Uzbekistan - Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan
Location
Coat of arms and flag
Capital	Tashkent
Government	Presidential republic with an authoritarian character
Currency	Uzbek Som (UZS)
Surface	448,978 km²
Inhabitants	26.400.000
Tongue	Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajiki 4.4%
Religion	Muslim 88%, Orthodox 9%
Electricity	220V / 50Hz
Prefix	998
TLD	.uz
Time zone	UTC 5
Website	Tourist Board of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a sovereign state ofCentral Asia. It borders to the north and west with the Kazakhstan, to the east with the Kyrgyzstan and the Tajikistan, to the south with theAfghanistan and the Turkmenistan.

To know

Geographical notes

Uzbekistan is a mostly flat and often desert territory crossed by two large rivers that flow parallel:

• The Syr Darya whose springs are located in the Tian Shan Mountains (Mountains of Paradise) of the Kyrgyzstan
• The Amu Darya which has its sources in the Pamir.

Both rivers are tributaries of the Aral Sea.

The Uzbeks are a people of Turkish origin professing the Sunni Muslim religion. According to some, the name derives from Uzbek Khan (1282 - 1342), leader of the Golden Horde and proponent of their conversion to Islam. According to others, however, the name derives from a Turkish word which means "the people of the nobles". In the country there are significant minorities of Tajiks (20%), Kirghiz (13%), and Turkmen (13%).

When to go

Uzbekistan has a continental climate with hot summers and severe winters. The best time to visit is during the short spring (April-May), when even the desert is covered with multicolored flowers, the temperatures are not excessive and the frequency of rain decreases, or, alternatively, autumn.

Background

In historical times, the territories that currently make up Uzbekistan were inhabited by the Messageti, an Indo-Aryan people similar to the Scythians, subjected by Cyrus the Great who perished in battle in 530 BC. The new territories were organized into 3 satrapies: Corasmia, La Sogdiana and Bactriana. In 329 BC, C. Alexander the Great conquered the territories which, on his death, passed to his general Seleucus. Diodotus, governor of Bactria, rebelled against Seleucus and established an independent Hellenistic kingdom. In 180 BC Demetrius I, ascended to the throne of Bactria, successfully undertook the conquest ofIndia. In 162 BC the kingdom disappeared under the attacks of the ephthalid Huns.

Spoken languages

The official language is theUzbek which, since the proclamation of independence, is no longer written in Cyrillic but in Latin characters. The second language is the Russian, known by almost all people of a certain age, less by young people who, however, know theEnglish.

Suggested readings

• Amin Maalouf, Samarkand Bompiani Editions ISBN 8845254461
• Robert Byron, The way to the Oxiana Adelphi ISBN 9788845909870
• Franco Cardini, Samarkand. A turquoise dream Editions The mill ISBN 978-8815266439
• Erika Fatland, Sovietistan, a trip to Central Asia Marsilio Editions (2018) ISBN 978-88-317-2783-9

Territories and tourist destinations

Today Uzbekistan is divided into 12 provinces (viloyat in Uzbekistan), plus an autonomous republic. The capital area has a separate administration.

      Fergana Valley - The most fertile and populous part of the country, but also the most unstable with different ethnic groups such as the Uzbeks and those of Kyrgyzstan with frequent quarrels.

      Northern Uzbekistan Geographically dominated by the vast red sand of the seemingly endless Kizilkum desert and politically dominated by Karakalpakstan, the vast autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, Northern Uzbekistan is prominent in the tourist circuits for the ancient city of Khiva on the Silk Road, and for the dying Aral Sea.

      Samarkand and Bukhara region - This is truly the heart of the Silk Road, the passage along the Zeravshan River valley through the most important historical cities of theCentral Asia how Samarkand is Bukhara and densely populated mainly by the Tajik ethnic group.

      Southern Uzbekistan - The only mountainous part of the country, where Uzbekistan meets the mighty Pamir Mountains, is heavily populated by the Tajik ethnic group.

      Tashkent region - The economic-political center of the country centered on the capital, Tashkent.

• Corasmia (Xorazm viloyat) - Province of just 6,300 km², bounded by the Amu Darya River (The Oxus of the ancients) on the border with Turkmenistan. Khiva is the major attraction of this province whose capital is Urganch.
• Karakalpakstan (Qaraqalpaqstan Respublikasi) - Autonomous Republic in the western part of the country.
• Navoi (Navoiy Viloyati) - Administrative province that occupies the Kyzyl Khum desert on the border with Kazakhstan.
• Qashqa Darya (Qashqadaryo viloyati) - Another southern province.
• Surkhan Darya (Surxondaryo Viloyati) - Southern Province bordering theAfghanistan with capital Termez.
• Syr Darya (Sirdaryo Viloyati) - Mountainous province east of the capital.

Urban centers

Uzbek girl

Other destinations

How to get

Entry requirements

From 1 February 2019, the exemption from entry visa for a stay of up to 30 days, regardless of the purpose of the trip, comes into force for citizens of 45 countries, including Italy.

