Uzbeks attitude towards women. Consanguineous marriages are becoming a problem in Uzbekistan Traditions and customs of Uzbeks

Uzbekistan is a country with a long history, located in the very heart of the Great Silk Road. Some cities of Uzbekistan are more than 2 thousand years old; ancient states once flourished on its territory. The current sovereign Uzbekistan is the heir to the Uzbek SSR, which was considered one of the most developed republics within Soviet Union. On August 31, 1991, Uzbekistan declared its sovereignty. Today's life in this country bears little resemblance to the Soviet past. The republic is part of the CIS. The state's foreign policy is aimed at increasing its international prestige and strengthening interregional ties. The country's government officially announced its neutrality and refusal to join military-political blocs.

Uzbekistan yesterday and today

By the time the territory of modern Uzbekistan was annexed to Russian Empire, which took place in the second half of the 19th century, within its borders there were three independent states: the Kokand and Khiva khanates, as well as the Bukhara Emirate. The entry of the khanates into the empire passed peacefully, but the army of Bukhara was defeated by Russian troops. After the 1917 revolution, the Uzbeks put up fierce resistance Soviet power, which was finally suppressed only in the 30s of the 20th century.

Participants in the partisan movement were called Basmachi.

During its period as part of the USSR, Uzbekistan transformed from a backward colonial territory into a modern industrial and agricultural country.

In Uzbekistan, as in any other republic of the post-Soviet space, traces of the Soviet system are still visible. They are felt in the mentality of Uzbeks, they can be seen in the actions and attitudes of officials, in the everyday behavior of people. A guest who sets foot on Uzbek soil for the first time is overwhelmed by the feeling that a time machine is not science fiction. Uzbekistan is developing disproportionately. The service sector lags significantly behind other sectors of the economy; private business requires further self-assertion. A significant part of the economy is the public sector. The main reforms in cultural life are aimed at accepting and following Islamic traditions.

Geographical and climatic features

In terms of territory (447,400 sq. km), Uzbekistan ranks 56th among the countries of the world. 5% of the area belongs to the water surface of the Aral Sea. The climate is sharply continental, arid, with a large difference in daily temperatures.

The main cities are located in the valleys of large rivers. Uzbekistan itself is located in the very heart of Central Asia. It borders Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. The state is well and harmoniously integrated into the economy and politics of the region. Environmental cleanliness is at the proper level, since there are not many operating industrial enterprises in the country.

In 2016, 31 million 807 thousand people lived in the country. The population density was almost 76 people per square kilometer. Uzbekistan ranks 41st in the world in terms of population. The urbanization rate is slightly above 50%.

The main cities of the country are its capital Tashkent (2 million 352 thousand inhabitants), Samarkand (510 thousand), Namangan (476 thousand), Andijan (403 thousand). In 2009, the country carried out an administrative reform, which transferred almost a thousand large rural settlements to the category of cities. As a result, the urbanization rate increased sharply from 35 to 50%.

In terms of population, the Republic of Uzbekistan became the third in the CIS. More residents only in Russian Federation and Ukraine.

average life expectancy

The country has a high birth rate and many young people. Population growth is 2.2% per year. The average life expectancy is 72.9 years. Men live 70.6 years, women - 75.1 years. The last population census was carried out back in 1989.

What nationalities live in Uzbekistan

The national composition and numbers are determined by periodic assessments by the UN and the government of Uzbekistan. Recent data shows that the country is home to more than 25 major nationalities. 82% of the population are ethnic Uzbeks, 4.8% belong to Tajiks, Russians are in third place - 2.6%, and Kyrgyz are in fourth place with 1.4%. The number of ethnic Ukrainians in the republic is estimated at 105 thousand people, and Belarusians at 20 thousand. Smaller nations are Tatars, Karakalpaks, Tajiks, etc. These figures are approximate, accuracy is within the limits of statistical error.

Religion, language and traditions of the Uzbeks

93% of the population professes Islam. It is recognized as the official religion of the country. The Sunni direction predominates, Shiites make up no more than 1%. Orthodox make up 4%, Catholics - 3%. The Constitution of Uzbekistan declares it a secular state. Islam is the same as in any other Muslim country, significantly influences all spheres of life of Uzbek society. There are 2,050 mosques, madrassas and Islamic centers in Uzbekistan.

For comparison, in 1980 there were only 89 mosques in the Uzbek SSR.

Ancient Samarkand is considered the spiritual capital of the Uzbeks. There are 175 Orthodox churches in the country. There are practically no conflicts on religious grounds; relations between Muslims and Christians are characterized by tolerance. A significant portion of Muslim believers are Uzbek youth, and mosque attendance is very high.

The official language of the country is Uzbek. The Russian language is widely spoken in Uzbekistan and is considered the second most important language. It is spoken by most of the population, especially urban ones. Despite the fact that Russian does not have official status, a large percentage of document flow is conducted in it. Almost all documentation is duplicated in Russian. You can watch, listen and read many TV shows, radio programs, and printed publications in Russian.

Almost all older generation knows Russian. Young people also know a little, but are unlikely to speak it. That is, if you need to find out something from a passerby, it is better to ask someone who is older.

At school, studying the Russian language is compulsory from the first grade. There are 848 schools in the country in which Russian is the main language of instruction. Some universities also provide training on it. From the first grade, compulsory learning of English has been introduced in schools.

In the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, Karakalpak is considered the official language.

Family and attitude towards women

Uzbek traditions are ancient, they began in the mists of time, in prosperous Bukhara, sultry Samarkand, mysterious Khiva.

Uzbek society is dominated by men; in rural areas, women are still prohibited from appearing in public with their faces uncovered, but this tradition does not apply today in all regions of the country.

