festivites
Here are some of the major festivities or holidays in Uzbekistan, along with their cultural traditions and how they are celebrated:
1. Navruz - This is the most important holiday in Uzbekistan, celebrating the Persian New Year on March 21st or 22nd. The holiday symbolizes the coming of spring and new beginnings. Traditionally, people decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes like sumalak (a sweet porridge made from wheat sprouts) and samanu (a sweet pudding made from germinated wheat). Festivities include music, dance performances, and traditional games.
2. Independence Day - Celebrated on September 1st, this holiday marks Uzbekistan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The day is usually marked by parades, fireworks, and concerts throughout the country.
3. Eid al-Fitr - This Muslim holiday celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is celebrated with morning prayers, visits to family and friends, and feasting on special foods. The date of the holiday varies depending on the lunar calendar.
4. Eid al-Adha - This Muslim holiday commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with morning prayers, the sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep or goat), and the distribution of meat to the needy. The date of the holiday also varies depending on the lunar calendar.
5. Constitution Day - Celebrated on December 8th, this holiday commemorates the adoption of Uzbekistan's constitution in 1992. It is marked by official ceremonies and the hoisting of the Uzbek flag.
Overall, these holidays are celebrated throughout the country with enthusiasm and joy, reflecting Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage and diverse religious traditions.
seasons
Uzbekistan has two main tourist seasons:
1. High Season: from March to May and from September to November are the best months to visit Uzbekistan due to mild temperatures and comfortable weather conditions. During this period, there are many festivals and events held throughout the country, making it a perfect time to experience the cultural richness of Uzbekistan.
2. Low Season: from June to August and December to February are considered the low season due to extreme temperatures and unfavourable weather conditions. However, if you don't mind the heat or cold, you can still enjoy the country's beauty and culture during this time. Additionally, prices for accommodations and tours may be lower during this season.
Overall, it is recommended to visit Uzbekistan during the high season to avoid harsh weather conditions and to take advantage of the exciting events and festivals.
visa
Special VISA rules for Uzbekistan vary depending on the country of citizenship. Here are some examples:
1. Citizens of certain countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most European Union countries, can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa.
2. Citizens of other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Uzbekistan. The cost of an e-visa is $20 USD, and processing time is usually within 3 working days.
3. Citizens of some countries, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, may face additional requirements, such as obtaining an invitation letter from a sponsor in Uzbekistan or undergoing additional security checks.
It is important to check with the Uzbekistan embassy or consulate in your country to verify the specific VISA rules and costs that apply to you.
souvenirs
1. Handwoven silk and cotton textiles like ikat, suzani, and adras - Prices vary depending on the size and complexity of the design but start around $20 for small pieces. Best places to buy are in the bazaars of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva.
2. Ceramics and pottery from Rishtan - Prices range from $10 to $50 depending on the size and intricacy of the design. The best place to buy is at the ceramic workshop in Rishtan.
3. Traditional knives and swords from Chust - Prices vary depending on the quality and size of the blade but start around $50. The best place to buy is in Chust town.
4. Embroidered hats and clothing - Prices vary depending on the type and amount of embroidery but start around $10. The best place to buy is in the bazaars of Bukhara and Samarkand.
5. Carved wooden crafts from Nuratau Mountains - Prices range from $5 to $30 depending on the size and intricacy of the carving. The best place to buy is at the local markets in Nuratau Mountains.
Note: Prices may vary depending on the location, quality, and bargaining skills.
If you have 1 week
Excellent! Uzbekistan is a beautiful country with plenty of amazing destinations to explore. Here's a suggested one-week itinerary:
Day 1: Samarkand
Start your journey in Samarkand, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Central Asia. You should visit Registan Square, which is the heart of the city, and explore the three madrasahs located there. Take a tour of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, which was built by Timur for his grandson. Finally, check out the Ulugbek Observatory, which helped astronomers make important discoveries about the planets.