However, once they entered Uzbek territory you will have to register at the police offices. Registration is not required for children under 16. Hotels and holiday homes carry out this formality on behalf of their customers. If you are not staying in one of these hotels, you will need to contact a tourist agency. It is not possible to go to the police station alone. We remind you that it is necessary to keep the registrations because when you leave the country they are checked and in case of absence you risk a hefty fine.

Up-to-date and detailed information on the entry visa regime can be found on the Uzbekistan Embassy website in Italy.

• Consulate of Uzbekistan in Italy, Via Tolmino, 12 (Rome), ☎ 39 068 542 456, 39 068 542 569, fax: 39 068 541020. 
• Embassy of Italy in Tashkent, Uliza Yusuf Xos Xodjib, 40 (Tashkent), ☎ 998 71 1521119, 998 71 1521120, 998 71 1521121, fax: 998 71 1206606. 

Boeing 757-200 (VP-BUD) of Uzbekistan Airways in landing maneuver at London's Heathrow Airport (August 2004)

By plane

Yuzhny airport of Tashkent (IATA: TAS) is the main entry point for most foreign visitors.

The flag carrier is the Uzbekistan Airways which also ensures the connection with Italy (Milan-Malpensa & Rome-Fiumicino). But it is also possible to contact Turkish Airways via Istanbul or Aeroflot with transit from Moscow.

By car

Entering Uzbekistan with your own vehicle can take a long time due to the various bureaucratic formalities required.

On the train

By train it is possible to reach the Uzbek capital starting from Moscow via Samara or via Urgench, Charjou, Bukhara and Samarkand; the journey takes approximately 56 hours. The best trains are those with a name, for example Uzbekistan: they are cleaner, make fewer stops, have more comfortable timetables and a functioning restaurant.

How to get around

By plane

The only company that makes internal connections in the country is the flag company. Tickets can only be purchased at authorized ticket offices, generally at airports or agencies Aviacassa. From abroad it is possible to book flights with a few online agencies, while on the company's website it is not possible to make reservations from abroad.

However, please note that Uzbekistan Airways is considered one of the worst airlines in the world, both for the quality of its services and for the safety of its flights. Compared to the past, the air fleet has been renewed, but still has some old models.

By car

In the whole country it is not possible to rent cars except for taxis which with modest figures make a very useful service. Both within cities and between cities it is possible to use taxis or collective taxis, the cost of which is linked to the number of passengers on board. However, it should be remembered that the roads are often in disastrous conditions, with a very worn road surface, which makes travel not always easy due to potholes and with reduced speeds.

On the train

Afrosiab fast train

Uzbekistan has an important railway system built in Soviet times and still in use. The main cities can be reached by train, which is often the most comfortable and efficient way. Along the Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara axis there is an efficient fast line by train Afrosiab which quickly connects the three locations. The convenience is such in connecting the places that they are often full. For this reason it is always convenient to buy tickets in advance at the station ticket offices or sparse ticket offices (not to be confused with the more present Aviacassa for air flights). The train ticket offices are recognizable by the image of the train Afrosiab hanging in the branches.

Then there are the slower trains called Sharq and night trains on the Tashkent-Urgench route or to neighboring countries, with more uncomfortable and older carriages but also equipped with couchettes.

Please note that the luggage storage service at the stations (when open and functioning) can only be reached by train ticket, since access to the structure is subordinate to this.

By bus

There is also the possibility of using the buses, but they can be very slow and uncomfortable. The service is generally little considered by tourists given the best alternatives.

As per the Russian-speaking tradition, minibuses are widely used mashrutka, excellent for covering medium distances.

What see

The main interest in the country concerns the visit to historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara is Khiva. They contain architectural jewels of great beauty. Furthermore, the importance of history and the memory of travelers along the way emerges Silk Road. Precisely this fascination draws interest in mosques, madrasas and bazaars. In the surroundings of Urgench, the visit of the ancient ruined castles arouses some interest, with the possibility of visiting the desert areas. The Aral Sea, precisely because of its environmental emergency arouses a certain curiosity in the most intrepid travelers.

Itineraries

L'classic itinerary to visit the country is that of the main cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. With the ability to consider detours for single excursions to various specific locations such as Shahrisabz.

What to do

Currency and purchases

The national currency is the Uzbek som (UZS) Here are the links to know the current exchange rate with the main world currencies:

Almost all accommodation facilities and bazaars accept payments in dollars and euros. The possibility of paying by credit card is not widespread, indeed it is advisable to bring with you the full amount foreseen for the travel period. Even the presence of ATMs is scarce and limited only to the capital, while in all the other centers there are only local ATMs.

Although it is possible to exchange money at hotels and banks with official rates, the black exchange market is widespread.

At the table

Samsa

The Uzbek national dish is the plov, usually prepared for lunch and in a few places also for dinner.

Very popular are the samsa or somsa, panzerotti stuffed with meat or more rarely with vegetables or pumpkin.

Drinks

Although it is a Muslim country where theoretically alcoholic beverages could not be sold, in practice this is rejected. Therefore it is common to find: beer, wine or vodka.

Tourist infrastructure

The country has adequate accommodation facilities with international standards. Restaurants may not always be adequate but are acceptable. It is also possible to contact tourist agencies for guided tours or excursions in the country.

