Etiquette and dress code in Uzbekistan

What to wear

In cities, everyday clothes are fine. At mosques, shrines and Shah-i-Zinda, which are places of pilgrimage, cover your shoulders and knees. Women may be asked to cover their hair in some active mosques — a light scarf in your bag solves it.

At holy sites

• Take off your shoes when you enter a mosque or a carpeted room.
• Speak quietly and don’t walk in front of people who are praying.
• Ask before taking photos inside, and never photograph people praying.

Greetings

The usual greeting is “Assalomu alaykum”. Men often shake hands; with women, wait until she offers her hand. Placing your right hand on your heart is a warm, polite greeting for anyone.

Bread and tea

Bread (non) is treated with great respect: don’t put it upside down, don’t throw it away, and break it with your hands rather than cutting it. Tea is poured into small bowls — a host who pours you only a little is not being stingy: it means you will be served fresh, hot tea again and again.

Photos of people

People are usually happy to be photographed, but always ask first — a smile and a gesture to the camera are enough. At bazaars, buying something small before taking a photo is a nice gesture.