Uzbekistan Through the Eyes of a Foreigner

When I first told my family and friends that I would be spending one summer as a student intern in Uzbekistan, their responses were: “What is Uzbekistan?” Despite being a large and culturally-rich country in Central Asia, Uzbekistan remains surprisingly unknown to many. In an era where social media constantly uncovers “hidden gems”, this is one country that truly deserves the spotlight. 

#1: Silk Road Legacy

I remember learning about the Silk Road in middle school, thinking it was ancient history—but in Uzbekistan, the Silk Road is very much alive. History isn’t just preserved here; cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva feel like open-air museums, with mosaic-covered madrasas, blue domes, and centuries-old fortress walls. And if anything goes to show how excited I was to live in such a place, the nearest metro station to me was called Buyuk Ipak Yo‘li—“Great Silk Road.”

#2: Tea and Plov

It may seem counterintuitive to drink hot, green tea while it’s 100 degrees outside in the desert, but Uzbeks do it almost every day. Everywhere I traveled, tea was offered before and after meals as a gesture of hospitality and health. The same spirit is found in plov, Uzbekistan's national rice dish topped with meat. Each region makes plov differently, so be sure to try every one!

#3: Textures and Colors

As an artist and designer, what first drew me to Uzbekistan was its breathtaking visual aesthetic—intricately-patterned tiles, spiral domes, and the signature teal color that is echoed across mosques and fabrics alike. The architecture is a mix of Persian, Islamic, and Central Asian styles, turning cities into masterpieces themselves. Uzbekistan is a dream for photographers and creatives alike—or just a girl trying to get a good Instagram photo. 

#4: The Tashkent Metro

Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, is the only city in Central Asia with a metro system. Built by the Soviets, it’s an affordable, efficient way to explore the city at just $0.15 per ride. But the real treat lies underground—each station is a work of art. My favorites are Pushkin, with ornate golden finishes; Alisher Navoiy’s arched blue domes; Mustaqillik’s glowing crystal chandeliers; and Kosmonaut, which makes you feel like you’re time-traveling in a Star Wars space tube.