Cultural Overview Of Uzbekistan

The arts of Uzbekistan have evolved over the centuries into delicate, stylised and sophisticated works. There are two major strains of dance in the Uzbek tradition: folk and classical. Some folk dances are reserved for special occasions while others, like the koshuk and the kairak-ufari are impromptu expressions of joy. The zikr is in the Sufi tradition. Some dances reflect the Shamanist beliefs of pre-Islamic Uzbekistan. Classical dances are basically the domain of women; lyrical upper body movement, facial expressions and an intense empathy with he accompanying music characterise these performances. There are three main schools are from the khanate of Khokand in the Ferghana Valley, the khanate of Khiva and the emirate of Bukhara. Also, traditionally, each region specialised in one craft as in the case of ceramics in the Ferghana Valley and Khorezm, and copperware in Tashkent, Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara. 

Having developed as a centre of cotton production and processing, not surprisingly, many of Uzbekistan’s crafts are related to textiles. The weaving and embroidery of silks and cotton into shimmering cloth is famously the occupation and passion of women in Nuratin, Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, Surbandarya, Tashkent, Djizzak, Fergana, Kokand, Margilan and Namangan. In the dusty by lanes of Margilan the important work of reviving ancient techniques of weaving varnished silk and semi silk is carried out.

You’d think that the dogged merchants of Central Asia flew their way into Silk Road lore sitting cross-legged on their famous carpets. The silk carpets of Uzbekistan, like those from many other places in the region, are extraordinary. The weave is tight, the finish smooth, the colours rich, and the luxury…oh, the luxury of these exquisite wares of Djizzak, Syrdarya, Kashkadarya, Karakalpakstan and Samarkand.  

Wood carving and painting along stylised patterns have been in these parts since the Middle Ages. Ceramic statues, vases, bowls, cups and saucers have traditionally been made here. 

Uzbek music sounds like the kind that is identified with the Middle East. It’s lyrical, often set to the words of poet-philosophers, deeply spiritual, and equally often, a rendition of folk legends. The accompaniment is usually that of stringed instruments like the dutor, rubob and the ghizhzhak.