Rediscovering the Wonders of Uzbekistan: Join us for a Silver Talkies Adventure!

The famous Chinar trees of Kashmir, to the bouncy tunes of “Mera joota hai Japani”: both abound in Uzbekistan. It is a popular belief that if you were to recite any famous dialogue of yesteryears actor Raj Kapoor on the streets of Tashkent, you will find yourself surrounded with eager fans, willing to share the excitement and indulgence. And yet there is so much more to this landlocked central Asian country, the land of lapis and turquoise domes.

India and Uzbekistan have links that go as long back as the 1st century AD. The northern part of India and much of modern-day Uzbekistan were part of the ancient Kushana Empire. Hence there are many commonalities with culture, architecture, food, nature and even language.

Uzbek people are known for being hospitable, cheerful, open, and sympathetic. They are also known for being hard-working and modest; they value family life and much of their values stem from the socialist influence of the past.

Silver Talkies is organising a 7-day and 6-night trip to Uzbekistan, from 14-21 September 2024. Join us for a weeklong venture into this central Asian republic, traversing the monumental cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent on the ancient Silk Route, diving into their histories, cultures, and cuisines. During our seven-day journey we will explore various renowned monuments and vibrant markets in these cities, with an immersive experience into the daily life and culture of Uzbekistan.

Here are some of the marvels from this land:

Shah-i-Zinda (The Living King): Located in Samarkand, this necropolis includes mausoleums and other ritual buildings of the 11th-15th and 19th centuries AD. Legend has it that Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of Muhammad (PBUH), is buried here.

Registan Square: This was the heart of the city of Samarkand, at the time of Timurid empire, surrounded by madrassas on 3 sides: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya Kori Madrasah, and Sher Dor Madrasah. The Registan Square became the centre for the Timurid Renaissance which began in the late 14th century AD and gave rise to developments in art, science, and architecture. Drawing parallels to the Indian context, Registan Square shares architectural features like that of the Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi. Just as Humayun’s Tomb epitomises Mughal architecture in India, the Registan stands as a spectacular testament to Uzbekistan’s architectural brilliance.

Summer Palace: Located in Bukhara, the Summer Palace is known by a poetic name: Sitora-i Mokhi-Khossa. The construction of the palace was initiated by Nasrullah Khan, the Emir of Bukhara, in the 19th century. He sent a delegation of architects to St Petersburg in Russia, to study the latest architectural techniques.

Legend has it that the Emir asked wise elders to recommend a location for his Summer Palace. They advised him to kill a lamb, divide it into four parts, and hang the pieces at the four corners outside the city. The piece hung in the north remained fresh for days, indicating it to be the coolest area, and that’s how the site was chosen for the summer palace to be built. During its construction, the Emir’s beloved wife Sitorabony ("star" in Persian) was pregnant but she died during childbirth. To honour her, he named the palace Sitora-i Mokhi-Khossa, which translates to “A Star like the Moon.” The Russian influence on the palace’s architects resulted in a harmonious blend of traditional Uzbek and European architecture making it an architectural marvel!

Chorsu Bazaar: Renowned for its dome-shaped structure designed to protect against the heat and dust of the hot, dry north-Asian climate, Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent brims with numerous delicacies. Fresh fruits, dried fruits, toasted bread (lepeshka), freshly butchered meat, kazy (horse meat sausage), choykhonas (amber-yellow pilaf), fragrant shashlik (grilled meat), and hot shurpa (soup): the bazaar boasts the most extravagant food line-up.

After refreshing yourself with these delectable treats, you can explore handicraft shops where master artisans sell handmade souvenirs made from clay and ceramic, shawls from local fabrics, national robes, and more.

Samarkand Paper Mill: Located in Konigil, a village a stone’s throw from Samarkand, the paper mill has meticulously preserved the ancient papermaking technology dating back to 751 AD. Initially, the skill of papermaking was strategically guarded by the Chinese, who were unwilling to share it with the rest of the world. When the Chinese and Central Asian troops engaged in a war in the 8th century, the Central Asian troops tactfully captured some of the Chinese soldiers. Cleverly sparing their lives, the Asian troops learnt papermaking from the captured soldiers. With this newfound knowledge, silk paper production began in Samarkand and has been passed down through generations ever since.

Chimgan Mountains: The Chimgan Mountains, located about 85 km east of Tashkent and whose name translates to “green grass” or “green valley”, are often called the “Uzbek Switzerland” for their natural beauty and health benefits. Slopes of mountains are covered with fir-tree woods- a soothing sanctuary in the lap of nature!

We understand that travelling in your silver years can get a little overwhelming, but we promise a comfortable, convenient, safe, and memorable trip to Uzbekistan. An expert team of guides and our efficient team at Silver Talkies will accompany you throughout the trip, to ensure your safety and comfort during the trip. Here is a brief list of senior-friendly arrangement:

1. Comfortable and accessible transportation throughout the journey in Uzbekistan. Commute on the Afrosiyob high-speed train for routes from Tashkent to Samarkand and Samarkand to Bukhara.
2. Well-appointed hotels ensure a restful and relaxing stay and assist with luggage at every stop.
3. Dinners at Indian restaurants with a variety of vegetarian options available throughout the trip.
4. The itinerary is designed to avoid fatigue and ensure enjoyment. There are scheduled rest hours every afternoon for relaxation and a dedicated team from Silver Talkies will be there to assist you with any needs.
5. Thoughtfully planned activities and sightseeing to cater to our senior members; ensuring an enjoyable, engaging, and memorable trip for all.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and the rich history and culture of Uzbekistan. With limited seats, do not miss the opportunity, to secure your spot before July 15. Write to us at connect@silvertalkies.com or send us a message on WhatsApp at +91-6362890768.