Hi,
Anyone could tell me how is the Ramadan celebrated en Uzbekistan? We were thinking of visiting the country this August, but since it will be Ramadan, we don't know if it makes sense to go there.
Does anyone know if Ramadan is strictly celebrated there? (no food or drink before the sunset?) How bout transportation durning that time?
I will apreciate any info.
While Ramadan is observed, it is not extremely so. You will easily be able to find food unless you are in the Furgana valley, which is more conservative. Transport will run normally, except at around sunset when all taxi drivers and many bus drivers will rush home for iftar. It is acceptable for foreigners to eat. Besides there's a loop hole in the fasting rules the says if you are travelling you don't have to fast (although you should make it up later).
fluffy_bunny
How is the atmosphere in Ramadan in Central Asia? Is it like Egypt or the rest of the middle east where nights become more alive or is just like every other day?What was your experience in Bishkek?
Thanks
fluffy_bunny is right..Ramadan is observed in Uzbekistan but it not is strictly enforced and there are no so-called 'religious police' who patrol neighbourhoods trying to 'catch' people eating during sunlight hours as you might find in the stricter Muslim countries such as Saudi Arabia or Iran. As a visitor you will have no problems eating or finding food during daylight hours although I'd advise you to be discreet about eating in front of those who are fasting.
I have travelled around Uzbekistan (although not to the Fergana Valley) during in Ramadan a couple of years ago and had an amazing time. There was a feeling of festivity in the air and it was very much a family time where people enjoying being with their families as well as hosting delicious iftars for their friends and neighbours. I was invitied to many iftars during my trip and it was an excellent opportunity to meet more locals and to get more of an insight into the culture.
I've been quite a few places for Ramadan (Kabul, Dushanbe, Biskek, Almaty, Tashkent, Ashgabat, Baku, Istanbul, Dubai, Cairo) They are all a little different. Uzbekistan would rank somewhere in the middle in terms of being able to watch Ramadan activities. But, 70 years of communism did a number. However, there is life. Not a spectacle like Istanbul, but life.
Thanks for the info.
We would like to go there but are a little afraid that due to the Ramadan we will not be able to see everything (some places colsed?) or will have some hard time because of the heat and "no drinking or eating" restrictions (that will be mainly me :) )
On the other hand, Ramadan is a special time, and surely it will be very interesting to see how it's celbrated there. Need to think about it.
