabaster, chandeliers, mosaics, metalwork and much more. That is why, according to uztourism.uz, this is one of the cleanest and most beautiful metro systems in the world.

When coming to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, visitors will feel like they are lost in a peaceful, poetic fairyland with images of sheep leisurely grazing, clean streets, no crowded vehicles, and the subway gently gliding through the small streets.

In particular, the stations here have a very unique design, reflecting the Central Asian folk art style, with details made of alabaster, chandeliers, mosaics, metalwork and much more.

9. World's largest cotton producer

Uzbekistan's economy depends heavily on the production of raw materials. The country is the world's largest producer and exporter of cotton. It is also the world's seventh-largest gold producer, producing 80 tonnes of gold per year, and has the world's fourth-largest gold reserves. The world's largest gold mine is also in Uzbekistan.

In addition, the country's uranium production ranks 17th in the world, while the gas production of the state-owned company Uzbekneftegas ranks 11th in the world.

10. Associated with the "Silk Road"

Uzbekistan lies on the "Silk Road", an ancient trade route connecting China with the Mediterranean that dates back more than 2,000 years.

Here, majestic and splendid palaces, cathedrals, temples, mausoleums with colorful architecture, and bustling dome markets have been formed...