Culture & Traditions

Uzbek is the majority language of Uzbekistan. Tajik is the minority language. Russian is widely spoken and understood. Islam is the predominant religion, with most Uzbeks being Sunni Muslims.

Prior to Soviet rule in the country, gender roles were strictly defined, with males expected to work outside the home and women managing the household and children. Women also supplemented the household income by weaving, spinning, and embroidering. During Soviet rule, men and women both enjoyed the right to education and work. Present-day Uzbekistan is male-dominated, but women occupy a significant portion of the workforce.

Arranged marriages are the norm, especially in rural areas. Many generations live under the same roof. Nuclear families are more common in urban areas.

Modern Uzbek literature is rich in folklore, constituting heroes fighting against enslavers. Literature flourished under the epoch of Amir Timur, and was marked by secular works. Alisher Navoi is the most representative figure of Uzbek literature. He is the founder of the Uzbek language and author of the world-famous works Chordevon and Khamsa.

Uzbekistan has a rich cultural heritage of arts and crafts, including engraving, carpet making, jewelry making, embroidery, silk spinning, ceramics, and more. Each region has its own specialty, such as gold embroidery in Bukhara and skullcaps and knives in Chust. In Tashkent, wood carvings, leather clothes, and tyubiteyka hats, are popular souvenirs. Samarkand is known for its silk carpets while Bukhara's specialties include ceramics, handmade bird scissors, wood carvings, and decorative embroidered textiles.

As most Uzbeks are Muslims, festivals associated with the religion are celebrated across the country. The Zoroastrian holiday of Navrus is also observed. Uzbeks celebrate New Year on January 1 by decorating a New Year tree and exchanging gifts. Other secular festivals include Independence Day on September 1 and Victory Day on May 9.