TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
UZBEKISTAN
As Central Asia's most populous country, Uzbekistan is home to modern and Soviet-era architecture, ancient cities along the old spice route, delicious food, and warm greetings from locals. Several monuments and tools have been discovered in the country, dating back to the Stone Age. It is said that human history in the area goes back roughly 6,000 years!
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Explore the Secret Underground
Uzbekistan’s capital city of Tashkent is a surprisingly modern city and it’s the first city in Central Asia to build a subway system. After the metro was built, the three lines also became a designated bomb shelter for the city’s civilians. Photography inside the heavily policed metro was forbidden until June 2018 because of the military sensitivity of its second role as a bomb shelter.
Eat Plov
Plov or Palov (known to westerners as pilaf) is the national dish of Uzbekistan and an important tradition. The dish consists of mutton (sheep meat), rice, carrots, and onions, however, different parts of the country make their own version by adding ingredients such as pumpkins, peppers, or dried tomato. It is believed that the dish was invented by the cooks of Alexander the Great. The Uzbek people are proud of their national dish and it is present at every important event. It is said that an Uzbek master chef is able to cook enough plov in a cauldron to serve 1,000 men.
Amir Timur Square
The square is named after the most famous conqueror in Central Asian history, Amir Timur. Visit the popular statue and admire the backdrop of the Soviet-designed Uzbekistan Hotel in the distance (also a great place to stay!). There are numerous cafes and restaurant options surrounding the square and at night, the area comes alive.
