Uzbekistan has long captivated Russian travelers with its alluring blend of Eastern charm and affordable experiences. But as enchanting as the country may be, not all of its customs are immediately familiar—or comprehensible—to outsiders. A Russian tourist, writing under the name “Travels with a Camera” on her Zen channel, recently highlighted three traditions she found particularly curious during her journey through Uzbekistan.
The first surprise for the traveler was the distinctive way Uzbeks dine and rest. She noted that it's not unusual for locals to eat sitting on the floor and, in some cases, even nap at the dining area. Meals are commonly served on a low table known as a dastarkhan, with diners seated on colorful rugs or traditional padded mattresses called kurpacha. These are more than just practical items—according to experts in Eastern culture, the kurpacha serves as a symbolic connection between the individual and the earth. Despite initial cultural differences, the tourist admitted that this style of eating was quite comfortable and even enjoyable.
Another custom that caught her attention was the practice of "boiling stones." While not a daily ritual, it occurs during the vibrant spring holiday of Navruz, when families and communities gather to cook sumalak, a beloved festive dish. Made from sprouted wheat and flour, this thick, sweet paste is simmered for hours—or even days. To prevent the mixture from burning, smooth stones are added to the bottom of the large cauldron. This centuries-old technique isn’t just functional; it's part of a rich culinary tradition that reflects the patience and care woven into Uzbek holiday celebrations.
Lastly, the traveler drew attention to the incomplete embroidery often seen in traditional Uzbek suzani textiles. Far from being the result of laziness or unfinished work, these incomplete patterns carry a deeper, more sentimental meaning. Every young Uzbek woman is expected to prepare embroidered items as part of her wedding dowry, and yet, one or more elements are often left deliberately unfinished. This is no oversight—it’s rooted in a beautiful superstition. The embroidery is left open-ended with the hope that a future daughter will one day continue the work, completing a legacy that spans generations.
These unique customs—eating close to the earth, boiling stones in celebratory dishes, and the unfinished threads of ancestral embroidery—speak to a deeper cultural philosophy in Uzbekistan: one that honors tradition, connection, and continuity. While these practices may seem unusual to outsiders at first, they offer profound insight into the values and way of life of the Uzbek people.
