How not to violate local traditions during a trip to Uzbekistan
Visiting the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan requires tourists to know certain rules and local customs. Travelers are advised not to violate local traditions to make their trip comfortable.
Tourists are advised to avoid common mistakes that can lead to unpleasant consequences. This is stated in the material of the publication NewsBytes.
One of the main warnings for tourists is not to walk in front of people during their prayers. After all, in Uzbekistan, prayer is an important part of everyday life for many people.
It should be remembered that during prayer, Muslims turn to face the Qibla (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca) and recite their prayers. It is believed that during prayer, a person is in direct communication with God, and any violation of this communication can invalidate the prayer.
Another caution for visitors is that in Uzbekistan, it is impolite to pass things with the left hand. The right hand is preferred for most actions, including giving and receiving items. The left hand is usually associated with unclean tasks, such as going to the restroom. So be sure to use your right hand to show respect and avoid any possible cultural misunderstandings.
Tourists are also warned not to call out to an Uzbek by curling their index finger, as this is considered an offensive gesture in the country. This way of calling someone is usually used to call animals, and its use with a person can be seen as humiliating and disrespectful. To avoid offense, it is better to use the entire hand and arm or politely call the person by name.
Tourists are also advised not to dress provocatively when visiting a holy site. Thus, it is important to dress modestly and avoid wearing provocative or revealing clothing when visiting holy sites in Uzbekistan, as revealing clothing is unacceptable and can be perceived as offensive.
Finally, when entering someone's home, do not forget to take off your shoes, as this is a way to show respect for the local people of the country. After all, wearing shoes inside is considered impolite and rude and can make people feel disrespected.
If you are planning to buy interesting souvenirs from Uzbekistan, read an article on this topic from TravelWise.