Secrets of Silk Road

In this special edition of Secrets of the Silk Road, we whisk you away to the legendary city of Samarkand—a timeless gem steeped in history and mystique. Wander through the spellbinding Registan Square, marvel at the grandeur of Timur’s mausoleum, and trace ancient footsteps through the sacred Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. Then, dive into the lively chaos of Siab Bazaar, where spices, colors, and centuries-old traditions fill the air. L...

Step into the rich world of Uzbek ceramics, a centuries-old craft that continues to captivate with its stunning artistry and vibrant history. From the renowned pottery hubs of Samarkand, Gijduvan, and Rishtan, each region boasts its own unique style, reflecting deep cultural traditions through intricate colors and patterns.

In this episode, we take you on a journey to explore the finest ceramics, from the bustling bazaars to hidden...

In this episode, we explore the city of Andijan, located in the eastern part of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley. From its origins as an ancient city to its status as the birthplace of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, Andijan is rich in history and culture. Once a vital hub along the Silk Road, it now thrives with lush agriculture and a growing automotive industry.

We'll also take you on a tour of the region’s major attractions...

In this episode, we dive into the heart of Central Asia and explore Uzbekistan — a hidden gem that’s quickly gaining global attention. From its impressive safety and diverse tourism experiences to its vibrant festivals, government support for tourism, economic liberalization, investor-friendly policies, easy visa procedures, emerging young talent, and, most importantly, the warmth of its people — Uzbekistan has so much to offer.

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Having lived in various countries, we take you a deep dive into the housing culture of Uzbekistan.

From pre-Soviet to Soviet and post-independence architecture, the show explores regional styles, family life centered around courtyards and tapchans, and the challenges of winter mobility.

You'll also hear about unique apartment types, Soviet-era mosaics, rental customs, a national love of cats, Persian carpets, and even the quirks of...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of Uzbek weddings, exploring the traditional ceremonies and customs from the arrival of the bride and groom to the grand reception. From the morning plov to the groom's attire and the guest interactions, we paint a vivid picture of a typical Uzbek wedding.

We also share a personal account of navigating the wedding process in Uzbekistan, including the Islamic marriage ritual of ni...

In this episode, we dive into the rich and flavorful world of traditional Uzbek cuisine.

From the hearty plov to hand-pulled lagman noodles and juicy shashlik, we explore the ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural significance of these beloved dishes.

*Visit my Instagram for videos and photos to immerse yourself into Uzbek vibes! https://www.instagram.com/maryam.uz.jp/

Uzbek food reflects the country’s geography and noma...

In this episode, we take you on a journey to Margilan, a town in Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley known for its rich tradition of silk weaving.

We explore how traditional textiles like adras and atlas are made, with first-hand experiences from local markets and workshops.

You'll hear stories of encounters with artisans, insights into the intricate silk production process, and reflections on the cultural depth of the region.

We also delv...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Uzbekistan’s traditional attire and modern fashion. From the intricate patterns of Adras fabric worn by women to the symbolic design of the Doppi hat worn by men, we uncover the deep meanings behind these cultural pieces. We’ll also look at how traditional elements are being integrated into contemporary fashion, as well as the differences in clothing styles between urban and rura...

In this episode, we dive into the unique transportation culture of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, through firsthand experiences. From well-paved roads and reliable public transport to budget-friendly taxis and the local ride-sharing scene, there's so much to discover. We’ll explore beautifully decorated metro stations, an extensive bus network, and why certain car brands dominate the streets. Plus, get a glimpse into the risi...

Suzani—derived from the Persian word for “needle”—is a traditional embroidered textile from Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan. Historically handcrafted with cotton or silk and inspired by nature, these vibrant textiles were used to decorate homes and given as part of wedding dowries.

In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of Suzani. After discovering these intricate works at a monthly art festival in Tashkent, I was ...

In this first episode, we explore Chorsu Bazaar, the largest market in Central Asia, located in Uzbekistan. A historical trading hub on the East-West route, the bazaar’s unique architecture was rebuilt in the 1980s. Wander through vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, spices, traditional non, meats, and Rishtan pottery. Immerse yourself in Uzbekistan's rich culinary culture and crafts, and discover the stories behind this iconic, ...