Day 2: Bukhara
Make your way to Bukhara, which is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Uzbekistan. Visit the Kalon Mosque and Minaret, which are both stunning examples of Islamic architecture. Check out the Ark Fortress, which was once a royal palace and now houses a museum. Finally, stroll through the Lyabi Hauz complex, which is a hub of activity in the city.
Day 3: Khiva
Next, head to Khiva, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the country's past. Visit the Kukhna Ark, which was once the fortress of the Khorezmshahs. Stroll through the Ichon-Qala Gate and explore the narrow streets of the old town. Finally, check out the Juma Mosque, which has a unique wooden ceiling.
Day 4: Tashkent
Travel to the capital city of Tashkent and explore its many attractions. Visit Independence Square, which is a national landmark and has several monuments. Explore the Chorsu Bazaar, which is a bustling market that sells everything from spices to souvenirs. Finally, check out the Amir Timur Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the legendary Uzbek conqueror.
Day 5: Charvak Reservoir
Escape the city for a day and head to the Charvak Reservoir for some relaxation. The reservoir is surrounded by beautiful mountains and offers several activities, including swimming, kayaking, and hiking. You can also enjoy a picnic or a barbecue in one of the designated areas.
Day 6: Samarkand (again)
Return to Samarkand for another day of exploration. Visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, which is a stunning collection of mausoleums and tombs. Take a tour of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which was once one of the largest mosques in the world. Finally, visit the Afrosiyob Museum, which has exhibits related to the city's history.
Day 7: Chimgan Mountains
For your last day in Uzbekistan, head to the Chimgan Mountains for some adventure. The mountains offer several activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and skiing (in winter). Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape before heading back to Tashkent.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Uzbekistan! These destinations are truly unique and showcase the country's rich culture and history.
If you have 2 weeks
Oh, Uzbekistan! Such a beautiful country with so much to see and explore. Here's a two-week itinerary suggestion for you:
Week 1:
- Tashkent: Start your journey in the capital city of Uzbekistan. Visit the Khast Imam Complex, which houses one of the oldest copies of the Quran in the world, and the Chorsu Bazaar, where you can find a variety of local produce and souvenirs.
- Samarkand: Head to the stunning city of Samarkand, home to some of the most impressive Islamic architecture in the world. Don't miss the Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and the Ulugh Beg Observatory.
- Bukhara: Continue your journey to Bukhara, another historic city in Uzbekistan. Visit the Ark Fortress, Kalyan Minaret, and the Po-i-Kalyan complex.
Week 2:
- Khiva: Travel to the ancient city of Khiva, which is like stepping back in time. Wander through the winding streets of the walled city and visit the Kalta Minor Minaret, Juma Mosque, and the Ichon-Qala Gates.
- Nuratau Mountains: Take a break from the cities and head to the Nuratau Mountains, located in the western part of Uzbekistan. You can go hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
- Aydarkul Lake: Finish your journey with a relaxing stay near the Aydarkul Lake, where you can swim, sunbathe, and watch the sunset over the water.
All of these destinations offer unique cultural experiences, delicious local cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. I hope this itinerary provides you with an exciting and memorable trip!
Culture
Uzbekistan has a wide mix of ethnic groups and cultures, with the Uzbek being the majority group. In 1995 about 71% of Uzbekistan's population was Uzbek. The chief minority groups were Russians (8%), Tajiks (3–4.7%), Kazakhs (4%), Tatars (2.5%) and Karakalpaks (2%). It is said, however, that non-Uzbeks decline as Russians and other minority groups slowly leave and Uzbeks return from other parts of the former Soviet Union. When Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, there was concern that Muslim fundamentalism would spread across the region. The expectation was that a country long denied freedom of religious practice would undergo a very rapid increase in the expression of its dominant faith.
