1. Tell us must-do things in Uzbekistan.
Located at the heart of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan attracts travelers from all over the world to the ancient cities Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, and Termez which were the key points of the Great Silk Road and served as crossroads of the cultures of the East and West. The famous Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, are definitely a must-visit when in the country. If you are a foodie, then dig-in the best national dishes like palov, kebab/shashlyk, samsa or world famous tasty fresh and dry fruits. One can go for shopping for traditional handicraft items like ikats, carpets or pottery products at Oriental Uzbek bazaars/markets.
2. There are a lot of similarities between Uzbekistan and India. Comment.
As you know, relations between Uzbekistan and India have their roots deep in history. Interactions over thousands of years contributed to close cultural linkages in architecture, dance, music, cuisine and even in languages. According to scholars, we have about 5000 similar words in our languages. This example can say how people of Uzbekistan and India are close to each other and have similar culture and traditions. Our scholars are working on the draft of a special dictionary of common words which are used equally by the peoples of Uzbekistan and India.
3. Which is your favourite travelled destination in the world and why?
I have been to many countries and travelled to world famous destinations in the world. I can mention about Agra and its beauty, Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the Indo-Islamic architecture. It also symbolizes our common history and culture, friendship between our peoples.
4. Tell us about the gastronomy of the country. Do we get Indian food there?
Uzbek cuisine is one of the most colourful cuisines in the world. As the most populated Central Asian country, Uzbekistan is diverse, and this diversity can be observed in food across different regions of the country. Although Uzbek food usually contains a lot of meat, every guest from India can find a dish that he would love. There are also a wide range of delicacies prepared from dough, fresh vegetables, and dried fruits or nuts. Last few years, the number of Indian restaurants are increasing in Tashkent. Indian tourists can also dine-in at pure Indian kitchens in Uzbekistan.