Tashkent City is Uzbekistan's capital and largest city, a sprawling Silk Road crossroads of old-town madrasas, a vast blue-domed bazaar, Soviet-era monuments and a fast-changing modern centre.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Greet with a handshake and a hand on the heart; men shake men's hands, women often just nod.
Remove shoes when entering homes and raised tea platforms.
Accept tea and bread when offered.
Dress modestly at mosques.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet elders first
- Use your right hand to eat and give
- Accept hospitality
- Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites
Don't
- Do not photograph government buildings or police
- Do not place bread upside down
- Do not show the soles of your feet
- Do not drink in public streets
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake plus 'Assalomu alaykum'.
- Dining
- Eat from shared dishes with the right hand; wait for the oldest to start.
- Dress
- Smart casual; cover shoulders and knees at mosques.
- Gifts
- Bring sweets or fruit if invited home.
- Business
- Relationship-based; punctuality valued.
- Tipping
- About 10% in restaurants.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Assalomu alaykum
Hello (Uzbek)
ah-sah-LOH-moo ah-LAY-koom
Rahmat
Thank you
rakh-MAHT
Marhamat
Please / You're welcome
mar-ha-MAT
Ha / Yo'q
Yes / No
ha / yok
Necha pul?
How much?
NECH-ah pool
Mazali
Delicious
mah-ZAH-lee
Xayr
Goodbye
khayr
Zdravstvuyte
Hello (Russian)
ZDRAHST-vooy-tye
Spasibo
Thank you (Russian)
spa-SEE-ba
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Tashkent City.
Main: Predominantly Sunni Muslim, with a secular state and Russian Orthodox minority.
Sites: Khast Imam Complex, Tilla Sheikh Mosque, Minor Mosque.
Holy Days: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (dates vary); Navruz 21 March is a secular spring festival.
Conversations: Avoid criticising the government; religion is a private topic.