According to a 2009 Pew Research Center report, Uzbekistan's population is 96.3% Muslim, around 54% identifies as non-denominational Muslim, 18% as Sunni and 1% as Shia. And around 11% say they belong to a Sufi order.
Central Asian classical music is called Shashmaqam, which arose in Bukhara in the late 16th century when that city was a regional capital. Shashmaqam is closely related to Azerbaijani Mugam and Uyghur muqam. The name, which translates as six maqams refers to the structure of the music, which contains six sections in six different Musical modes, similar to classical Persian traditional music. Interludes of spoken Sufi poetry interrupt the music, typically beginning at a lower register and gradually ascending to a climax before calming back down to the beginning tone.
Uzbekistan has a high literacy rate, with 99.9% of adults above the age of 15 being able to read and write. However, with only 76% of the under-15 population currently enrolled in education (and only 20% of the 3–6 year olds attending pre-school), this figure may drop in the future. Students attend school Monday through Saturday during the school year, and education officially concludes at the end of the 11th grade.
There are two international schools operating in Uzbekistan, both in Tashkent: The British School catering for elementary students only, and Tashkent International School, a K-12 international curriculum school.
Uzbekistan has encountered severe budget shortfalls in its education program. The education law of 1992 began the process of theoretical reform, but the physical base has deteriorated and curriculum revision has been slow. Corruption within the education system is rampant, with students from wealthier families routinely bribing teachers and school executives to achieve high grades without attending school, or undertaking official examinations.
Several universities, including Westminster University, Turin University, Management University Institute of Singapore, Bucheon University in Tashkent, TEAM University and Inha University Tashkent maintain a campus in Tashkent offering English language courses across several disciplines. The Russian-language high education is provided by most national universities, including foreign Moscow State University and Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, maintaining campuses in Tashkent. As of 2019, Webster University, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has opened a graduate school offering an MBA in Project Management and a MA in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). There are three islamic institutes and an academy in Uzbekistan. They are Mir Arab high school|School of hadith knowledge|International islamic academy of Uzbekistan
* 1 January: New Year's Day, "Yangi Yil Bayrami"
* 14 January: Day of Defenders of the Motherland, "Vatan Himoyachilari kuni"
* 8 March: International Women's Day, "Xalqaro Xotin-Qizlar kuni"
* 21 March: Nowruz, "Navroz Bayrami"
* 9 May: Day of Remembrance and Honour, "Xotira va Qadrlash kuni"
* 1 September: Independence Day, "Mustaqillik kuni"
* 1 October: Teachers' Day, "Oqituvchi va Murabbiylar kuni"
* 8 December: Constitution Day, "Konstitutsiya kuni"
Variable date
* End of Ramadan, Ramazon Hayiti (Eid al-Fitr)
* 70 days later, Qurbon Hayiti (Eid al-Adha)
Uzbek cuisine is influenced by local agriculture; since there is a great deal of grain farming in Uzbekistan, bread and noodles are of importance and Uzbek cuisine has been characterised as "noodle-rich". Mutton is a popular variety of meat due to the abundance of sheep in the country and it is part of various Uzbek dishes.
Uzbekistan's signature dish is palov (or plov), a main course typically made with rice, meat, carrots, and onions, though it was not available to ordinary people until the 1930s. There are many regional variations of the dish. Often the fat found near the sheep tail, qurdiuq, is used. In the past, the cooking of palov was reserved for men, but the Soviets allowed women to cook it as well. Since then, it seems, the old gender roles have been restored.
Other notable national dishes include shurpa, a soup made of large pieces of fatty meat (usually mutton), and fresh vegetables; norin and laghman, noodle-based dishes that may be served as a soup or a main course; manti, chuchvara, and somsa, stuffed pockets of dough served as an appetizer or a main course; dimlama, a meat and vegetable stew; and various kebabs, usually served as a main course.