Uzbek families, as a rule, have many children. It is considered normal if there are five or even ten children in a family. Islam allows a man to have up to four wives. National traditions and customs are jealously protected and observed, especially in the provinces. Much is determined by Sharia law.

The vast majority of Uzbeks are hospitable and friendly people. Guests are always warmly received here; this is one of the national traditions. Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan love and are proud of their country, they are sincerely patriotic. Therefore, when arriving in Uzbekistan, you should under no circumstances insult the national dignity of the Uzbeks.

The country's cities are more modern; today's Uzbeks cannot be accused of either technical or cultural backwardness. The most cosmopolitan cities of Uzbekistan (Tashkent, Andijan) can even boast of the presence of women in business. There are also many of them in the field of education and culture. Uzbeks are much more relaxed and modern in their attitude towards women than their neighbors in Tajikistan or Afghanistan.

Russians in Uzbekistan

Russians began to come to the country at the end of the century before last. IN Soviet time migration intensified: many people went to improve the economy, healthcare, and public education of the Central Asian republic. A significant part of the ethnic Russians who settled on Uzbek soil were military personnel who received housing after retirement, as well as members of their families.

With the republic's secession from the Soviet Union, the situation changed dramatically. Many ethnic Russians left sovereign Uzbekistan as interethnic problems worsened, the threat of Islamization loomed, and an explosive situation created in the Central Asian region. For decades after the collapse of the Union, the situation of Russians in Uzbekistan has not caused much joy. Since the late 80s, hundreds of thousands of representatives of the Russian people have left the territory. Their approximate number in the republic today is about one million people. In general, the situation with interethnic relations now looks quite acceptable, despite individual manifestations of nationalism by Uzbek radicals.

The ethnic composition of the country's population has changed significantly since the collapse of the USSR. In addition to the Russians, a large number of Ukrainians, Germans, Meskhetian Turks and Jews left Uzbekistan. At the end of the 80s, the contradictions between the Uzbeks and the Meskhetian Turks escalated to the extreme, which led to bloodshed.

To live in Uzbekistan, you need to know and follow the customs of the country. It cannot be said that a person with a Slavic appearance is perceived with hostility by local residents. Rather, they closely monitor him and his behavior and respect for the local mentality and traditions.

Full integration into Uzbek society is most likely impossible for an immigrant from Russia and other Slavic countries. It is closed and conservative. Although religious conflicts There are practically no Christians in the country; Orthodox Christians are treated with some caution.

Video: how Russians live in Uzbekistan now

The economic basis of modern Uzbekistan was created during the Soviet period. Agriculture is focused on growing cotton and grains. The country ranks third in the world in terms of cotton export volumes, and sixth in terms of production. Share Agriculture in GDP is 17%. In addition to cotton and wheat, vegetables and melons are grown in the country's fields. About 95% of agricultural products are produced by dehkans (farmers).

Uzbekistan took 11th place in the world ranking of gas exporters, fifth in uranium production, and the total gold reserves in the Uzbek subsoil place it in fourth place in the world. The share of industrial production in GDP was 24%, more than 50% is occupied by the service sector. The country is actively exploring and further developing mineral deposits; they constitute a significant part of exports.

Thus, oil reserves in Uzbekistan are estimated by experts at 5 billion tons, gas reserves at more than 5 trillion cubic meters.

The country's subsoil also contains large reserves of coal. An important gas pipeline from Central Asia to China passes through the territory of Uzbekistan. The main part of the country's industry is cotton production, food and engineering enterprises, and ferrous metallurgy.

Daily life in modern Uzbekistan

Life in the country is gradually improving. Economic growth is stable at about 7% per year. Accordingly, new jobs and opportunities for business development appear. The government constantly attracts foreign investment by concluding agreements at the government level. But for a foreigner who does not have connections in high circles, opening his own business can be difficult.

It is worth noting that official government statements stand in stark contrast to the feedback from ordinary residents of the country. Uzbekistan is a state with authoritarian rule.

IN last years a reform was carried out, as a result of which taxes in the republic were significantly reduced. For example, the income tax today is 7.5%, and for small commercial enterprises the rate of unified social payment has been reduced (from 28 to 15%).

Budget spending on education is 6%, and on health care - 11.5%.

Secondary education is compulsory and free. Parents of schoolchildren are charged money only for the use of textbooks. The higher education system is well developed and has two levels. There are seven state universities in the country; most young specialists have diplomas from Uzbek universities. Since 2004, distance learning has been abolished.

The national currency of Uzbekistan is the sum. One US dollar is equal to 3,250 soums at the official exchange rate. On the black market the rate is incomparably higher. Here they ask about 6,100 soums for a dollar. Individuals can buy currency only by bank transfer. The maximum amount of currency purchased cannot exceed 2 thousand dollars and requires submitting an application to the bank. It is completed within two to three months. Air tickets can only be purchased in foreign currency. As a rule, in cash. Therefore, the black currency market is thriving.

Video: review of life in Tashkent

The standard of living of the average resident of Uzbekistan today cannot be called high. One can observe a significant difference between a city, especially a large one, and a province. In terms of living standards, the Republic of Uzbekistan ranks 138th in the world out of 193. Each citizen accounts for $2,090 of GDP.

Salaries in the republic are significantly lower than in economically prosperous countries. The minimum wage is revised upward every year. So, in October 2016, it was raised by 15%, and social payments were also increased. The minimum salary in Uzbekistan is 149,775 soums per month ($46 at the official rate).

