"Uzbekistan has captivated my imagination since 1991, when it emerged as an independent nation from the folds of the Soviet Union. Over the years, glimpses of its majestic monuments and storied past teased me through magazines and books. Based in Dubai, the Eid holidays presented the perfect opportunity for a family getaway. Despite initial skepticism from my family, my confidence in Uzbekistan's appeal prevailed.
The reasons behind selecting Uzbekistan as our holiday destination were manifold - its rich history, breathtaking architecture, delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and the promise of safety for tourists. With just six days at our disposal, I meticulously crafted an itinerary encompassing the quintessence of Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Tashkent, and the Chimgan mountains.
Our journey commenced in Samarkand, a city steeped in history as a pivotal point along the Silk Road. The grandeur of its historical monuments - the Registan Mosque and Madrasa, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shakhi-Zinda compound, Gur-Emir ensemble, and Ulugh-Beg's Observatory - left an indelible mark on our souls. Each structure, adorned with intricately glazed tiles in varying shades of blue, seemed straight out of a fairy tale. Attempting to capture their beauty through camera proved futile; these sites must be experienced firsthand to be truly appreciated. A visit to a local paper and carpet factory provided insight into Uzbekistan's traditional craftsmanship.
The culinary delights of Uzbekistan were equally enchanting. A traditional Uzbek Pulao, brimming with vibrant colors and flavors, offered a tantalizing glimpse into the nation's gastronomic heritage. I read a lot about Uzbek Pulao and we had it in a traditional restaurant. The restaurant staff gave me an opportunity to go to the kitchen and see the process of making the Pulao plates. The Pulao has a very nice taste and is a wholesome meal as it has rice, vegetables and meat. Pulao is the national dish of Uzbekistan and it looks beautiful because of its ingredients like orange and yellow carrots, resins and soft meat at the top.
Exploring the bustling Siyob Bazaar, we were enveloped in a symphony of aromas from exotic spices and fresh produce. Me and my wife have great interest in cooking and culinary science and we always make sure to visit local markets, so how can we miss the Siyob Bazaar. It was beautiful to see the local fruits, vegetables, snacks and local groceries and our experience with local spice shops was so satisfying. Our experience with a few spices in Siyob Bazaar was unexpected and unbelievable; the black cumin, coriander seeds, bay leaves, paprika, dried dill leaves and fennel - the quality and aroma was unbelievable. We never had an idea that the flavor of these spices could be so fresh and authentic. The spice mix was also an interesting buy which is used by locals while preparing shashliks, kebabs and pulaos. Visiting Siyob Bazaar was so satisfying, The encounter left an indelible impression, the essence of the bazaar lingering in our memories. We seriously took the advice of the shopkeeper not to pack the cumin seeds with our clothes. If you are going around any market or neighbourhood, you will surely see the round wheat breads, which are very appealing and irrespective of whether you like bread or not, you will buy them. Interestingly, we noticed that bread in Samarkand is dense, maybe the dough is fermented less to make it heavy so that it can be stored for a longer time.
Being the spring season, the temperature was very pleasant, the streets and gardens were all full of colorful flowers, specifically white and pink flowers of cherry, apricot and apple. We had some time to go to the countryside of Samarkand, there are vast green fields with beautiful flowers everywhere. I wonder what Samarkand will look like during autumn when most of the fruits are ripe and available locally - apricot, cherry, grape, figs, peach, pomegranate, apple and persimmon.
Transitioning to Tashkent aboard the Afrosiab fast train, we were greeted by a city pulsating with cosmopolitan energy. Flowers specifically tulips and of course the white and pink flowers are all across the city. The Hasti Iman complex, adorned with azure domes and intricate tile work, exuded timeless charm. The domes in Tashkent monuments were plain while in Samarkand the domes were ribbed, but in both places you get the same exotic feeling and just don't want to leave the place. A visit to Chorsu Bazaar immersed us in the vibrant tapestry of Uzbek culture, culminating in a delightful shopping spree for local delicacies, costumes, dry fruits and symbolic ceramic dishes. I could not stop clicking pictures as every shop was selling different types of bread. We had an opportunity to check out the bakery in the market and witness the whole bread baking process. One very obvious difference between Samarkand and Tashkent bread was dough fermentation, Tashkent breads were more light and crispy.
Our journey culminated amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Chimgan mountains. The scenic drive offered glimpses of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, while a sojourn at the Amirsoy mountain resort afforded panoramic views of the Tien Shan Mountain range which border three other countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The nights were cold but the days were very pleasant. Before heading back to Tashkent we went to Amirsoy mountain resort. The cable car from base to mountain top was an amazing experience. On one side, we could see vast green mountains and grasslands while on the other side it was all snow. At the mountain top, we spend more than 2 hours at the cafe appreciating the beautiful mountain range and snow around. As the golden hues of dusk bathed the landscape, we savored our final feast of Pulao and shashliks in Tashkent, bidding Uzbekistan a reluctant farewell.
Reflecting on our sojourn, Uzbekistan's allure lingers like a cherished melody, promising memories to cherish for a lifetime. Its untapped potential as a tourist destination holds boundless opportunities for exploration and discovery. As we depart, a vow lingers in our hearts - to return, perhaps in the vibrant hues of autumn, and unravel more layers of this enchanting land."
Abdullah Aziz
Dubai, UAE
