 Bazaar in Uzbekistan |
Uzbek Bazaars and Markets
There is nothing like visiting an open-air market or bazaar to get the full essence of Uzbekistan. Here a traveler can experience the noise, hustle and bustle, exotic aromas and bright colorful produce abundantly. Market ware is displayed on the ground or on tables, and sometimes in stalls or stands. Bargaining is not only allowed, but expected. Many of these areas have been used as bazaars and marketplaces for thousands of years. Some of the more modern bazaars are located in spacious pavilions under colorful tiled domes. Some are even equipped with refrigerators.
About Markets and Bazaars in Uzbekistan. Things tourist can find on bazaar
Uzbekistan markets are not only places for vendors and consumers, but also a place for friends to meet and news and gossip to be discussed; this is where the expression "uzun kulak", meaning long ear, originated. The bazaars are also public entertainment centers. Clouds of spice aromas envelope the areas of bazaars, enticing you with the promise of delicious local flavor. Nutmeg, cloves, red and black pepper, saffron, cardamom and thyme are among the herbs and spices abundantly available. Near the spices are bags of rice, white balls of Kurt, (dried cottage cheese), and sugar. Vendors compete with one another, calling out tempting offers of dried apricots, raisins, almonds and pistachios, walnuts and peanuts. Tourists to Uzbekistan are encouraged to try a national specialty of peanuts boiled in sugar or honey and sprinkled heavily with sesame seeds. On the tour of bazaars in Uzbekistan, travelers are impressed with the piles of huge watermelons. Other melons are also displayed, and the variety is overwhelming. Uzbekistan market vendors also offer honey pears, rosy apples, and sweet grapes of black, amber and pink. In addition you will find irresistible arrays of ruby-seeded pomegranates, prunes, peaches, yellow figs and orange persimmons. Everywhere are the sounds of upbeat conversation, loud bargaining, and friendly salutations.
In many markets one can also find vendors of poultry such as turkeys, ducks and geese. Some even offer salmon from the Far East and Caspian sturgeon. Bazaar activity begins very early in the morning and continues until dark. You can listen to the sounds of traditional national Uzbekistan music, and smell the aroma of fresh-baked Samarkand bread-puffy, round, and golden-crusted.
 Uzbek Bazaar |
Why visit Uzbek Bazaars. Bazaar and its connection to the Silk Road
Also on display at Uzbekistan bazaars are arts and crafts reflecting traditional Uzbekistan culture. Many vendors have stands where they actually make their products and sell them on the spot. These include wares such as jewelry, ceramics, and gold embroidery. There is hand-made apparel for men and women, and carpentry work of wood chests decorated with metal. Knife makers are selling their craft, as well as designers of musical instruments. Many basket weavers are here selling their woven delights. Of course, the tourist will also find several vendors of oriental carpets, not only from areas of Uzbekistan but also from Turkey, Belgium, and Afghanistan. One can have no doubt that here is reflected the true heritage of Uzbekistan and its vital connection to the famous Silk Road. A tour of Uzbekistan is not complete without a visit to at least one Uzbekistan bazaar.