The most popular professions now among Russian youth in Tashkent are waiter, DJ, hairdresser, cosmetologist, as well as computer designer, operator or system administrator. In these areas of activity, our skills, albeit artisanal, but real, acquired through practice, are still in demand without a strict connection with higher or special education. And young people often strive first of all to occupy any “free niche” that comes up, and only then think about education, prospects for professional and career growth. We must admit that they unconsciously learned this by looking at us. More precisely, that part of the older generation of Russians for whom the ability to adapt to surrounding conditions and humble their ambitions has become almost the main character trait.

To a foreigner coming from a developed Western European country, prices in Uzbekistan will seem simply ridiculous. But the indigenous people are not laughing at all. This is due to low incomes.

A square meter of housing in a new building in a residential area of ​​Tashkent will cost the buyer about 600 dollars, the same meter in the center will cost 1060. Rent of a one-room apartment in a residential area - 180 dollars, a similar apartment in the center - 220 dollars.

The products cannot be called cheap. For example, a kilogram of potatoes costs 50 cents, a kilogram of rice costs $1.85, a dozen eggs costs one and a half dollars, a loaf of bread costs 26 cents, and a liter of milk costs $1.83. A pack of cigarettes costs about 80 cents, a bottle of vodka costs about $3. Food prices are approximately the same throughout the country.

It is customary to bargain at the eastern bazaar. If the buyer does not do this, then he is not taken seriously. On the contrary, the bargainer is seen as a worthy person. On the market you can reduce the price by half, or even three. This rule is true for any oriental bazaar.

Video: how much do groceries cost in Tashkent

The minimum pension in the country is 292,940 soums (a little over $90). In the absence of the required experience, it will be 179,755 soums, and people with disabilities since childhood receive 292,730 soums monthly. Men retire when they reach 60 years of age and have 25 years of experience, and women at 55 years of age (with work experience at 20 years old).

Where is it better for ordinary people to live?

The income of residents of a certain area is directly affected by the degree of its development. Tashkent traditionally has the highest incomes. Here the average salary is considered to be 300 dollars, in Samarkand this figure is slightly lower - 250 dollars, and in Andijan the rated income will be considered to be 200 dollars. The city of Shavat will become somewhat more promising - its residents earn an average of $255. The lowest average salary in the city of Urgench is only $147. Much depends on the person’s profession. High (for Uzbekistan) salaries for workers in oil and gas production enterprises, in geological exploration, and in the financial sector. There are currently branches of 26 different banks in the country.

Shavat is considered the most expensive city, followed by Tashkent.

It is easier for a person with an education that is in demand in the labor market to live in large cities. Here he has the prospect of finding a relatively high-paying job in an innovative company, banking, etc. In the city he will have to spend more on living. But there are also much more prospects. Work in the field of oil and gas production in the regions may be of significant interest. The highest salaries in the country can be observed here. Foreign specialists are in demand and can find work in this sector of the economy for good money.

The standard of living in rural areas is much lower. The government of the country has set a course for the development of farming. Among them, most are small, but there are also medium and very large. Farming (dehkan farming) has been inherent in the Uzbek mentality from time immemorial. That is why the population fiercely resisted Soviet collectivization. And today there are relatively few large agricultural producers in Uzbekistan; the bulk of the products are grown by small ones.

The income of the average resident of a remote village is equivalent to the minimum wage in the country. Farmers are considered a privileged caste, their income is directly proportional to the amount of labor invested in the land and the quality of the harvest. Agricultural production is most developed in the fertile areas of the Amu Darya and Syrdarya rivers. From time immemorial, they have been the basis of agriculture in the region in which present-day Uzbekistan is located. The income of the owner of a small farm is $200 per month. This amount is conditional, since farmers receive the main profit during the harvest.

It should be noted that Uzbek legislation does not allow the possibility of dual citizenship. If a citizen of Uzbekistan receives a passport from another country, then he may well be deprived of Uzbek citizenship.

A ticket on a city bus will cost about 40 cents. The price of a taxi fare varies greatly depending on the region, as well as on whether the taxi driver represents a company or works as a private taxi driver. In the latter case, the cost will be significantly higher. The average taxi fare in Tashkent is approximately 30–40 cents per kilometer. But local bombers can easily rip off even a dollar from an inexperienced foreigner.

The country has a severe currency shortage. Therefore, when arriving in Uzbekistan, you should remember that none of the services in the country, with the exception of air tickets, are sold for either dollars or euros. When entering or leaving, the amount of currency should be strictly controlled, since the amount exported must be less than the amount imported. It is better to exchange at official exchange offices, although illegal buyers can give much more. It is better not to mess with the latter, since the black market for currency is extremely criminalized.

The price of a trip by bus or train on an intercity route directly depends on the comfort of the vehicle and the distance. The cost of traveling one hundred kilometers by intercity bus will cost approximately eight dollars. The transport network in Uzbekistan is well developed. The country's central roads are different good coverage, which cannot be said about the secondary ones. In the construction of highways they took Active participation Chinese companies.

The price of A-95 gasoline at gas stations in Tashkent is about 4 thousand soums. Despite the fact that Uzbekistan produces and processes its own oil, the country experiences a noticeable fuel shortage.

Until October 2016, the fuel business flourished, when A-80 gasoline was sold in remote regions at double the price compared to gas stations in Tashkent. By his decree, President Islam Karimov introduced equal fuel prices for the entire country. Also, on all television channels, radio and in the press, citizens were informed of a helpline, through which the latter are obliged to report illegal transactions in fuel, inflated prices at gas stations, as well as resale by private individuals. By the way, the cost of gasoline is growing in the republic from year to year by about 10%.

