Reasons to celebrate Ramadan in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the center of Islamic enlightenment

Ramadan Mubarak!

You’re probably looking for a new destination to travel this year. How about travelling to Uzbekistan during Ramadan?

For Muslims in Uzbekistan, Ramadan is a holy and beloved month. During this month, Muslims celebrate the revelation of Qur'an Holy Book to Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

All capable Muslims are expected to observe daily fasting and devote a particular focus to prayer, purification and charitable acts. This essence makes Ramadan one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan.

Muslims wake up before dawn for morning prayer and to eat 'Suhur', a pre-dawn meal. After sundown, Uzbek Muslims break their fast alongside their families in the evening with 'Iftar' meal.

Muslims aren’t the only ones who experience Ramadan; non-Muslims are welcome to join as well. Read on to discover the meaning of Ramadan in Uzbekistan to Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Uzbekistan is definitely another Islamic destination you can't miss in your lifetime.

And here are 7 REASONS TO CELEBRATE RAMADAN IN UZBEKISTAN.

SAMARKAND – THE PRECIOUS STONE OF ISLAM!

1. Magnificent historical masjids and tarawih prayers

Ramadan is a period of time when Muslims all over the world spend countless hours at the mosque. With lots of community engagement and religious activities such as tarawih prayers at the mosque to celebrate the holy month, it is probably the most wonderful time to experience Muslims life in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is well-known for centuries-old, beautiful mosques, towering minarets with cupolas and madrasahs with blue and golden frescos that are rich with history and culture – you will marvel at the amazing Islamic architecture. Bukhara's old town houses provide plenty of well-preserved examples of historical mosques, including the 12th century Kalan Minaret and Po-i-Kalyan Mosque. In Tashkent, the Hazrati Imam Mosque and the 16th century Barak Khan Madrasah are brilliant examples of Islamic architecture from the past and the present. The 18th century Juma Mosque inside the walled town of Khiva, Ichan Qal’a, is still in its original state and contains more than 200 carved wooden columns. In Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque of Timurids period stands tall as one of the Islamic world's most magnificent mosques.

2. Birthplace of great Islamic imams, scholars and scientists

Discover how Islamic civilization has influenced world culture, specifically in the fields of science, architecture, and mathematics. The land of Uzbekistan, known in Arabic sources as Ma-wara-an-nahr, has been a cradle of science and Islamic learning throughout history. Religious scholars who originated from Uzbekistan, such as al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi, played a leading role in the development of hadith, al-Maturidi and an-Nasafi were major figures in Islamic theology, while such scholars as Zamakhshari and Samarkandi contributed to the progress of Quranic sciences. Abu Ali Ibn Sina, al-Khwarezmi, Abu Nasr Farabi and Ulugh Beg were leading scientists who worked and gained regional recognition in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, physics, metaphysics and philosophy. Some of the discoveries made are still used and appreciated by scholars and contemporary academics. Monuments and museums commemorating these discoveries should definitely be on your list – both as a way to discover Uzbekistan's past, and to wonder at how much it changed the world!

3. Delicious halal cuisine for your Iftar and Suhur meals

In Uzbek culture the best way to say 'welcome' is to offer food and drink. And during Ramadan, you will definitely get a warmer welcome. Muslims who fast during Ramadan wake up early and eat Suhur (saharlik), which is the pre-dawn meal. After sunset, they break the fast and have the evening meal (iftar). Most Uzbek families prepare Iftar in their homes, some public places and mosques offer food for free to break the fast during Ramadan. Nishalda is a traditional Uzbek dessert that you can't get at any other time of the year so this is another reason why Ramadan is a great time to visit. Uzbeks' next favorite staple of Iftar and Suhur meals is obviously Patır bread. Although around 100 types of bread are baked throughout the country, Uzbeks mostly prefer patır, which is prepared with milk and butter and cooked in a clay tandir oven, for special days, weddings and Ramadan. Men traditionally cook Plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan. During Ramadan Uzbeks invite neighbors, relatives and the needy to their Iftar tables. If you don't know any locals who can invite you to take Iftar at their homes, then many Muslimfriendly restaurants may serve special set meals during this time.