Events and parties

National holidays

May 9 is the Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War following the tradition of celebrations in Russia. It is a very heartfelt holiday in the country.

Safety

The visit at Fergana valley, however interesting it may be, it is not recommended for safety reasons: there are in fact tensions between the Uzbek and Tajik populations of the valley which in 2005 resulted in bloody clashes. Equally inadvisable is a visit to Termez, border town withAfghanistan.

Often taxi drivers, vendors or just people on the street offer to change euros or dollars into local currency at cheaper rates than ordinary ones. Although it is a widespread and fairly tolerated phenomenon, it is still operations that can be prosecuted by local law and for this reason there is always a potential risk of running into problems with the police. It is always useful to maintain some caution in changing to black in order to avoid running into unpleasant surprises.

In terms of personal safety, the country is very safe. Even if you go into the popular districts or outside the tourist areas, the population is always very friendly with tourists.

Compared to the past, police checks on tourists have been significantly reduced. Only the ordinary ones remain at the entrance of the metro and railway stations, in these cases it will be enough to satisfy the control requests which among other things are very discreet and often understanding towards tourists.

For security reasons, tourists are required to issue a mandatory registration at the hotel facilities, this must be shown in the event of a check (very rare), and all registrations must be kept until the end of the trip.

We also remind you that it is strictly forbidden to photograph checkpoints, metro stations and railways. You risk being stopped by the police for a request for documents.

Health situation

The health situation is generally decent. It is understood that hygiene is sufficient in hotels and restaurants. They raise more doubts in small towns where food is sold on the street without any controls and with questionable sanitary standards. Away from the cities, even public toilets can be very cheap if not in disastrous conditions.

It is always necessary to have health insurance for any eventuality and to have travel medicines with you.

Respect the customs

Of the Uzbek elders

Although the religion of the country is Islamic, the application of sharia rules is very softened. Women are free to dress as they like, there is no obligation to wear a veil and they even drink wine, beer and vodka. This makes the journey of a Westerner less problematic, except for the fact of always maintaining due respect for local customs, such as taking off one's shoes inside mosques and often even in private homes or in some hotels.

The character of the Uzbeks is generally very relaxed, even in the workplace it will not be difficult to find the "oddities" of a former Soviet country as well as oriental slowness. In offices or ticket offices and even in some shops you can find employees who sleep, or if pressed by too much work they could fulfill your request by saying to come back the next day. It is not impossible to find an employee who suddenly closes the door without giving explanations, or a waiter to whom the same request has to be made several times.

The lines at the counters or for the entrance to a monument do not follow the order of arrival, but it is the practice to notice people who jump all going forward without considering the others. Then forget the privacy at the counters to book tickets, you will always have someone beside you peeking while waiting for you to finish the operation.

How to keep in touch

Telephony

Various telephone operators operate in the country such as Ucell, Beeline, MTS (MTC in Cyrillic), Perfectum Mobil. For foreigners it is possible to buy a SIM at authorized foreign sales points.

Internet

Internet connections are substantially present throughout the country. Almost all accommodation facilities have wifi. The connection is also free of charge at various venues and at Tashkent Airport. However, the data transmission speed is very low and the loading of pages is often very slow if not blocked during the hours of maximum use.

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Uzbekistan
• Commons contains images or other files on Uzbekistan
• Wikinews contains current news on Uzbekistan
  

States of Asia

 Afghanistan ·  Saudi Arabia ·  Bahrain ·  Bangladesh ·  Bhutan ·  Burma ·  Brunei ·  Cambodia ·  China ·  North Korea ·  South Korea ·  United Arab Emirates ·  Philippines ·  Japan ·  Jordan ·  India ·  Indonesia ·  Iran ·  Iraq ·  Israel ·  Kyrgyzstan ·  Kuwait ·  Laos ·  Lebanon ·  Maldives ·  Malaysia ·  Mongolia ·  Nepal ·  Oman ·  Pakistan ·  Qatar ·  Singapore ·  Syria ·  Sri Lanka ·  Tajikistan ·  Thailand ·  East Timor ·  Turkmenistan ·  Uzbekistan ·  Vietnam ·  Yemen

States with limited recognition:  State of Palestine ·  Taiwan

Only physically Asian states^[1]:  Armenia ·  Azerbaijan^[2] ·  Cyprus ·  Georgia^[2] ·  Kazakhstan ·  Russia ·  Turkey

States de facto independent:  Abkhazia^[2] ·  Artsakh ·  Northern Cyprus ·  South Ossetia^[2]

Addictions Australian:  Cocos and Keeling Islands ·  Christmas Island

Addictions British: UKAkrotiri and Dhekelia^[3] · British Indian Ocean Territory

Partially Asian states:  Egypt (Sinai) ·  Greece (North Aegean Islands, Dodecanese) ·  Russia (Asian Russia)  Turkey (Asian Turkey)

1. ↑States generally considered to be European from an anthropic point of view
2. ↑ ^2,02,12,22,3It was considered physically wholly Asian only by some geographical conventions
3. ↑Physically Asian state or dependency but generally considered European from an anthropic point of view

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