What souvenirs and gifts to bring from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country where traditional crafts continue to flourish, preserving centuries-old traditions. For lovers of souvenirs and beautiful memorabilia, this place will be a real paradise. In bazaars and souvenir shops you can find many unique gifts that cannot be found in other countries. The only problem is how to fit it all in a suitcase. To make your task easier, we have compiled a list of the best souvenirs from Uzbekistan with photographs. Choose the most interesting, and your purchases will delight you and your loved ones for a long time.

The most delicious gifts from Uzbekistan

It is impossible to visit Uzbekistan without trying the local cuisine. To extend your gastronomic pleasure, you can bring some delicacies with you. These treats also make great gifts for friends and family.

Honey and sweets

There is always a lot of fresh honey of various varieties in Uzbekistan due to the abundance of flowering plants. May honey, collected from fruit trees and meadow flowers, is especially popular. You can also find buckwheat, coriander, cotton and acacia honey on sale.

Besides honey, there are other sweets:

• Jam: The choice of jam is huge: strawberry, cherry, raspberry, apricot, plum, pear, quince, as well as rarer varieties such as sea buckthorn, melon or flower petals.
• Pashmak: A cotton candy-like delicacy, also known as Uzbek halva. Pashmak is the thinnest threads of flour and sugar, fried in oil and gathered into balls, sometimes with the addition of nuts.
• • Nawat: National sweet, similar to caramel candies, made from sugar syrup with grape juice and sometimes with the addition of honey, spices, nuts and seeds.
• Nishalda: Sweet cream, traditionally prepared during Ramadan, but available all year round. It contains soap root, a decoction of which makes whipped egg whites fluffy and viscous, with the addition of sugar syrup and flavorings such as anise or vanillin.

Dried fruits and nuts

Uzbekistan is famous for its juicy and sweet fruits, which are dried naturally or using special equipment, while preserving most of the nutrients. Dried fruits and nuts are widely available in markets and serve as an excellent snack or addition to meals.

Spices

Uzbek dishes acquire their unique taste thanks to the generous use of spices. From Uzbekistan it is worth bringing barberry berries and cumin, necessary for Uzbek pilaf, coriander, bay leaves, pepper, turmeric and saffron.

Kazy

Kazy horse sausage is a delicacy that can be eaten both hot and cold. It contains natural fat, which makes it juicy and flavorful thanks to the addition of pepper and cumin.

Kurut

Qurut are hard balls of salted, fermented milk that have been made for over a millennium. They store well and serve as a nutritious snack.

Mountain tea

Tea is a traditional drink of Uzbekistan. Traditional mountain tea is mixed with local herbs such as thyme, chamomile, mint, ginger, marjoram and cardamom. In addition to mountain tea, green, black and jasmine tea are popular here.

Traditional clothing and textiles

Uzbekistan is famous for its fabrics, carpets and embroidery.

Carpets

Uzbek rugs, made from wool or silk, are a luxurious gift that can be used on both the floor and the wall. It is better to choose large carpets in specialized stores or in production, while small rugs can be found in bazaars.

Suzani embroidery

Suzani is embroidery on cotton, silk or mixed fabric. Such products can be both small and large, intended for interior decoration.

Skullcap

Skullcap is a traditional headdress that is worn on holidays and in everyday life. Each region has its own design, but square Chust skullcaps with white embroidery are especially popular.

Ikat fabric and clothing

Ikat is a traditional patterned print used to dye cotton and silk fabrics. You can purchase ready-made clothes or a piece of fabric.

Fur and woolen products

In Uzbekistan you can find products made from astrakhan fur and camel hair, such as fur coats, hats, socks and belts.

Natural silk

Khan-atlas silk produced in Margilan is distinguished by a variety of shades and patterns. You can buy both ready-made clothes and a piece of fabric.

Uzbek robe chapan

Chapans are traditional Uzbek robes that differ in design depending on the region of production.

Crafts

Uzbek craftsmen continue to work in traditional techniques, creating unique products.

Ceramics

Ceramics with patterns are a symbol of Uzbekistan. Each region has its own traditions and manufacturing techniques, for example, Rishtan and Gijduvan ceramics.

Samarkand paper

Samarkand mulberry paper, known for its strength and durability, is an excellent gift for lovers of scrapbooking and calligraphy.

Miniature painting

Miniatures on ceramic tiles, books or boxes will be a wonderful souvenir.

Jewelry

Silver earrings and bright bracelets with ornamental stones will attract attention and are suitable for special occasions.

Musical instruments

Traditional Uzbek instruments will become an unusual and elegant souvenir.

Wood carving

Wood carvings such as boxes, frames and chess pieces will decorate any interior.

Dolls and clay toys

Handmade dolls and painted ceramic figurines make great gifts for children and collectors.

This list of souvenirs from Uzbekistan will help you choose unique gifts that will remind you of your trip and delight your loved ones.