Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

How the Uzbeks celebrate Ramadhan

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While Ramadhan binds Muslims all over the world with an intangible chord of love and care, each country has its own rituals, etiquettes and styles of doing the rituals making it different yet still connected with the rest of the world.


In Ramadhan, some rituals remain constant regardless of the location. All Muslims start the day by fasting, breaking the fast upon sundown, socialising in the evening and then begin the fast the next day with morning prayers and end it with evening prayers.


In Uzbekistan, a Central Asian nation country and former Soviet republic which is known for its mosques, mausoleums and other sites linked to the Silk Road, Muslims celebrate the revelation of the Holy book Quran to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).


All capable Muslims are expected to observe daily fasting and devote a particular focus to prayer, purification and charitable acts and Muslims aren't the only ones who experience Ramadhan, instead, non-Muslims, too, are welcome to join as well.


7 FACETS OF RAMADHAN IN UZBEKISTAN


Uzbekistan is considered to be the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean and many places including Samarkand, a major city on the route, contain a landmark of Islamic architecture. The Registan, a plaza bordered by 3 ornate, mosaic-covered religious schools dating to the 15th Century boasts of having a rich Islamic tradition.


1. Magnificent Historical mosques and Taraweeh prayers


Uzbekistan is well-known for centuries-old, beautiful mosques, towering minarets with cupolas and madrasas with blue and golden frescos that are rich with history and culture. Bukhara's old townhouses have plenty of well-preserved examples of historical mosques, including the 12th century Kalan Minaret and Po-i-Kalyan Mosque. In Tashkent, the Hazrati Imam Mosque and the 16th century Barak Khan Madrasah are brilliant examples of Islamic architecture from the past and the present. The 18th century Juma Mosque inside the walled town of Khiva, Ichan Qal'a, is still in its original state and contains more than 200 carved wooden columns. In Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque of Timurids period stands tall as one of the Islamic world's most magnificent mosques.


2. Delicious Halal cuisine for iftar and suhoor meals


"In Uzbek culture, nothing says 'welcome' better than food and drink and during Ramadhan, one will get a warmer welcome'', says Umarov, Uzbek diplomat in the Sultanate of Oman.


Most Uzbek families prepare iftar in their homes, some public places and mosques offer food for free to break the fast during the month.


Nishalda is a traditional Uzbek dessert that one can't get at any other time of the year so this is another reason why Ramadhan is a great time to visit. Uzbeks' next favourite staple of iftar and suhoor meals is obviously Patir bread. Although around 100 types of bread are baked throughout the country, Uzbeks mostly prefer patir, which is prepared with milk and butter and cooked in a clay tandoor oven, for special days, weddings and Ramadhan. Men traditionally cook Plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan.


3. Birthplace of great Islamic Imams, scholars and scientists


Discover how Islamic civilisation has influenced world culture, specifically in the fields of science, architecture and mathematics. The land of Uzbekistan, known in Arabic sources as Ma-wara-an-nahr, has been a cradle of science and Islamic learning throughout history.


Religious scholars who originated from Uzbekistan, such as al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi, played a leading role in the development of hadith, al-Maturidi and an-Nasafi were major figures in Islamic theology, while scholars such as Zamakhshari and Samarkandi contributed to the progress of Quranic sciences.


Abu Ali Ibn Sina, al-Khwarezmi, Abu Nasr Farabi and Ulugh Beg were leading scientists who worked and gained recognition in the region in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, physics, metaphysics and philosophy. Some of the discoveries made are still used and appreciated by scholars and contemporary academics.


Monuments and museums commemorating these discoveries are aplenty which are doors to discovering Uzbekistan's past, and to wonder at how much it changed the world!


4. Experience the breathtaking nature of Uzbekistan


Uzbekistan is famous for its architecture and Islamic history - but don't think that means there isn't anything to see or do in nature! Away from the Silk Road cities, Uzbekistan has a diverse landscape: Grassy highlands, arid deserts, rivers, forests and mountains making it a destination of choice for trekkers and hikers.


5. Bazaars and shopping galore


"One will discover unique, beautiful and unusual items while travelling, and in Uzbekistan, they are aplenty. From paintings to pottery and carpets to dry fruits, it's full of enticing things that one would want to buy'', adds Umarov.


The silk fabric of Ikat is an Uzbek speciality and can be found at most bazaars in all imaginable colours. If you are an Ikat lover, a visit to Margilan Silk factory will be a highlight of your time in Uzbekistan.


Bukhara carpets have become a global brand, dating back to the early middle ages. Even in the time of the Great Silk Road, people around the world could not remain indifferent when the caravan spread Bukhara carpets on the shelves of Baghdad or Venice. Soft, pleasant nap, unusual pattern with all shades of red is a masterpiece bought up instantly.


6. Friendly and welcoming locals


Uzbekistan is one of the happiest countries on earth as the UN report says and among the 5 safest countries in the world. Hospitality is a big part of Central Asian culture, and it makes travellers want to visit Uzbekistan even more. During Ramadhan, Iftar is a time to reconnect with friends and families and every night, there are different people to meet, different homes to visit, and different restaurants to break fast at. Don't be surprised if a local invites you to break fast with them even if you've just met them - that's the beautiful spirit of Ramadhan.


7. And a surprising case of travel


Uzbekistan is truly so much more than one can expect it to be. With so much history and culture behind it, it's a destination just waiting to be discovered and this essence makes Ramadhan one of the best times to visit the country.


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