Andijan: The Heartbeat of Fergana Valley

• HelloSalom
  [sah-lom]
• GoodbyeXayr
  [khayr]
• YesHa
  [hah]
• NoYo'q
  [yoq]
• Please/You're welcomeIltimos
  [eel-tee-mohs]
• Thank youRahmat
  [rah-maht]
• Excuse me/SorryKechirasiz
  [keh-chee-rah-sees]
• How are you?Qalaysiz?
  [kah-lahy-sees]
• Fine. And you?Yaxshi. Sizni?
  [yahkh-shee. seez-nee]
• Do you speak English?Siz inglizcha gapirasizmi?
  [sees een-gleez-chah gah-pee-rah-sees-mee]
• I don't understandTushunmadim
  [too-shoon-mah-deem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyuni ko'rishni istayman, iltimos
  [mehn-yoo-nee koh-reesh-nee ees-tahy-mahn, eel-tee-mohs]
• I don't eat meatMen go'sht yemayman
  [mehn goh-sht yeh-mahy-mahn]
• Cheers!Salomat bo'lsin!
  [sah-loh-maht bohl-seen]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTo'lov qilmoqchiman, iltimos
  [toh-lohv keel-mohq-chee-mahn, eel-tee-mohs]

• Help!Yordam!
  [yohr-dahm]
• Go away!Ket!
  [keht]
• Call the Police!Politsiyani chaqiring!
  [poh-lee-tsee-yah-nee chah-keer-eeng]
• Call a doctor!Tabibni chaqiring!
  [tah-beeb-nee chah-keer-eeng]
• I'm lostMen yo'qolganman
  [mehn yoh-qohl-gahn-mahn]
• I'm illMen kasallanganman
  [mehn kah-sahl-lahng-ahn-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Sotib olmoqchiman...
  [soh-teeb ohl-mohq-chee-mahn]
• I'm just lookingFaqat ko'zlarim...
  [fah-kaht kohz-lah-reem]
• How much is it?Bu qancha?
  [boo kahn-chah]
• That's too expensiveBu juda qimmat
  [boo joo-dah keem-maht]
• Can you lower the price?Narxni pastga olib ketsangiz bo'ladi mi?
  [nahrkh-nee pahst-gah oh-leeb keht-sahn-giz boh-lah-dee mee]

• What time is it?Soat nechanchi?
  [soh-aht neh-chan-chee]
• It's one o'clockBir soat
  [beer soh-aht]
• Half past (10)O'n yarim
  [ohn yah-reem]
• MorningErtalab
  [ehr-tah-lahb]
• AfternoonTushlik
  [toosh-leek]
• EveningKechasi
  [keh-chah-see]
• YesterdayKecha
  [keh-chah]
• TodayBugun
  [boo-goon]
• TomorrowErtaga
  [ehr-tah-gah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2Ikki
  [eek-kee]
• 3Uch
  [ooch]
• 4To'rt
  [tohrt]
• 5Besh
  [behsh]
• 6Olti
  [ohl-tee]
• 7Yetti
  [yeh-tee]
• 8Sakkiz
  [sahk-keez]
• 9To'qqiz
  [toh-qqe-ez]
• 10O'n
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?Qayerda...
  [kah-yehr-dah]
• What's the address?Manzil qayerda?
  [mahn-zeel kah-yehr-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Meni (xaritada) ko'rsatingizmi?
  [meh-nee khah-reeh-tah-dah kohr-saht-eeng-ez-mee]
• When's the next (bus)?Keyingisi qachon?
  [keh-yee-ngi-see kah-chohn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir chipta (.... ga)
  [beer cheep-tah gah]

Andijan's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement as early as the 7th century BCE. It was part of the fertile Fergana Valley, which played a significant role in the Silk Road trade routes, linking China with the Mediterranean.

In the 14th century, Andijan came under the rule of the Timurid Empire, founded by the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane). This era marked significant development in the region, with Andijan becoming an important cultural and economic hub.

Andijan is famously known as the birthplace of Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babur in 1483. Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India and is celebrated for his memoirs, the Baburnama, which provide a detailed account of his life and the region.

In the 18th century, Andijan became part of the Khanate of Kokand. It was during this period that the city saw further development in terms of architecture, trade, and culture. The bustling bazaars and caravanserais from this era reflect the city's strategic importance.

Andijan was annexed by the Russian Empire in the late 19th century and later became part of the Soviet Union. Under Soviet rule, the city experienced industrialization and modernization. However, this period also saw significant political and social changes.

A devastating earthquake struck Andijan in 1902, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The city was subsequently rebuilt, and the event remains a significant chapter in its history.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Andijan became part of the newly independent Republic of Uzbekistan. The city has since been developing rapidly, blending its rich historical heritage with modern advancements.

In May 2005, Andijan was the site of a tragic event known as the Andijan Massacre. Protests against the government led to a violent crackdown, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people. This event has had a lasting impact on the city's contemporary history.

Andijan is located in the Fergana Valley in eastern Uzbekistan. The nearest international airport is Andijan Airport (AZN), which has flights connecting to major cities in Uzbekistan such as Tashkent. From Tashkent, you can also take a train to Andijan; the journey typically takes around 6-7 hours. Buses and shared taxis are also available from Tashkent and other major cities in Uzbekistan, offering scenic routes through the countryside.

Within Andijan, you can get around using local taxis, which are relatively inexpensive. There are also minibuses (marshrutkas) and buses that run throughout the city and connect to nearby towns. For a more flexible option, you can rent a car, but be cautious of local driving conditions. Bicycles can be rented for short distances and exploring the city at a leisurely pace.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Andijan, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash beforehand to ensure you have enough funds for your trip.

Andijan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Specific high-crime areas targeting tourists are not common, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical emergencies and 102 for police assistance. Andijan has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques or religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Andijan like a local, visit the local bazaars where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Uzbek goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Babur Park and Museum, which is dedicated to the founder of the Mughal Empire, who was born in Andijan. For a unique experience, try the local dish 'Osh' and enjoy traditional Uzbek tea at a local teahouse.