Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, was once an unavoidable stop on the Silk Road. If it abounds in sublime monuments, it also crosses the path of many craftsmen, potters, weavers, embroiderers and miniaturist painters, whose skills inspire Western creators, and who are always ready to welcome visitors to their workshops. The population is indeed welcoming, smiling, eager to communicate, so do not hesitate to go and discover this territory of a shimmering Orient, during a stay with the inhabitants. Trip Orient is an agency that invites you to discover this rich region, with unforgettable surprises
Discovering a beautiful craft industry
Tashkent, the Uzbek capital, is a great introduction to the discovery of local crafts. After strolling through its streets, we take the direction of the Museum of Applied Arts, a charming traditional house that houses ceramics, ikats, embroidery, tapestries and carved wood. 985 km to the west is Khiva, the jewel of the Karakum desert. We discover a museum city and in the inner city Itchan-Kala, splendid monuments are splashed with blue-green earthenware and mosaics that we take the time to admire in every detail. Along the shady alleys of the citadel, we stop at the foot of the most beautiful monuments, the mausoleums of Pakhlavan Makhmoud and Sayid Alaouddine, the Tach Khaouli Palace and the Juma Mosque. Its 218 carved wooden pillars are a reminder that the city is famous for its talented woodworkers. In Bukhara, the holiest city in Central Asia and a major stop on the Silk Road, one takes the time to visit its most beautiful religious buildings, simply because the city was a high place of study and prayer, especially in the 10th century. We pass by the fortress of the Ark, then see the majestic mosques and Koranic schools. It is then time to stroll along the many bazaars, in authentic passages where spice merchants, jewellers and carpet makers can be seen at work, often sitting among their treasures. And then you can take the road to Samarkand, admire the old centre where Registan Square stands proudly. We will also see the Bibi Khanoum mosque and the Gur Emir before stopping to exchange with ceramists and potters, who perpetuate their know-how. Also not to be missed in this incredible city is the Afrasiab Museum, where you can admire frescoes, mystical sculptures and the oldest chess game in the world. All these destinations plunge visitors into the heart of a country colored by a craft industry whose history goes back a long way and which makes this Eastern territory an enchanted parenthesis.
Meeting with a welcoming population and moments around gastronomy
Uzbekistan is a perfect destination for a home stay. Regardless of the city or cities in which one stops, many residents open their doors to welcome visitors who wish to learn more about daily life in the country. This singular hospitality is the perfect opportunity to sit around a table and share a good meal. Among the dishes on offer is the "Borsh" soup, based on cabbage and beetroot, which can be served with chicken skewers. Soups with vegetables or meatballs are often served as an appetizer, and are delicious. As a main course, don't miss the "Khanoum", puff pastry steamed with meat, potato and onion. Or the "Barak", small steamed ravioli. If multiple occasions lead visitors to discover this generous gastronomy, such as tastings or cooking classes with locals, the most beautiful way to enjoy a meal in a convivial spirit is certainly the participation in a festive event such as a wedding or the celebration of the new year. This is where we discover "Plov", the traditional Uzbek dish for special occasions, made from rice cooked in a meat and vegetable broth until the liquid evaporates. The festivals of the Uzbek calendar also provide an opportunity to gather around a warm meal. Around March 21, there is Navrouz, the main festival of Central Asia. On the programme: traditional games, music, theatre, street shows and colourful fairs. Tables are set up in the streets during the days of Navrouz, and everyone wishes each other peace, health, happiness, joy and success. During Qurban khayit, the Feast of Sacrifice, the meat of sacrificed animals is shared with the family or the poor. In December, during the Cotton Harvest Festival, there is a match of Oulak Bouzkashi, where horsemen fight over a goat carcass. Rams and cockfights are also very popular activities
Craftsmanship, architecture, gastronomy, festivals and cultural exchanges - this is all Uzbekistan, a destination apart, still too little known, and yet another jewel of this world.
Practical info Trip Orient leads you in a group or privately to these precious journeys of his creation. Craftsman of tailor-made trips and fine connoisseur of the terrain, the agency designs customised tours for each request and carries them out with seriousness. Local French-speaking contact throughout, detailed estimates and answers, financial security, operational intervention and reactivity guaranteed in the shortest possible time
