Uzbekistan Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Tamerlane, ruler of an empire stretching from India to Asia Minor, was as fond of building and boasting as an Egyptian pharaoh. Above the doorway to his massive palace he had inscribed: "If you doubt our power, look at our buildings." Centuries later, that challenge remains the most compelling reason to visit Uzbekistan.

Unlike most of Central Asia, where nomadic traditions prevailed, Uzbekistan is custodian to a rich urban culture. The names of its cities—steeped in the mythology and romance of the Silk Road—evoke legendary images: Samarkand, Tamerlane's imposing capital; Bukhara, the revered place of pilgrimage; and Khiva, the remote and isolated oasis. These cities located along the ancient Silk Road (trade routes that linked China to Europe) still have a wealth of historical real estate, and the signature Central Asian Islamic architecture is the main draw: tall, arched portals, bulbous turquoise-blue domes, minarets resembling smokestacks or lighthouses—all covered in beautiful tile and bearing gorgeous Arabic inscriptions from the Quran.

When it comes to tourist facilities, the level of comfort never reaches a very high mark. However, improvements are gradually being made: New hotels have been built, old ones have been remodeled and bed-and-breakfasts are popping up in every city. All-inclusive group packages are still the most common form of travel, but individual customized tours, which include a car and driver, are gaining in popularity. In spite of jet travel, Uzbekistan remains as much a remote destination as it was in the days of camel caravans. But after a long flight, you'll be rewarded with glimpses of Asia, the Middle East and eastern Europe, all in one country.

Geography

History

Human habitation in the area of modern Uzbekistan stretches so far back in time that no certain starting date can be fixed. Remains of Neanderthal encampments have been found, and the first mention of cities in the area dates to the first and second century BC, when travelers wrote of the wonders of the isolated region.

Arabs invaded and ruled the land from the eighth century until the Mongol invasion of 1219, when Genghis Khan looted and razed any settlements he happened upon. The Mongols were followed by Persian, Turkish, Chinese and Uzbek invaders. Cruelty is a common theme of the region's past: Stories abound of beheadings, mass tortures and terrible massacres. One famous ruler, Tamerlane, who built an empire stretching from Central Asia to Asia Minor in the 14th century, is noted for a grisly pyramid he once had built out of 70,000 human skulls.

Four hundred years after Tamerlane plotted his conquests, Russian and British spies and explorers added another layer to the region's mystique when they swept the region, competing in what Rudyard Kipling called "The Great Game." The region was incorporated into the Russian empire in 1866 and became a part of the Soviet Union in 1924.

Uzbekistan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Today the country is ruled by President Islam Karimov, the former leader of the now-defunct Uzbekistan Communist Party. The country remains in a state of economic and political transition, and recently has begun to distance itself from the other Central Asian republics in an attempt to stand apart as the most economically and socially progressive country in the region. Following the attacks of 11 September 2001, the Uzbeks fell into favor with the U.S. when they allowed American forces to set up a base for skirmishes into Afghanistan. Since then, however, Uzbekistan's record has been marred by reports of extensive torture and abuse of prisoners and of ethnic Tajiks, who live in the south of the country. March and August of 2004 saw suicide bombers target U.S. and Israeli embassies, and dozens of people, mostly locals, were killed. So as to align itself with and garner support from the West, the government was quick to point fingers at Islamic insurgents residing within the country.

Snapshot

The main attractions are stunning architecture, particularly in the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand and Khiva; interesting desert and mountain scenery; and a society in transition in a faraway part of the world.

Uzbekistan will appeal to those looking for something truly different. Travelers should consider going there only if they're flexible, fairly adventurous and curious about a broad range of unusual attractions. Don't expect deluxe accommodations or modern facilities, and don't plan on things always going according to schedule.

Potpourri

As with other Central Asian countries, eyebrows that connect are a sign of beauty for Uzbek women. Sometimes they'll paint the space between brows to join them.

Gold teeth for men and women are a status symbol.

The origin of the Thousand and One Nights, or Arabian Nights, the classic Arabian stories said to be told by Scheherezade to keep her husband from killing her, can be traced to Uzbekistan. Scheherezade's husband was Shahryar, legendary king of Samarkand.

An old tradition in Uzbekistan is the duel of wits. In front of thousands, contestants face each other and launch and parry clever remarks. The first man to hesitate or to make an insufficiently clever answer loses.

Tamerlane (also known as Timur) is the newly revived national hero of Uzbekistan. His cruelty was legendary—he is said to have been responsible for 7 million deaths. Once, he promised the population of a besieged town that he would not spill a drop of their blood if they surrendered. They capitulated, and Tamerlane did indeed keep his promise—he had the 4,000 townspeople buried alive. Another time, he had a tower constructed of 2,000 live prisoners: They were stacked on top of each other and then cemented into place.

Uzbekistan produces almost all the cotton consumed in the former Soviet Union (only the U.S. and China harvest more cotton). Sadly, this is the primary cause of the environmental disaster that is the Aral Sea, as much of the river water that once fed the sea was siphoned off to irrigate fields for cotton production. Today, the Uzbek government is trying to diversify the agricultural base.

There are around 200,000 Koreans living in Uzbekistan. Stalin moved Koreans there in the late 1940s.

Half of the country's population is younger than 18 years old.