Uzbekistan is a fascinating country inhabited by kind, open, and hospitable people, and it deserves to be better known in the world. Although recently some progress has been made in this regard, it is still usually presented as a glamorous “Oriental” place, and this is understandable. Of course, tiled minarets, bright shawls, and hot flatbreads are exotic and attractive, but there is so much more to it!

Uzbekistan is an exciting mixture of different cultural traditions, from Persian to Turkic, from European and Russian, to the contemporary globalised amalgam. In this book, we have set out to give you an insight into the inner life of Uzbekistan and its people, and to highlight and offer advice on those things that might be unfamiliar, strange, or unclear to visitors.

Ultimately, Culture Smart! Uzbekistan is about the people who form a mosaic of different historic, ethnic, class, educational, and cultural backgrounds. While it may not be easy to navigate through all these complexities, it is definitely worth the effort. Come to Uzbekistan prepared, and you will be well rewarded!