Prospects for the country: a look into the future

Over the past 15 years, the economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan has quadrupled. The country's GDP today is more than $55 billion. Economists predict further growth; by 2035, GDP could reach at least $128 billion. That means life ordinary people will improve. The main areas of growth will be a further increase in the volume of mineral production, especially oil and gas. A significant increase in agricultural production is also expected. Uzbekistan already today claims leadership in the world agricultural market in the export of plums, apples and melons.

Some analysts view Uzbekistan as a potential economic and political leader in the Central Asian region, which will soon overtake Kazakhstan in many indicators.

What you need to know about men and life in Uzbekistan

If you are madly in love with an Uzbek man and agree to do anything to be with him, you should definitely read this article, written by a Russian woman who married an Uzbek man 6 years ago, especially for the site intdate.ru.

Uzbekistan is located in the heart of Central Asia, and it was through it that the Great Silk Road once passed. Usually Russians and residents of other countries imagine our country as a very backward state, in which residents ride donkeys, wear only national clothes and live in clay houses.

And often those who come to the country are surprised that everything is different here, however, this applies mainly to Tashkent and the Tashkent region. Indeed, the capital region is completely different, much more modern and tolerant, for example, of the shorts and tops that girls like to wear.

As for the regions, in general, girls rarely go out alone on the street, without being accompanied by male relatives, not to mention wearing revealing clothes. In general, there are fewer and fewer people of European nationalities - many leave for permanent residence in Russia, Kazakhstan, the USA, etc., so the indigenous population noticeably predominates.

As for the national composition of the country, more than 80% of the inhabitants are Uzbeks, then there are Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks, Tatars, Koreans, Kyrgyz, etc., but I’ll say right away that you can count the Russians outside the Tashkent region on one hand, they mostly live there indigenous Uzbeks, and if by chance you meet representatives of other nationalities, they usually speak the state language as their native language.

Now about the climate. Indeed, the weather and climate in Uzbekistan are favorable, although in summer it is very hot, but quite dry (low humidity), so 40 degrees scares few people. Autumn and spring are beautiful - autumn is warm, you can wear a light windbreaker until December, the rains are rarely cold and long.

Spring is the most delightful time of the year, it begins at the end of February and already turns into summer in mid-May. Everything is blooming, fragrant, light breeze, gentle sun, rain is rare and very warm and gentle. But the most beautiful spring is in the mountains! The spurs of the Tien Shan range are magnificent - many residents of the capital region go there for a weekend getaway every summer, and in the spring poppies and tulips bloom there, and the mountains themselves resemble Switzerland.

If you met an Uzbek man and he charmed you at first sight (by the way, modern educated guys are great at seducing Russian women), you should first find out where he was born and raised. Usually it’s better not to mess with guys from the regions - the Eastern mentality is too strong there, which sooner or later will make itself felt, even if the young man is very European and easily communicates in Russian.

At the same time, Tashkent men are considered more stingy and prudent, although there are exceptions everywhere.

Nevertheless, life in the capital, even of Uzbekistan, is the most acceptable option for a Russian girl who has decided to connect her life with an Uzbek. The fact is that life in Uzbekistan and life in Tashkent are two different things. In the capital you will meet quite a lot of representatives of national minorities, including Russians, there are parks, theaters, exhibition halls and galleries, and there is much more entertainment compared to the regions.

The Uzbek ethnic group is one of the most ancient and colorful on the planet, and the most numerous in Central Asia. The lands in the upper reaches of the Amu Darya, Syr Darya and in the foothills of the Tien Shan have always differed in their ethnocultural component from other regions of Central Asia. Local residents already in the 4th century BC. e. moved from a nomadic to a sedentary way of life, therefore, at the dawn of civilization, a distinctive cultural and social structure was formed here, which changed little from the times of Darius and Alexander until the 19th century. Even the era of the Great Migration of Nations and the Turkic-Mongol invasion could not break the unshakable foundations local life. Only with the advent of Islam certain aspects of Uzbek culture underwent certain changes, however, it organically merged into the local culture rather than subjugating it.

The process of formation of the Uzbek ethnic group is clearly visible already in the 11th century, when agricultural oases with Turkic and Iranian-speaking populations united into a single feudal state of the Karakhanids. The formation of the people as such was completed only in the 16th century, when the central regions of Central Asia were invaded by nomadic tribes of Uzbeks, united in an alliance led by the Sheibanid dynasty. From that moment on, the multi-ethnic pro-Uzbek ethnos received its modern name.

Uzbek National clothes has remained virtually unchanged since the beginning of the new era. Men wore and still wear straight-cut shirts and all kinds of robes, both light and quilted with cotton wool (“chapan”). Belts served and serve as an indicator of the social status of the owner - elegant or embroidered, with silver patterned plaques and buckles, handbags and wallets show the wealth of the wearer. Everyday belts, like the belts of the poor, are usually a simple long sash or a scarf wrapped around the belt, which often has a rather colorful appearance. Uzbek men usually wear robes in rather sombre colors, but you can also see striped robes from nearby regions and richly decorated robes with traditional embroidery. Pants are traditionally sewn wide, straight cut, slightly tapering at the bottom. Women wear robes, long straight dresses made of “khan-satin”, and wide-cut trousers. Moreover, there is a complex system for demonstrating the social or family status of women. Men's headdress usually consists of "kalpok", "dopi" ("duppy"), "sanama", "chizma", "takhya", "taikha", "chumakli", "kush" or "kulohi" (a type of skullcap), women also wear scarves, felt caps and turbans. Children's skullcaps ("kulokhcha", "kalpakcha", "duppi", "kulupush") are distinguished by the variety and colorfulness of the fabrics, the splendor of tassels and balls, embroidery, sparkles and an abundance of amulets. Moreover, skullcaps created in different regions differ in shape, ornament and color scheme.

