The kourach, an ancestral struggle
The national sport of Uzbekistan is kurash (local wrestling), which has been practised for thousands of years and is gaining in recognition and popularity worldwide year after year. Originally, wrestlers met to measure their strength on the occasion of major celebrations: births, weddings, birthdays... Its success became such that official competitions were soon organized. One of Uzbekistan's most renowned wrestlers was Pakhlavan Mahmoud, in the 12th century. His mausoleum is in Khiva, in the Khorezm region. Similarly, between campaigns, Tamerlane's soldiers spent their free time challenging each other.
During the fight, the wrestlers must remain standing. Each time a knee is placed on the ground, the referee stops play and the wrestlers resume their positions. The aim of the duel is to unbalance the opponent and bring him down completely, using a series of holds above the belt. Barefoot wrestlers are dressed in a yakhtak, a small, light, mid-thigh-length blue or green jacket, fastened with a red belt, over white pants.
Ulak, the traditional sport
Ulak is the Uzbek version of the Afghan bozkatchi described by Kessel in his novel Les Cavaliers. A ram (or goat) is beheaded, and the chavandozlar (horsemen) compete for the carcass. The winner of the melee must then ride a course before throwing the carcass into a circle marked out on the ground, known as the "circle of justice". During his ride, his opponents will try to seize the spoils... and all blows are allowed. The game is extremely violent, both for the riders and their mounts. In these countries with an eminently equestrian culture, each village had its champion and an oulak was contested on every major occasion.
Today, these games are rarer, but Ferghana does host a few competitions, such as in Samarkand in March (on the occasion of Navrouz, the Oriental New Year's Day).
Beautiful hikes in perspective
Uzbekistan's landscapes and terrain - deserts and steppes, particularly in the south and east of the country - are ideal for hiking. Although this activity is not very well developed, a growing number of agencies (especially French specialists) are offering one- or multi-day excursions, particularly in the mountains. You can also trek in search of the abandoned wrecks of the former Aral Sea.
Ecotourism and horseback riding on the nomadic trail
In desert areas, especially along the Kazakh border, nomadism - or transhumance - remains widespread. A few Uzbek yurts are available for those who choose to meet these populations. Local agencies offer tours for a few days' immersion in the nomadic tradition. On the program: starry skies above the yurts at night, horseback riding in the valleys and discovery of the way of life. Or opt for a camel trek through the desert. Just as typical!
Long live the thrills!
Uzbekistan's diverse landscape offers a wide range of activities for adrenaline-seekers. In summer, some tour operators offer climbing, rafting and canyoning to take advantage of the relief and waterways, while in winter it's more a case of hiking or skiing (or heli-skiing for those who can afford it) in the Pamir ranges or in the foothills of the Tian Shan. These peaks also attract mountaineers from all over the world. From Uzbekistan, it is possible to organize an ascent of Peak Lenin, or Peak Communism, in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. Calling all mountaineers!