Green tea is the national hot beverage consumed throughout the day; teahouses (chaikhanas) are of cultural importance. Black tea is preferred in Tashkent, but both green and black teas are consumed daily, without milk or sugar. Tea always accompanies a meal, but it is also a drink of hospitality that is automatically offered: green or black to every guest. Ayran, a chilled yogurt drink, is popular in summer.
The use of alcohol is less widespread than in the West, but wine is comparatively popular for a Muslim nation as Uzbekistan is largely secular. Uzbekistan has 14 wineries, the oldest and most famous being the Khovrenko Winery in Samarkand (established in 1927). A number of vineyards in and around Tashkent are also growing in popularity, including Chateau Hamkor.
Uzbekistan is home to former racing cyclist Djamolidine Abdoujaparov. Abdoujaparov has won the green jersey points contest in the Tour de France three times. Abdoujaparov was a specialist at winning stages in tours or one-day races when the bunch or peloton would finish together. He would often 'sprint' in the final kilometer and had a reputation as being dangerous in these bunch sprints as he would weave from side to side. This reputation earned him the nickname 'The Terror of Tashkent'.
Artur Taymazov won Uzbekistan's inaugural wrestling medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics, followed by three Olympic gold medals in Men's 120 kg in 2004, 2008 and 2012. His 2008 gold was taken away in 2017 after a re-testing of samples from the Beijing Games and Taymazov was later stripped of his London 2012 Olympic gold medal after re-analysis of stored samples in 2019. His London gold had made him the most successful freestyle competitor in Olympic history. He is the 60th athlete to be disqualified from the London Olympics after the event.
Ruslan Chagaev is a former professional boxer representing Uzbekistan in the WBA. He won the WBA champion title in 2007 after defeating Nikolai Valuev. Chagaev defended his title twice before losing it to Vladimir Klitschko in 2009. Another young talented boxer Hasanboy Dusmatov, light flyweight champion at the 2016 Summer Olympics, won the Val Barker Trophy for the outstanding male boxer of Rio 2016 on 21 August 2016. On 21 December 2016 Dusmatov was honoured with the AIBA Boxer of the Year award at a 70-year anniversary event of AIBA.
Michael Kolganov, an Uzbek–born sprint canoer, was world champion and won an Olympic bronze in Sydney in the K1 500-meter in 2000 on behalf of Israel. In 2009 and 2011, another Uzbek émigré, gymnast Alexander Shatilov, won a world bronze medal as an artistic gymnast in floor exercise, though he lives in and represents Israel in international competitions. Oksana Chusovitina has attended eight Olympic games, and won five world medals in artistic gymnastics including an Olympic gold. Some of those medals were won while representing Germany and the Soviet Union, though she currently competes for Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is the home of the International Kurash Association. Kurash is an internationalised and modernised form of traditional Uzbek wrestling.
Football is the most popular sport in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's premier football league is the Uzbek Super League, which has consisted of 16 teams since 2015. The current champions (2022) are FC Pakhtakor. Pakhtakor holds the record for the most Uzbekistan champion titles, having won the league ten times. Uzbekistan's football clubs regularly participate in the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup. FC Nasaf Qarashi won the AFC Cup in 2011, the first international club cup for Uzbek football.
Humo Tashkent, a professional ice hockey team was established in 2019 with the aim of joining Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), a top level Eurasian league in the future. Humo will join the second-tier Supreme Hockey League (VHL) for the 2019–20 season. Humo play their games at the Humo Ice Dome which cost over €175 million in construction; both the team and arena derive their name from the mythical Huma bird, a symbol of happiness and freedom. Uzbekistan Hockey Federation (UHF) began preparation for forming national ice hockey team in joining IIHF competitions.
Before Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, the country was part of the Soviet Union football, rugby union, basketball, ice hockey, and handball national teams. After independence, Uzbekistan created its own football, rugby union, basketball and futsal national teams.