IN Lately Uzbek clothing has undergone significant changes under the influence of European culture, so everywhere you can find people dressed in the latest fashion. However, the famous Uzbek embroideries and embroidered clothing, metal work and precious stones, traditional hats and carpets are still noticeably more popular than European innovations.

In a large Uzbek family, usually consisting of several generations of relatives living together, there is a strict hierarchy. Relationships in the home are built on the basis of unconditional submission to the head of the family and respect for elders. A woman in a local family occupies a dual position - on the one hand, she is the mother and wife of the head of the family, on the other, she is a subordinate of both her husband and his father (or mother). Moreover, there is no discrimination here - this is centuries-old tradition, is based on the experience of living in difficult local conditions. The marriageable age for a girl was previously considered to be 13-14 years old; nowadays, quite European norms prevail here, although cases of early marriage are not uncommon. Children are also universally loved.

In public and family life Islam plays a big role among Uzbeks. Religion has determined and determines everyday, family and ideological aspects of life, and has a strong influence on political processes and art, on the entire way of life. A Muslim must eat five times a day certain time turn to God (“namaz”), during the month of Ramadan (Ramadan) observe strict fasting in the daytime, do not drink, do not smoke and do not eat before sunset. From his income, a Muslim must voluntarily deduct part of the money (“zakat”) in favor of the poor or for charitable causes. He must mark the days Muslim holidays and especially the festival of sacrifices (Kurban). But in the local tradition there are some differences from the canons of Islam - the obligatory “Hajj” (pilgrimage to Mecca) for a believer can replace visiting “holy places” (“mazars”). A special role is played by rituals associated with the birth and raising of children ("beshik-tuyi", "khatna-kilish"), marriage ("fatiha-tuy" - engagement), weddings ("sunnat-tuy"), cooking ("sabzi -tugrar") and so on. They often represent an interweaving of Islamic rituals with more ancient forms associated with magical practice. Clerics enjoy special respect here and participate in almost all events in the country. Friday is considered a holiday, which is celebrated in the cathedral mosque with general namaz (prayer). And at the same time, Uzbeks cannot be called fanatical Muslims - despite all the diversity of local life, there is always a lot of secularism in it, and the religious tolerance of local residents is widely known outside the country.

One of the traditional forms of social structure in Uzbekistan is the “mahalla” - a neighborhood community, which is a large community of close neighbors and relatives, usually uniting the entire settlement with mutual assistance (“hashar”), with its own mosque, local government, traditions and culture. The significance of "mahalla" is so great that it is recognized as the most important part local government countries.

One of the unshakable traditions of local life is hospitality. The ability to receive a guest is valued in Uzbek society much higher than the wealth of the table itself or the wealth of the family. It is not customary to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner, it is very important aspect for the guest is punctuality. When going to visit, it is advisable to take with you small souvenirs or sweets for children. The owners meet respected guests at the gate, say hello, are interested in business and life, and invite them to come into the house. Guests are usually received in a large central room, or invited to go into the courtyard - the local climate allows dining events to be held in the courtyard almost eight months a year. When entering a living space, shoes must be removed. The table (“dastarkhan”) is usually set in the center of the room or, in the case of a courtyard, under trees or in another shady place. The guest must follow the instructions of the owner, but here an eternal confrontation usually arises - the owner also wants to please the guest! And in this case, humor and a polite attitude towards all participants in this rather theatrical process are highly valued. However, it should be remembered that the most honorable places are those away from the entrance or gate. Women usually do not sit at the same table with men, but in urban environments this rule often does not apply. At the table it is not customary to admire the beauty of women and pay close attention to them. But it is quite appropriate to inquire about the affairs of the family and the well-being of its members.

Any meal here begins and ends with tea. First, sweets, pastries, dried fruits and nuts, fruits and vegetables are served on the table, then there are snacks, and only at the end - the obligatory pilaf and other “heavy food”. Local pilaf is very filling and is prepared according to a rather complex recipe, so it is not recommended to load up on it right away. The abundance of fat in food also does not promote digestion, so it is recommended to drink as much green tea as possible (which, in general, is what Uzbeks have been doing since time immemorial). There must be hot cakes on the table, which under no circumstances should be turned over. Dropping a piece of cake on the ground or even just putting it there, even wrapped in cloth or paper, is also considered a bad omen.

Tea and the tea ceremony occupy a significant place in Uzbek life and everyday life. Brewing this truly main drink of the country, as well as pouring it to guests, is the prerogative of men, first of all, the owner of the house. Tea is brewed in small teapots and poured into small bowls. A traditional element of hospitality here is the small amount of tea poured - the more honorable the guest, the less drink in his cup. This paradox can be explained very simply - a sign of respect for home is turning to the hostess or owner of the house “for more” as often as possible. And what if not a half-empty cup contributes to this? Therefore, repeated appeals to the owners with an empty bowl are considered as a tribute to the family. If there is still tea left at the bottom of the bowl, the hostess throws it out and refills the bowl. Respectively, uninvited guest Usually tea is poured to the brim.

Chaikhona (teahouse) is the same unshakable element of local traditions as tea itself. Public life here it is concentrated in mosques, the bazaar and, naturally, in the teahouse. Here they simply communicate and negotiate, relax and share news, have breakfast and lunch, discuss the problems of life and the world order. They usually choose a place for a teahouse somewhere in the shade of trees and closer to the water, which, along with tea, should give peace and ease to the conversation. The decor of the teahouse is quite traditional - low tables are surrounded by equally low and necessarily covered with carpets and sofas. Somewhere in the corner the owner or servants are bustling around, and the main place is occupied, as one would expect, by the hearth, over which they boil water or cook food, and the teapots themselves. The rituals that accompany tea drinking are quite complex and incomprehensible to the uninitiated, so it’s easier to observe the locals and do as they do - you can be sure that they will also appreciate such a respectful attitude towards their customs.

