Local_culture

The family is the most important part of Uzbek culture. Many decisions such as marriage are determined by ones parents.
The dinner table is a very important place in the Uzbek home and the center of family gatherings.
You will find three important Uzbek values there:
   1. Respect for elders
   2. Differing role of the sexes
   3. Family togetherness
It is also very common for men and women to separate, sometimes in separate rooms.

Tradition requires it to be present at every meal and fill open space on the table.
Bread is never thrown away, instead it is made into croutons or fed to farm animals.
Never cut it with a knife, instead tear it into pieces with your hands.
Never place bread upside down. Uzbeks are quite superstitious- the 'evil eye.'

Green or black chai is present at every meal.
1. A digestive aid
2. Helps keep one cool
The tea ritual indicates status and shows respect:
1. You begin by pouring the chai into your cup and back into the tea pot 3 times.
2. You pour yourself less than half and the rest more than half.
3. You pour chronologically, eldest to youngest.
4. You finish the ritual by pouring yourself a bit more.
5. Finally, you always keep an eye open for empty tea cups.

Uzbeks love to throw parties. If invited do not turn a party down, they are so fun!
They throw big elaborate parties for weddings, anniversaries, the birth of children, and birthdays (every five years).
Uzbeks love to dance, and they love to see their guests dance as well!
It is customary to give money to those dancing, but don't worry they haven't mistaken you for the paid entertainment- you simply give it to the band.
Lots of traditional music with paid traditional dancing girls.
On average they serve six to seven course meals at parties:
1. Nuts, raisins, fruits, etc.
2. Salads, meats, cheeses, etc.
3. Chicken, shashlik (a shishkabob)
4. Mantee (a national dish- a meat dumpling)
5. Soups
6. Plov (a national dish- rice, carrots, meat)
7. Desserts
When receiving food or tea, one puts their hand on the center of the chest and says "Rahmat."

Many toasts are made throughout a party. Glasses are always kept full with vodka, brandy and wine.
Toasts are very elaborate and formulaic:
1. Always mention occasion.
2. Congrats to the right people.
3. Tell a relevant story that has a moral, sometimes bragging about achievements.
4. Give appropriate wishes to each person at the table.
5. Praise co-workers and superiors if present.
6. Conclude with wishing well, such as "live long!"

This site is dedicated to my host father, Azam who passed away during my stay in Samarkand. May his memory live on through all those who knew what a great person he was.