INTERNATIONAL UZBEK TOURISM FAIR 2016

Yesterday I went to event devoting development of tourism in our country. It was the 4^th annual tourism fair but I was there for the first time. At first glance I liked the name of the event ‘The world of leisure’. Everybody likes leisure) Don’t we?

Presenatation of Yurt Hotel in Karakalpakstan

The event took place a little bit far from the centre of Tashkent, at the Exhibition Hall ‘Qorgazma Savdo Markazi’ situated near metro station Beruniy, about 15 minutes by taxi from the center. During 2 days all the organizations, sponsors, investors who related somehow to the sphere of tourism attend the fair, and a lot of people just come to watch and be the part of this event. It was good opportunity for making personal meetings for businessmen and establishing new contacts.

When I come I saw crowds of people near some tables. Coming closer I felt alluring smell of Uzbek Plov. As it turned out in the frames of Tourism Fair there was Festival of traditional food outside. Cooks from different parts of our country came to let visitors taste the dishes which they can find only in their regions. It wasn’t for free, but prices were not high.

Inside the Exhibition Hall I noticed a great majority of sellers: from clothes to handicrafts. The atmosphere was lively and noisy. Some sellers were from distant regions of Uzbekistan and it was interesting to see all the diversity and variety of traditional handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs and other things.

For example, I liked silk scarves from Andijan, it costs 2,9$. Purse from Kashkadarya is for 3,1$. Interesting and funny toys from Yangiyol, near Tashkent. Chapans (Uzbek traditional robe) you can find the shop in Chorsu bazaar, chapan costs from 8$ to 32$. Depends on summer/winter robe and design. 

Good souvenirs were presented by shop situated near Maxim Gorky metro station, price is 0,6$-5$. Navoi handmade napkins and towels were wonderful, 4-5$ for one. And knives from Karakalpakstan I think useful and nice present, prices from 7$ to 32$. 

And one more thing I liked the most are Christmas and New Year decorations, toys painted in the style of traditional Uzbek patterns. Lovely.

P.S. Periodically there are different events where you can go to see or buy interesting stuff, often it is called handmade fair. If you are in Tashkent, be sure to ask about these kinds of events.

FALCONRY IN UZBEKISTAN

Falconry is the tradition activity of keeping and training falcons to take quarry in its natural state. Since ancient time Falconry was very popular in our region, Central Asia. I was surprised to find out that it is still popular in modern Uzbekistan and there is society of falconers in Tashkent. 

I went to their club and spent an amazing day with falcon-lovers. What is Tugan Falconry Club and what they do, what is fides and where you can see falconry and other interesting things which I am going to reveal in this post.

Traditionally Falconry was transmitted from generation to generation as a cultural traditions by different ways, including learning within families, mentoring and formalized training in clubs. 

Falconry Competitions of Khiva's King, 1890. 

In Uzbekistan there is only one official Falconry Club which was opened in 2014. It is non-governmental commercial organization was found by falcons true lovers with non-commercial purposes. Tugan Falconry Club has support of Uzbekistan State Committee for Nature Protection. The Club was found for purpose to develop in 2 following dimensions: revival of traditional falconry as it is cultural heritage, making contribution in falcons’ population. That’s why nursery for growing up falcons or treating injured birds was built, located in Sergeli region which is 30 minutes away from the centre of Tashkent city (taxi fee 1-2$, you can ring up to the Club and they will help you to find the place). By the way they are very hospitable so it is free to visit their club. If you want to go to see falcons' fly you can ask price when you come to the Club.
Today there are 10 falcons in the nursery, in autumn 2 of them will be released to face the wild nature.

While talking to club members I noticed theirs real love for birds, they touched them with care and there was love in their eyes. Falconers develop a strong relationship and spiritual bonds with their birds, and commitment is required to breed, train, handle and fly the falcons. It is fides (you can notice this word on the logo of the club), which means trust and belief, it is foundation of relationship between falconers and falcons.

The world of Falconry is much larger and wider than I imagined. UNESCO recognized Falconry as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since before the time of the pyramids, over 4000 years, Falconry as a hunting method has become a deep tradition. Today’s modern lifestyle and rapid urbanization have restricted opportunities to practice falconry. 

Thanks to Falconry club now we have opportunity to preserve traditions and transmit them to growing generation. Recently Uzbekistan became the member of IAF (International Association for Falconry) along with such countries as UAE, Spain, Ireland, South Korea, Mongolia and others. It can open new ways for cooperation and development this sphere in our country. 

I wish the best luck to Tugan Falconry Club in Tashkent! You can find more information about Tugan Falconry Club here - https://www.facebook.com/denis.choi.5686/?fref=ts

Photos with love from Ernest Kurtveliev.