Despite strong Islamic traditions, most Uzbeks drink alcohol freely, at least with guests. If you don't drink strong alcoholic drinks, mainly vodka, warn about this in advance, no one or anything will be imposed here. During Ramadan, it is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages, at least not openly.

In communication, Uzbeks are usually quite simple and democratic. It is customary to shake hands with everyone, even strangers and police officers (except women). During a handshake, people are traditionally interested in health, the state of affairs at work and at home. It is customary to greet women and persons sitting at a distance by placing the right hand to the heart and politely bowing. Greetings several times a day, even with people you know well, is quite a common rule.

When entering a house or teahouse, you should take off your shoes. The clothing style is quite democratic, but when visiting places of worship, you should not wear overly revealing or short clothes. No matter what, it is not recommended to wear shorts, especially in rural areas.

Customs and traditions of the Uzbek people Probably everyone is familiar with the words: according to the laws of Eastern hospitality. In a broad sense, they reflect one of the ancient and revered folk customs that have survived to this day. And in the old days, among the eastern peoples, including the Uzbeks, hospitality was a rule of life and a moral law. Setting off on a journey, the traveler usually found himself in a “wild field”, among nature hostile to him. But he was consoled and warmed by the hope that in the nearest village, even in a lonely tent, he would be given shelter, fed and warmed. Not receiving a guest or receiving him poorly, not observing traditions, meant disgracing the family, village, clan. Custom dictated that hospitality should be provided even to the enemy. No wonder the old proverb said: “Hospitality is higher than courage.” Nowadays, the laws of hospitality have turned into good and useful traditions that help in mutual communication and behavior of people. Some of them are expressed in aphoristic form: “It is better to arrive on time than to arrive early,” “Whoever calls for dinner must also take care of the overnight stay.” Uzbeks usually live in large families consisting of several generations, where respect for elders is traditional. There is a line for both men and women. As a rule, they shake hands only with men. During the handshake, they are mutually interested in health and the state of affairs. It is customary to greet women with a slight bow, pressing right hand to the heart. It is considered impolite to refuse an invitation to lunch or dinner or to arrive late. Usually people come to visit with souvenirs for the hosts and sweets for the children. When entering a house, it is customary to take off your street shoes. According to the ancient custom, men and women should sit at different tables, but it was fully preserved only in the village. The head of the family himself seats the guests, and the most respected ones are given seats away from the entrance. After the eldest person present at the table reads a short prayer with good wishes for the hospitable home, the host offers the guests a traditional bowl of tea, and then everyone starts the meal. The traditions and customs of the Uzbek people living at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road developed over many centuries as a result of the interaction of the Zoroastrian rituals of the Sogdians and Bactrians, on the one hand, and the customs of nomadic tribes, on the other, later Islamic traditions and rituals prescribed by the Koran. A special role in the life of Uzbeks is given to customs associated with the birth and upbringing of children, weddings and commemoration of deceased relatives. The wedding is necessarily preceded by the Fatiha Tui engagement. On the appointed day, guests gather at the house of the betrothed girl. After the matchmakers outline the purpose of their visit, the “Non Sindirish” ritual - “Breaking the cake” - is performed and the wedding day is set. The bride's relatives present gifts to the groom's relatives and matchmakers. From this moment the newlyweds are considered engaged. A wedding is of exceptional importance in the life of Uzbeks and is celebrated especially solemnly. It consists of a number of rituals that must be strictly performed. In the bride's house, her parents dress the groom in a sarpo - a wedding robe-chapan. After the mullah reads a prayer for marriage to the couple and declares them husband and wife, the newlyweds usually go to the registry office to complement their marriage before God with their marriage before people. An indispensable attribute of a wedding - festive table, for which numerous guests gather. Two hundred, three hundred people is considered a common occurrence. The groom's parents must present the newlyweds with a house or a separate apartment, the bride's parents as wedding gift furnish the house with everything necessary for the first years of a young family’s life. All this is not cheap, but in such cases expenses are not taken into account. The central event of the wedding is the transition of the bride from her parents' house to the groom's house. In some regions of Uzbekistan, an ancient ritual of purification has been preserved, dating back to the Zoroastrian tradition - newlyweds walk around the fire three times before the groom brings the bride into his home. The morning after the wedding, the “Kelin Salomi” ritual begins, meaning the acceptance of the bride into a new family. The groom's parents, his relatives and friends bless the bride and present her with gifts, and she greets everyone, bowing low. Such an important event in the life of a young family as the birth of a baby is accompanied by the ritual festival “Beshik Tuyi” - “Wooden Cradle”. On the fortieth day from the birth of the child, the relatives of the young mother bring a richly decorated cradle - beshik and everything necessary for the newborn and cakes, sweets and toys wrapped in a tablecloth. According to tradition, while the guests are having fun and being treated to the festive table, in the children's room, elderly women perform the ceremony of first swaddling the child and placing him in the beshik. The ceremony ends with a viewing of the child, during which those invited present him with gifts and sprinkle navat and parvarda on the beshik so that his life will be prosperous and joyful. The birth of a boy in a family is a special joy and concern. Before he reaches nine years of age, it is necessary to carry out the ancient rite of circumcision, sanctified by Islam - khatna kilish, or sunnat tuya. Before the ceremony, suras from the Koran are read in the presence of elders from the mahalla, and the festive table is set. The elders bless the baby and give him gifts. The culmination of the holiday is the appearance of a stallion decorated with rich harness and ribbons, on which the boy is seated, with wishes to grow into a mighty hero and a brave horseman. Funerals and wakes occupy a separate line in the set of everyday rules. So, twenty days and a year after death, a morning memorial pilaf is held for the deceased. It begins immediately after morning prayer and lasts one and a half to two hours. During pilaf they commemorate the deceased and read suras from the Koran. All these main events in the Uzbek family take place with the direct participation of the mahalla. Mahalla is a neighboring community based on complete independence and self-government with the goal of jointly conducting business and mutual assistance. It has existed for centuries and was originally a guild association of artisans. The community is governed by a makhalla committee elected by a general meeting of residents. Her concerns, in particular, include the organization and arrangement of weddings, funerals, funerals, and circumcision ceremonies. Mahalla, in a certain sense, is a self-sufficient organization that satisfies the urgent spiritual and physical needs of citizens. There is a teahouse here, a hairdresser's salon serves residents, and there is often a neighborhood mosque. However, on Friday, men go to the cathedral mosque for general prayer. But mahalla is not just a mutual aid society. The community has both supervisory and educational functions. Children in the mahalla grow up under the supervision of the entire community and are always brought up in the spirit of respect and obedience to elders. There is also ancient tradition Eastern mutual assistance - hashar. Using the hashar method, that is, the whole world, residents voluntarily and selflessly help their neighbors build a house, organize a wedding or funeral pilaf, and improve a street or area. The makhalla acts as the guardian of folk customs and traditions. We can rightfully say that a person is born and lives in a mahalla. And the mahalla accompanies him on his last journey.

