Uzbekistan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world; however, the tourism industry surprisingly isn’t as big as some of the other parts of Asia. There are many fun facts about Uzbekistan that make it truly interesting.
It is the most populous Country in Central Asia that boasts a unique culture, delicious local cuisine, and its very own martial arts form. There are many hidden gems in Uzbekistan that are yet to be explored.
Historical Facts About Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has been part of some of the most powerful empires in the history of our world. Here are some historical facts about Uzbekistan that will help you understand the rich history of the country.
Bukhara Was An Intellectual Capital For The Golden Age Of Islam
The city of Bukhara is one of the most visited cities in Uzbekistan. The time period from the 8th century to the 13th century is considered the golden age of Islam, and Bukhara was the epicenter of this golden age. Many Muslim scholars and scientists of that time were based in Bukhara.
Genghis Khan Once Ruled The Region
The region we now know as Uzbekistan was once a part of the Seljuk Empire; however, in the 13th century, Genghis invaded the area and took it from the Seljuk Turks.
Russia Ruled The Country For Around 200 Years
Russia is still geographically the biggest country in the world. However, before 1991, it was known as the Soviet Union, which covered most of the Central Asian and East European region.
Uzbekistan was also a part of that union. The country gained its independence in 1991 when the Soviet Union broke down.
It Was A Big Part Of The Silk Road
Uzbekistan may not be considered a trading giant today, but the different Silk Road sites show that it was once a bustling trading spot. There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, and out of those five sites, four are located on the Silk Road.
Cultural Facts About Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The country has a diverse population, with Uzbek being the dominant ethnic group. These cultural facts about Uzbekistan will tell you a lot about the country.
There Is A Formal Way Of Pouring Tea In The Country
In many countries, whenever you want to have tea, you just pour it into a cup and enjoy it. That is not the case in Uzbekistan where things are a little different. There is a simple ritual to it.
You have to first rinse the tea bowl with a few drops of hot tea.Then you have to pour the tea into the bowl and return it back to the pot. This is done three times before serving the tea.
The Country Is Predominantly Muslim
The region was invaded by Arabian armies in the 8th century, which brought the strong Arab influence and religion of Islam to the region.
Even since the 8th century, Islam has been the dominant religion in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s Cultural Music
Koshuk songs are an important part of Uzbek culture and are often performed at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.
Theseare basically household songs that have their distinctive rhythm and melody. Koshuk songs often tell stories of love, nature, and everyday life. They are accompanied by traditional string instruments.
Simple Facts About Uzbekistan For Kids
Here are some fun facts about Uzbekistan that kids will enjoy learning about.
The Meaning Of The Uzbekistan Flag
There are three stripes on the flag of Uzbekistan, which are separated by a thin red line. The top layer is blue; the lower one is green, whereas the one in the center is a white colored stripe.
The top layer has a crescent and 12 starts.
The green color represents nature; the white represents peace, whereas the blue is for water.
Russian Is The Second Most Spoken Language In The Country
Uzbekistan has been part of many strong empires, and the Soviet Union was one of them. There are still many Russians living in Uzbekistan. However, due to the Soviet Influence, local people can also speak the Russian language.
It Is Central Asia’s Most Populous Country
Uzbekistan has a population of over 35 million which puts it at the 17th spot for the highest population on the Asian continent. However, no other Central Asian countries come close to the population of Uzbekistan.
The second largest Central Asian country in terms of population is Kazakhstan which has around 21 Million.
Useful Uzbekistan Facts For Travelers
If you are looking to travel to Uzbekistan, then knowing these facts about Uzbekistan can be very helpful for you.
Banks Also Work As Money Exchangers
There are many countries in the world where there are specific money exchangers where tourists can get their currency exchanged for local currency.
However, in Uzbekistan, you don’t have to look for Money exchangers; you can simply visit a bank and get your money exchanged.
The Country Has Some Of The Best Train Stations In The World
Trains in Uzbekistan aren’t as fast or luxurious as the trains in Japan, but the train stations in Uzbekistan are a sight to behold. You can see beautiful chandeliers, artistic designs and engravings on the walls and ceilings of the train stations.
The Country Has Slow Internet
If you are a remote worker or digital nomad planning to visit Uzbekistan, it’s important to be aware that the country has relatively low internet speed compared to other countries.
This means that browsing the web, streaming videos, and using social media may be slower than you’re used to.
There are, however, some telecommunication companies that offer relatively better internet services, so it is ideal to buy a local sim card when you are visiting Uzbekistan as a tourist.
Common Facts About Uzbekistan
Here are some general yet fun facts about Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Is One Of The Largest Producers Of Cotton In The World
Uzbekistan has two resources that its economy stands on. The first is gold, and the other is cotton. This is also the reason that cotton is known as white gold in Uzbekistan.
In fact, cotton makes up a reasonable chunk of the country’s export, i.e., around 7%.
The National Dish Of Uzbekistan Is Plov Or Palov
It’s a delicious rice dish made with meat, carrots, onions, and a variety of vegetables and spices.
Plov is a staple food in Uzbekistan cuisine and is often served at weddings, celebrations, and family gatherings. The dish is typically cooked in a large traditional Uzbek cooking pot over an open flame.
With its rich flavors and cultural significance, plov is definitely a must-try if you ever find yourself in Uzbekistan!
Don’t Lay Lepioshka Bread Upside Down
Lepioshka bread is a type of local bread that is given a lot of importance in the country. In addition to being a staple food, it has some mythical beliefs around it.
Lepioshka bread shouldn’t be placed on the floor, and it should never be placed upside down. These are believed to bring bad luck to whoever does it. The Country Did Not Have Any Elections For Around 25 Years
Islam Karimov ruled the country for over 25 overs. He was an authoritarian leader who passed away in 2016.
It was only after his death that Uzbekistan had its first election since 1991.
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Other Interesting Facts about Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan Is One Of The Only Two Countries To Be Double Landlocked
A double-landlocked country is one which is surrounded by landlocked countries. The other double landlocked country in the world is Liechtenstein.
Without nearby access to the sea which is not just a potential source of food, but also an important trade avenue, the country faces many different challenges. The unique geographical position makes them rather dependent on other countries’ trade policies.
World’s Largest Open Pit Gold Mine Is Located In Uzbekistan
Did you know that Uzbekistan is home to the world’s largest open-pit gold mine? This impressive mine, called Muruntau, is located in the Kyzyl-Kum Desert and is estimated to contain thousands of tonnes of gold. The Pit is around 560m deep and produces around 66 tonnes of gold every year.
Uzbekistan Has A Specific Martial Arts
The martial arts native to Uzbekistan is called Kurash. It’s also a very popular sport in the country, along with tennis and football. Uzbekistani people are known to perform pretty well in global sporting competitions like the Olympics. They have won over 35 Olympic medals and counting.
Discovering More Fun Facts About Uzbekistan
These were just some of the most interesting facts about Uzbekistan. Whether you are planning to visit the country or you are just a student of Geography, this is a fascinating country to learn more about.
One of the best ways to really dive into the country is to visit it firsthand. As you experience the local culture and delicious foods, you will uncover even more amazing Uzbekistan facts that are often overlooked.
PIN THESE FACTS ABOUT UZBEKISTAN FOR LATER
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