The Bazaars of Uzbekistan

Do you want to feel like a merchant, for example, from epoch of the Great Silk Road? Then come to Uzbekistan and we will take you to the colorful bazaars that you are unlikely to find anywhere other than Central Asia. It is there that you will be able to communicate with the locals, because the sellers are so friendly with a sparkling smile that you will never see a sullen or sad seller. It is not for nothing that they say that the Uzbek soul is like an open dastarkhan (tablecloth), always happy to receive a guest and be sure to treat them with Goodies.

Since ancient times, bazaars were considered centers of trade, where all life was boiling. After all, you could not only shop there, but also find out the latest news, see what new appeared on the market, communicate with people, try out the entire range… well, at least, everything that will please your eye. Until now, many residents of Uzbekistan prefer to shop in bazaars, although over the past few years, many supermarkets and chains of stores with an abundance of products and delivery have opened. But still, the fruit in the bazaars is sweeter and more beautiful. Uzbek markets are getting bigger every year, so to speak, growing, pleasing the eyes with a variety of goods. There are such huge markets, going inside of which, you get the impression that you are in a city where the eyes run away, and life boils as if in the center of some metropolis.

One of the oldest bazaars in all of Central Asia is Chorsu, Alay and Siyab bazaars, which are located in Tashkent and Samarkand. Mention of a trading point near mount oloi was about 8 centuries ago. Chorsu Bazaar was formed during the Silk Road period, when this market began to attract merchants from other countries. Houses and buildings began to be built around the Bazaar, and slowly it became the center, the focus of the life of people of that time. In the same way, the Alai market was formed, which means “Soldier” in Turkic, since it was located near the soldiers ‘ settlements. And the name Chorsu means “4 roads”, because to this day it is located at the intersection of 4 roads, and you can recognize it from afar – by a large dome with an interesting sky-colored ornament. What they don’t sell there! In order to go through the entire market, it may not be enough for you even one day. There is also a huge clothing block, and a block with jewelry, a Department where you can buy the artful creations of local artisans who make Souvenirs, decorative plates, trays and much more right before your eyes. As you climb higher, you will find yourself in the grocery Department, where they sell the freshest products. In General, it is very difficult to run into stale products in the Uzbek bazaars, since the turnover there is just so frenzied that even Amazon or AliBaba merchants would envy them. There you can also relax and have lunch in a place different from the usual restaurants and cafes. In this place, you will plunge into the atmosphere of real life in the old East, where everything is simple, without chic, but with a special comfort and cordiality. Your eyes will be clouded by the dizzying aroma of delicious national dishes of Uzbekistan, which are prepared in front of your eyes, and at a price it will be quite inexpensive. There you can also buy various Souvenirs, exotic Oriental delicacies, dried fruits and other Goodies that will please your friends and family, because you will bring them a piece of the East right home.

In Samarkand, one of the largest and most visited markets for tourists is the Siab Bazaar. It, like many bazaars in Uzbekistan, is located under a dome, where numerous rows with a huge selection of various goods are scattered. It is located near the Bibi Khanum complex, which makes its location ideal for visiting in combination with a tour. And in Bukhara, in the heart of the historical part of the city, there are shopping domes Toki-Zargaron, Toki-Saraffon, Toki-Telpak – Furushon. They were formed during the reign of the Sheibanid dynasty as much as 5 centuries ago,when Bukhara was at its peak. At that time there was a real financial exchange there! Now, of course, there are no currency traders, but you will find a lot of interesting products in the form of Handicrafts with the finest paintings, Souvenirs and textiles in the national style.

And here are a couple of notes if you are going to Uzbekistan:

1. Haggle, haggle, and haggle again! Without this, you cannot shop in Uzbekistan, because as a true Eastern country, people here love to bargain. Yes, and it is much more interesting to buy goods in this way, the fire of sports interest flares up in you, which will definitely bear fruit.
2. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the location and seasonality.
3. To the market take to pay cash only
4. Before you buy something, find out the price of this product at several points, as they may be different and this will allow you to determine the average cost.
5. The sweetest fruits and dried fruit at markets.
6. You can try almost all products for free and buy exactly what you like. Do not hesitate to ask for this, sellers will be happy to treat you to demonstrate the quality and taste of their products.
7. It is better to shop in the bazaars if you want to buy Souvenirs, dried fruits and Oriental sweets. There is more choice at the Bazaar and, thanks to our first advice, your shopping will be more optimal and profitable.
8. If you went shopping alone, we recommend that you go to the supermarket, where all prices are fixed.
9. If your soul is still torn to the market, then it is better for you to go there, or with your friend or our guide, whom we will help you pick up, so that he (she) will help you navigate the prices and bargain correctly.

You will not regret your shopping in Uzbekistan, because you will get so many interesting and delicious things that you will not want your shopping day to end. And we, in turn, will show you the most famous and interesting bazaars in our Sunny country.