TASHKENT, June 1 – Sputnik. Study Center Experts public opinion“Ijtimoiy Fikr” found out what citizens of Uzbekistan think about the concepts of “reproductive health” and “reproductive right”, how they feel about family planning and how many children they want to have.

Children traditionally remain the highest value of a family. This point of view is supported by 77.8 percent of Uzbek citizens. Quantity large families In general, it is decreasing, but every seventh family has four children, every tenth has five or more. In total, 726.8 thousand children were born in the republic last year.

However, among young people under 30, the most popular opinion is that it is best to have two children. People over 30 believe that there should be three children.

24.3 percent of city residents would like to have two children, 32.2 percent - three, 31 percent - four. Among rural residents these figures are 23.5 percent, 37.8 percent and 23.3 percent, respectively, writes Nuz.uz.

Opinion about at what age a woman should give birth to her first child varies. A small part of respondents speak out for 18-19 years old, but in general, Uzbek citizens are in favor of more late dates. 25 percent each give preference to 20-25 and 23-25 ​​years old. Almost a third of citizens consider 22 years to be the ideal age. Statistics show that the age of women giving birth for the first time in Uzbekistan is steadily increasing.

The question of the need to maintain an interval of at least three years between births led to interesting results. In general, this point of view is supported by half of the country's citizens. However, the opinions of residents of different regions differ greatly. The preservation of women's reproductive health is taken care of in Andijan region (72.3 percent of respondents), Bukhara region (71.2 percent) and Samarkand region (66.9 percent).

But in the Kashkadarya region, only 39.2 percent of the population understands the need for an interval between births. This figure is even lower in the capital: only 36 percent of Tashkent residents answered the question positively.

Sociologists also found out how many Uzbek citizens are familiar with the term “reproductive health” - complete physical, mental and social well-being, characterizing people’s ability to give birth to healthy children, guaranteeing the safety of pregnancy, childbirth, the survival and health of the child, the well-being of the mother, the ability to plan subsequent pregnancies, in including unwanted warning.

As it turned out, this concept is known to 36.5 percent of respondents, which is significantly less than last year. The rate is especially low among 18-19 year olds.

The population's awareness of reproductive rights was also studied - the right of men and women to receive information and access to safe, effective, affordable methods of birth control, in accordance with their choice, the right to access adequate health services that can provide women with a safe pregnancy and childbirth, and to provide couples with the best opportunity to have healthy child. Mainly, it is the right to decide whether or not to have a child.

51.6 percent of respondents described reproductive rights as the right to plan the birth of children, more than a third named the right to receive proper medical care and plan childbirth. Sociologists have noted that the number of people who approve of protection from unwanted pregnancy continues to grow. At the same time, 48.7 percent are against artificial termination of pregnancy.

Based on the results of the survey, Izhtimoiy Fikr specialists recommended improving the quality of legal and medical education of citizens, especially among young people.

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There is a campaign against consanguineous marriages in the country, but the patriarchal tradition does not recede.

Uzbek society is increasingly becoming traditional, where consanguinity plays a big role in creating a family. If previously consanguineous marriages took place in rural areas, now this phenomenon is not uncommon in cities.

Dildora's story

Dildora calls her own aunt mom, and her cousin husband. Izatulla’s husband has been a friend since childhood; they played and grew up together. When I graduated from school, I found out that they wanted to marry her to him. Dildora was surprised at first, but could not go against the will of her parents, although her friends warned that this was not quite the right marriage. Now the consanguineous family has two children and Dildora considers her marriage happy.

“It was somehow strange to become the daughter-in-law of my aunt Nafisa. She did not want to become related to an unfamiliar family, and therefore my mother and I decided to strengthen the ties of kinship and make them even stronger,” says Dildora.

Nafisa knows that consanguineous marriages are undesirable. The makhalla committee and the doctors at the local clinic told her about this. But Nafisa believes that if the Almighty saves, nothing will happen. She is reassured by the fact that she is not an exception - there are other families where sisters became related, becoming matchmakers.