4. Experience breathtaking nature of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is famous for its architecture and Islamic history – but don't think that there isn't anything to see or do in nature! Away from the Silk Road cities, Uzbekistan has a diverse landscape: grassy highlands, arid deserts, rivers, forests and mountains making it a destination of choice for trekkers and hikers. Aydarkul Lake is right in the middle of the desert! The lake, which is mainly used for fishing, hosts tourist activities nearby such as camel trekking or yurting. Or drive across the Aral Sea – that once was the world's fourth largest lake – where many ships still remain landlocked and abandoned here, creating a kind of ship 'graveyard'. Just two hours northeast of Tashkent, Chimgan mountains are the best place for your biking and hiking. With mountain flowers blossoming and the slow pace of village life, you will never regret stopping by this beauty. Uzbekistan is best visited during spring and autumn (from April to May, and September to early November). During these periods, it’s typically warm and dry, and you can enjoy the heat of this desert region without it being uncomfortably hot, as it can be during the summer months. As Ramadan starts in the beginning of May this year, it is another reason to visit Uzbekistan in Ramadan.

5. Bazaars and shopping galore

Discover unique, beautiful and unusual items while traveling, and in Uzbekistan you will find plenty. From paintings to pottery and carpets to dry fruits, it's full of enticing things that you'll want to buy. The silk fabric of Ikat is an Uzbek specialty and can be found at most bazaars in all imaginable colours. If you are an Ikat lover, a visit to Margilan Silk factory will be a highlight of your time in Uzbekistan. Bukhara carpets have become a global brand, dating back to the early middle ages. Even in the time of the Great Silk Road, people around the world could not remain indifferent when the caravan spread Bukhara carpets on the shelves of Baghdad or Venice. Soft, pleasant nap, unusual pattern with all shades of red is a masterpiece bought up instantly. If you've visited all beautiful attractions, you can always head to a bazaar to marvel at the range of local food and goods on offer. Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is the oldest in the capital city and preserves centuries of history within its walls. The bazaar sells everything from hot meals, wholesale produce to traditional textiles, and stepping into its walls feels like a modern-day replication of Tashkent's Silk Road past.

6. Friendly and welcoming locals

Almost everyone who has visited Uzbekistan has mentioned the friendliness and help extended by its residents. Uzbekistan is one of the happiest countries on earth as UN report says and among the 5 safest countries of the world*. Hospitality is a big part of Central Asian culture, and it definitely makes travelers want to visit Uzbekistan even more! For a tourist a new country may be challenging , but it's always comforting to know that the locals are willing to help you out. In Uzbekistan, even the smallest of everyday interactions with the locals can o􀇖er a fascinating glimpse into ancient Silk Road customs that still thrive today. During Ramadan, Iftar is a time to reconnect with friends and families. Every night, there are different people to meet, different homes to visit, and different restaurants to break fast at. Don't be surprised if a local invites you to break fast with him or her even if you've just met – that's the beautiful spirit of Ramadan.

7. And a surprising ease of travel

Visiting Uzbekistan is much easier than you think. No matter where in the world you are now, there are a number of different ways to get to Uzbekistan. A number of international airlines fly in and out of Tashkent. National carrier Uzbekistan Airways have flights from 58 cities, including daily flights from Istanbul, Dubai and Jeddah. Low-cost domestic flights, buses, and Central Asia's first highspeed trains can take you to major cities. Uzbekistan is much more accessible now! To create the most comfortable conditions for tourists, Uzbekistan has significantly simplified the visa regime for visitors from foreign countries, in particular, at the moment for citizens of 91 countries and a system for issuing electronic visas for citizens of 57 countries has also been introduced Uzbekistan has been chosen as one of the world’s top destinations for Muslim travelers in recent survey conducted by Singapore’s Crescent Rating and Mastercard. With an abundance of halal food, prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly hotels, Uzbekistan perfectly caters to the needs of Muslim travelers. Uzbekistan is truly so much more than you expect it to be. With so much history and culture behind it, it's definitely a destination just waiting to be discovered!

HAVING VISITED UZBEKISTAN AT LEAST ONCE, A PART OF ITS WILL STAY WITH YOU FOREVER.

Ramadan notes

Roʻza [rouza] - sawm, fasting

Ramazon [ramazan] - Ramadan

Saxarlik [saharlik] - Suhur, pre-dawn meal

Iftorlik [iftarlik] - Iftar, evening meal

Roʻzamisiz? [rouzamısız] - Are you fasting?

Iftor boʻldimi? [iftar bouldımı] - Is it time to break fasting?

Men roʻzaman [men rouzaman] - I am fasting

Men roʻza emasman [men rouza emasman] - I am not fasting

Kechirasiz [kechirası] - sorry

Raxmat [rahmat] - thank you!

Xush kelibsiz [hoosh kelibsiz] - welcome!

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