Traditions

Usually Uzbeks live by big families consist of some generations; therefore they give preference to large house, which are built on the ground area. Tea ceremony plays important role in everyday life as an element of hospitality. Moreover, making and pouring the tea to the guests is exclusive prerogative of the host. The rule here is to accept invitations for lunch or dinner and to come in time.

Going on a visit, it is desirable that you take souvenirs or sweeties for the host’s children along with you. Usually they shake hands only with men. Uzbeks greet women and persons, sitting at a distance from them, by putting right hand to the heart and accompanying this gesture with light head bending. Shaking hands they traditionally inquire about health, the state of business in office and at home. In countryside in case of guest coming women don’t sit down at the same table with men for not to hinder them from their talk. The rule here is not to admire women’s beauty and not to pay great attention to them. It is necessary to take off shoes entering the living space. You should take the place, which was indicated by the host. For all this, if it is far from the entrance, it is more honors.

As a guest in Uzbekistan you will be accorded much respect and shown great hospitality, for local families gladly seize the chance to welcome new friends from abroad. In return you should abide by the local codes of conduct: remove shoes before entering a mosque or home or sitting on a chaikhana bed; bare the minimum of flesh, particularly when visiting a holy site; respect the right of mosque/ madrassah personnel to deny entry to women or non-Muslims; attempt no photography during prayer time. While Russian remains more useful, learning some important Uzbek phrases is an easy and greatly appreciated way to make friends; at the very least offer the traditional greeting Assalam aleikum (may peace be unto you), and respond with waleikum assalom (and unto you).

Elderly people enjoy revered status in Uzbekistan. The old men who dominate the neighbourhood councils, mahalla, are respectfully known as aksakal, 'white beards'. Make room for them and remember this is a firm handshake culture; perform it with your left hand over your heart. Likewise, when passing anything, use only your right hand. Foreign women can be honorary men in Uzbek households, but also have a unique opportunity to talk to women away from the pressures of a male-dominated society.