Tennis is a very popular sport in Uzbekistan, especially after Uzbekistan's sovereignty in 1991. Uzbekistan has its own Tennis Federation called the "UTF" (Uzbekistan Tennis Federation), created in 2002. Uzbekistan also hosts an International WTA tennis tournament, the "Tashkent Open", held in Uzbekistan's capital city. This tournament has been held since 1999, and is played on outdoor hard courts. The most notable active players from Uzbekistan are Denis Istomin and Akgul Amanmuradova.
Chess is quite popular in Uzbekistan. The country boasts Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who was the FIDE World Chess Champion in 2004, and many junior players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the 2021 World Rapid Chess Champion. The Uzbek team - consisting of GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, GM Javokhir Sindarov, GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov and GM Jahongir Vakhidov won gold at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
Other popular sports in Uzbekistan include basketball, judo, team handball, baseball, taekwondo, and futsal.
Ulugbek Rashitov, won the country's first olympic gold medal in taekwondo, at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021.
In 2022, the World Judo Championships were held in Tashkent.
Religion
Uzbekistan is a secular country and Article 61 of its constitution states that religious organizations and associations shall be separated from the state and equal before law. The state shall not interfere in the activity of religious associations. Islam is the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, although Soviet power (1924–1991) discouraged the expression of religious belief, and it was repressed during its existence as a Soviet Republic. The CIA Factbook estimate that Muslims constitute 88% of the population, while 9% of the population follow Russian Orthodox Christianity, 3% other religions and non-religious. While a 2020 Pew Research Center projection stated that Uzbekistan's population is 97.1% Muslim and Russian Orthodox Christians comprised 2.0% of the population. An estimated 93,000 Jews lived in the country in the early 1990s. In addition, there are about 7,400 Zoroastrians left in Uzbekistan, mostly in Tajik areas like Khojand.
Despite the predominance of Islam and its rich history in the country, the practice of the faith is far from monolithic. Uzbeks have practised many versions of Islam. The conflict of Islamic tradition with various agendas of reform or secularisation throughout the 20th century has left a wide variety of Islamic practices in Central Asia.
The end of Soviet control in Uzbekistan in 1991 did not bring an immediate upsurge of religion-associated fundamentalism, as many had predicted, but rather a gradual re-acquaintance with the precepts of the Islamic faith and a gradual resurgence of Islam in the country. However, since 2015 there has been a slight increase in Islamist activity, with small organisations such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan declaring allegiance to ISIL and contributing fighters abroad, although the terror threat in Uzbekistan itself remains low. (See Terrorism in Uzbekistan).
The Jewish community in the Uzbek lands flourished for centuries, with occasional hardships during the reigns of certain rulers. During the rule of Tamerlane in the 14th century, Jews contributed greatly to his efforts to rebuild Samarkand, and a great Jewish centre was established there.
After the area came under Russian rule in 1868, Jews were granted equal rights with the local Muslim population. In that period some 50,000 Jews lived in Samarkand and 20,000 in Bukhara.
After the Russian revolutions in 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet regime, Jewish religious life (as with all religions) became restricted. By 1935 only one synagogue out of 30 remained in Samarkand; nevertheless, underground Jewish community life continued during the Soviet era.
By 1970 there were 103,000 Jews registered in the Uzbek SSR. Since the 1980s most of the Jews of Uzbekistan emigrated to Israel or to the United States of America. A small community of several thousand remained in the country : some 7,000 lived in Tashkent, 3,000 in Bukhara and 700 in Samarkand.
Demographics
As of 2022, Uzbekistan has the largest population out of all the countries in Central Asia. Its 36 million citizens comprise nearly half the region's total population. The population of Uzbekistan is very young: 34.1% of its people are younger than 14 (2008 estimate). According to official sources, Uzbeks comprise a majority (84.5%) of the total population. Other ethnic groups include Russians 2.1%, Tajiks 4.8%, Kazakhs 2.4%, Karakalpaks 2.2% and Tatars 0.5% as of 2021.
