The 10th Borderless Onsite Meeting took place on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, in association with Global Commons.
This time, Mirakilova Fatima, a 5th cohort NipCA fellow from Uzbekistan, spoke on the theme “Exploring the Heart of Central Asia -the Treasures of Uzbekistan-” covering topics such as cuisine, architecture, world heritage, and culture.
Uzbekistan is located in the center of Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. In Ms. Fatima’s presentation, we can understand that cooking, lifestyle, and architecture were formed by the blending of diverse ethnicities and cultures.
Uzbek cuisine is a mixture of various flavors influenced by cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. She introduced a variety of dishes with photos, including “plov”, a rice dish cooked with lamb and vegetables, which is a national dish, “shashlik”, which is grilled on skewers, and “lagman”, a noodle soup with mutton and vegetables.
She also talked about Uzbekistan’s famous architectural heritage. We were told that the ancient cities of Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand, which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blend Islamic, Persian, and Central Asian styles, and, like their cuisine, tell the story of the civilization that was at the center of the Silk Road. She also talked about each city. ①Bukhara, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, is famous for the Kalyan Mosque with its beautiful prayer hall featuring one of the largest blue domes in Central Asia. Opposite it stands the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, whose intricate mosaic facade and two turquoise domes symbolize traditional Islamic art. ②The inner city called Itchan Kala in Khiva, surrounded by walls, exudes a timeless atmosphere. ③Samarkand is also called the “Pearl of the Islamic World”, “Eden of the Ancient East” and “Rome of the East”. The Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum is said to be a masterpiece of Timurid architecture.
Also, she introduced ceramics and textiles as traditional crafts of Uzbekistan. Each piece of pottery is handcrafted, meticulously painted down to every detail, and then fired in a traditional kiln. The textiles are also known for their bold patterns and vibrant colors. Finally, she talked about customs such as weddings and the birth of children. The wedding is said to reflect a rich cultural heritage, be vibrant, deeply rooted in tradition, and last for several days. It is said that traditional ceremonies for the birth of a child are accompanied by blessings, prayers, and rituals performed by elders, with wishes for the baby’s health, happiness, and protection from misfortune.
It was an interesting talk that allowed us to learn new things about the history and lifestyle of Uzbekistan. Furthermore, the numerous historically beautiful buildings were truly wonderful, making us want to visit them.