- Why let someone else in, let our big house and several hundred acres of land remain for my own niece. Moreover, Dildora grew up before my eyes. She has good upbringing, so the children live amicably and without scandals. If anything happens, my sister and I will sort everything out, I hope,” comments Nafisa Khadzhaeva.

The Family Code is beyond tradition

In Uzbekistan, such a marriage is considered related, but the family code does not prohibit such unions

Article 16 Family Code prohibits marriage between

• relatives in a direct ascending and descending line (parents and children, grandparents, grandchildren);
• full-blooded (descended from the same parents) and half-blooded (descended from the same father, but from different mothers, or vice versa - from the same mother, but from different fathers), brothers and sisters;
• between adoptive parents and adopted children.

The practice of concluding family unions between close relatives has existed in Uzbekistan for a long time. It is especially strong in rural areas, where residents in small villages are related to each other in some tribe. Another reason for the frequent conclusion of such marriages is the financial and property status of families.

Wealthy Uzbeks, caring about the material well-being of subsequent generations, prefer that everything acquired remains in the family, Therefore, rich parents try to find life partners for their children within their clan.

Parents of girls also try to marry them off to relatives in order to protect them from possible abuse

It is a well-known fact: domestic violence in patriarchal families is not uncommon. Therefore, parents, fearing that “strangers” will offend their daughter and force her to work more, are looking for a life partner for their daughter among their relatives, even distant ones.

Another very important point— by giving a girl to a relative, fathers and mothers can be sure that after marriage their communication will not be interrupted. After all married women In Uzbekistan, husbands often prohibit communication not only with girlfriends, but also with relatives. Usually in such cases young people have no choice.

Most Uzbeks do not see anything wrong with incestuous unions and believe that family ties cannot cause the birth of sick or defective children. They believe that children with disabilities are born only in families where parents abuse alcohol or are addicted to drugs.

Alas, such marriages sometimes end in disastrous results - often children are born disabled. And instead of strengthening family strength and family relationships, young people and their families are moving away from each other.

Doctors are sounding the alarm

Mahfuza Ubaydullaeva is a pediatric neurologist and in her daily practice she often encounters families where children have been diagnosed with various pathologies.

— There are more and more disabled children born from consanguineous marriages. The level of consciousness and education of people is falling, they do not want to accept medical opinions and our recommendations,” the doctor comments on the situation.

It has now been proven that in consanguineous marriages normal, healthy and even brilliant children are born. At the same time, there are many mentally and physically ill people and few children of normal “average” development.

Gynecologist Nazira Lutfieva reminds that the closer the relatives who are married, the more identical genes they have. And this increases the risks several times.

- In ordinary marriages, the chance of having a child is congenital pathology ranges from 2% to 4%, with related ones - from 4% to 6%. The difference seems to be small. However, with hereditary diseases, including retinoblastoma, the situation changes, because the risk of having a baby with a congenital disease increases many times, says Lutfieva.

In Uzbekistan, consanguineous marriage is one of the reasons for the increase in the incidence of retinoblastoma - retinal cancer. This is a malignant eye tumor that usually develops in early childhood.

Doctors note that various abnormalities have been identified in the development of the fetus in pregnant women in consanguineous marriages. Among the latter are anencephaly (absence of the brain), hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the meninges), fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, spina bifida, heart disease, and limb pathologies.

Qur'an on consanguineous marriages

Religious figures in Uzbekistan also oppose consanguineous marriages. They usually appeal to the Koran to warn citizens against consanguineous marriages. According to the holy book of Muslims, only those unions where direct, close or dairy relationships can be traced are forbidden. That is, according to religious canons, you cannot marry:

• with mother and grandmother,
• daughter and grandchildren,
• siblings and their daughters,
• and also with aunts.

In addition, it is forbidden to marry your wife’s mother and grandmother, her daughters and granddaughters.

Among adherents of Islam, marriages with the wives of fathers and grandfathers, sons and grandchildren are also not approved. The Koran pays special attention to kinship through the milk mother. The clergy say that if a person was fed by a milk mother for up to two years, then her husband, children and other “wards” become relatives through the milk line, therefore a pious Muslim cannot marry the nurse’s relatives, as well as direct relatives. At the same time, the Koran does not prohibit marrying other relatives.

Agitation is the main weapon against consanguineous marriages

The Soviet government fought against patriarchal customs and traditions in family relationships in Uzbekistan. Within the city limits, relative marriages practically did not take place, but in the villages the traditions were still preserved. In post-Soviet times, patriarchal family and marriage traditions returned and minimized the influence of secular law. As a result, the number of early and consanguineous marriages has increased in society, as well as facts domestic violence in relation to women.

A campaign to promote the rejection of early and consanguineous marriages has begun throughout the country. The initiator is the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan, which involves doctors, teachers, journalists and theologians in its work.

Employees of the registry office department locally hold meetings and conversations among the population about improving reproductive health and medical culture, preventing early and consanguineous marriages. Uzbek television often shows programs and documentaries on this topic.

The neighbors moved on

The problem of consanguineous marriages worries not only the Uzbek authorities. In neighboring Tajikistan, they approached this issue in a radical way - they banned consanguineous marriages at the legislative level. On July 1, 2016, changes in legislation came into force in this country prohibiting marriages between close relatives.

Is it possible to dissuade Uzbeks from entering into consanguineous marriages? The famous writer and journalist Marfua Tokhtakhadzhaeva says that it is a tradition among our people not to let good guys and girls leave their clan. Agitation needs to be directed at young people, who are more receptive.

“It is necessary that young people themselves do not agree to consanguineous marriages and focus on their own choice. And the ties of kinship should be strengthened not by related marriages, but by mutual respect, veneration, and special attention to health, says Marfua Tokhtakhadzhaeva.