There is some controversy about the percentage of the Tajik population. While official state numbers from Uzbekistan put the number around 5%, the number is said to be an understatement and some Western scholars put the number up to 10%–20%. Uzbekistan has an ethnic Korean population that was forcibly relocated to the region by Stalin from the Soviet Far East in 1937–1938. There are also small groups of Armenians in Uzbekistan, mostly in Tashkent and Samarkand.
The nation is 88% Muslim (mostly Sunni, with a 5% Shi'a minority), 9% Eastern Orthodox and 3% other faiths. The U.S. State Department's International Religious Freedom Report 2004 reports that 0.2% of the population are Buddhist (these being ethnic Koreans). The Bukharan Jews have lived in Central Asia, mostly in Uzbekistan, for thousands of years. There were 94,900 Jews in Uzbekistan in 1989 (about 0.5% of the population according to the 1989 census), but now, since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, most Central Asian Jews left the region for the United States, Germany, or Israel. Fewer than 5,000 Jews remained in Uzbekistan in 2007.
Russians in Uzbekistan represented 5.5% of the total population in 1989. During the Soviet period, Russians and Ukrainians constituted more than half the population of Tashkent. The country counted nearly 1.5 million Russians, 12.5% of the population, in the 1970 census. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, significant emigration of ethnic Russians has taken place, mostly for economic reasons. In the 1940s, the Crimean Tatars, along with the Volga Germans, Chechens, Pontic Greeks, Kumaks and many other nationalities were deported to Central Asia. Approximately 100,000 Crimean Tatars continue to live in Uzbekistan. The number of Greeks in Tashkent has decreased from 35,000 in 1974 to about 12,000 in 2004. The majority of Meskhetian Turks left the country after the pogroms in the Fergana valley in June 1989.
At least 10% of Uzbekistan's labour force works abroad (mostly in Russia and Kazakhstan) and other countries.
Uzbekistan has a 100% literacy rate among adults older than 15 (2019 estimate).
Life expectancy in Uzbekistan is 66 years among men and 72 years among women.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law in March 2020 that demands a national census take place at least every 10 years. The population has not been officially counted in over 30 years. In November 2020, the first census was cancelled due to concerns about coronavirus and the sheer size of the task. It now has been postponed to 2023.
Uzbekistan is a secular country and Article 61 of its constitution states that religious organizations and associations shall be separated from the state and equal before law. The state shall not interfere in the activity of religious associations. Islam is the dominant religion in Uzbekistan, although Soviet power (1924–1991) discouraged the expression of religious belief, and it was repressed during its existence as a Soviet Republic. The CIA Factbook estimate that Muslims constitute 88% of the population, while 9% of the population follow Russian Orthodox Christianity, 3% other religions and non-religious. While a 2020 Pew Research Center projection stated that Uzbekistan's population is 97.1% Muslim and Russian Orthodox Christians comprised 2.0% of the population. An estimated 93,000 Jews lived in the country in the early 1990s. In addition, there are about 7,400 Zoroastrians left in Uzbekistan, mostly in Tajik areas like Khojand.
Despite the predominance of Islam and its rich history in the country, the practice of the faith is far from monolithic. Uzbeks have practised many versions of Islam. The conflict of Islamic tradition with various agendas of reform or secularisation throughout the 20th century has left a wide variety of Islamic practices in Central Asia.
The end of Soviet control in Uzbekistan in 1991 did not bring an immediate upsurge of religion-associated fundamentalism, as many had predicted, but rather a gradual re-acquaintance with the precepts of the Islamic faith and a gradual resurgence of Islam in the country. However, since 2015 there has been a slight increase in Islamist activity, with small organisations such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan declaring allegiance to ISIL and contributing fighters abroad, although the terror threat in Uzbekistan itself remains low. (See Terrorism in Uzbekistan).
The Jewish community in the Uzbek lands flourished for centuries, with occasional hardships during the reigns of certain rulers. During the rule of Tamerlane in the 14th century, Jews contributed greatly to his efforts to rebuild Samarkand, and a great Jewish centre was established there.
After the area came under Russian rule in 1868, Jews were granted equal rights with the local Muslim population. In that period some 50,000 Jews lived in Samarkand and 20,000 in Bukhara.
After the Russian revolutions in 1917 and the establishment of the Soviet regime, Jewish religious life (as with all religions) became restricted. By 1935 only one synagogue out of 30 remained in Samarkand; nevertheless, underground Jewish community life continued during the Soviet era.
By 1970 there were 103,000 Jews registered in the Uzbek SSR. Since the 1980s most of the Jews of Uzbekistan emigrated to Israel or to the United States of America. A small community of several thousand remained in the country : some 7,000 lived in Tashkent, 3,000 in Bukhara and 700 in Samarkand.
The Uzbek language is one of the Turkic languages, close to the Uyghur language, and both of them belong to the Karluk branch of the Turkic language family. It is the only official national language and since 1992 is officially written in the Latin alphabet.
Before the 1920s, the written language of Uzbeks was called Turki (known to Western scholars as Chagatai) and used the Nastaʿlīq script. In 1926 the Latin alphabet was introduced and went through several revisions throughout the 1930s. Finally, in 1940, the Cyrillic alphabet was introduced by Soviet authorities and was used until the fall of Soviet Union. In 1993 Uzbekistan shifted back to the Latin script (Uzbek alphabet), which was modified in 1996 and is being taught in schools since 2000. Educational establishments teach only the Latin notation. At the same time, the Cyrillic notation is common among the older generation. Even though the Cyrillic notation of Uzbek has now been abolished for official documents, it is still used by a number of popular newspapers and websites whilst a few TV channels duplicate the Latin notation with the Cyrillic one.
Karakalpak, belonging to the Kipchak branch of the Turkic language family and thus closer to Kazakh, is spoken by half a million people, primarily in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and has an official status in that territory.
Although the Russian language is not an official language in the country, it is widely used in many fields. Digital information from the government is bilingual. The country is also home to approximately one million native Russian speakers.
The Tajik language (a variety of Persian) is widespread in the cities of Bukhara and Samarkand because of their relatively large population of ethnic Tajiks. It is also found in large pockets in Kasansay, Chust, Rishtan and Sokh in Ferghana Valley, as well as in Burchmulla, Ahangaran, Baghistan in the middle Syr Darya district, and finally in, Shahrisabz, Qarshi, Kitab and the river valleys of Kafiringan and Chaganian, forming altogether, approximately 10–15% of the population of Uzbekistan.
There are no language requirements to attain citizenship in Uzbekistan.
In April 2020, a draft bill was introduced in Uzbekistan to regulate the exclusive use of the Uzbek language in government affairs. Under this legislation, government workers could incur fines for doing work in languages other than Uzbek. Though unsuccessful, it was met with criticism by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova. In response, a group of Uzbek intellectuals signed an open letter arguing for the instatement of Russian as an official language alongside Uzbek, citing historical ties, the large Russian-speaking population in Uzbekistan, and the usefulness of Russian in higher education, together with the argument that only Russian language opened the communication with the other peoples of the region and the literature of the outside world. Still, the Russian language has an extensive presence in Uzbekistan. The Cyrillic Uzbek alphabet is still widely used, and 862 Russian-language schools are functioning in the country, compared to 1,100 in 1991, despite the fact that the Russian minority there has decreased from 1,7 million in 1990 to nearly 700,000 in 2022. In business, the Russian language outpaces Uzbek. Many Uzbeks in urban areas, as of 2019, are feeling more comfortable to speak in Russian, while Uzbek is more present in the agricultural regions. Uzbek did not manage to become a state language, and many blame the intelligentsia.
Cities:
