Qarshi: The Hidden Gem of Uzbekistan

• HelloSalom
  [sah-LOHM]
• GoodbyeXayr
  [khayr]
• YesHa
  [hah]
• NoYo'q
  [yoq]
• Please/You're welcomeIltimos
  [eel-tee-MOHS]
• Thank youRahmat
  [raah-MAHT]
• Excuse me/SorryKechirasiz
  [keh-chee-rah-SEES]
• How are you?Qalaysiz?
  [kah-LAI-siz]
• Fine. And you?Yaxshi. Siz?
  [yakh-SHEE. sees]
• Do you speak English?Siz ingliz tilida gapirasizmi?
  [sees een-gleez tee-LEE-dah gah-pee-rah-SEES-mee]
• I don't understandTushunmayapman
  [too-shoon-myap-MAHN]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMen menuni ko'rishni istayman, iltimos
  [men meh-NOO-nee koh-REESH-nee ees-TAY-mahn, eel-tee-MOHS]
• I don't eat meatMen go'sht yemayman
  [men goh-SHT yeh-MAI-mahn]
• Cheers!Salomat bo'lsin!
  [sah-loh-MAHT bohl-SIN]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTo'lashni istayman, iltimos
  [toh-LAHSH-nee ees-TAY-mahn, eel-tee-MOHS]

• Help!Yordam!
  [yohr-DAHM]
• Go away!Uzoqqa ket!
  [oo-ZOHK-kah keht]
• Call the Police!Militsiyani chaqiring!
  [mee-leet-see-YAH-nee chah-KEER-ing]
• Call a doctor!Tabibni chaqiring!
  [TAH-beeb-nee chah-KEER-ing]
• I'm lostMen yo'lga tushdim
  [men yol-gah toosh-DEEM]
• I'm illMen kasalman
  [men kah-SAHL-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Men sotib olmoqchiman...
  [men soh-TEEB ohl-MOHCH-ee-mahn]
• I'm just lookingMen faqat ko'z qarashni istayman
  [men fah-KAHT kohz kah-RAHSH-nee ees-TAY-mahn]
• 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 tushirishingiz mumkinmi?
  [NAHRKH-nee pahst-GAH too-shee-REESHEEN-geez MOOM-keen-mee]

• What time is it?Soat necha?
  [SOH-aht neh-CHAH]
• It's one o'clockBir soat
  [beer SOH-aht]
• Half past (10)O'n yarim
  [ohn yah-REEM]
• MorningErtalab
  [ehr-tah-LAHB]
• AfternoonKun kechasi
  [koon keh-CHAH-see]
• EveningKechki
  [kehch-KEE]
• YesterdayKecha
  [keh-CHAH]
• TodayBugun
  [boo-GOON]
• TomorrowErtaga
  [ehr-TAH-gah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2Ikki
  [EEK-kee]
• 3Uch
  [ooch]
• 4To'rt
  [tohrt]
• 5Besh
  [besh]
• 6Olti
  [ohl-tee]
• 7Yetti
  [yeh-tee]
• 8Sakkiz
  [sahk-KEEZ]
• 9To'qiz
  [toh-KEEZ]
• 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'rsatingiz mumkinmi?
  [MEH-nee kha-ree-TAH-dah kohr-SAH-teeng-geez MOOM-keen-mee]
• When's the next (bus)?Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?
  [keh-YEEN-gee av-toh-BOOS kah-CHOHN]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (.... ga)
  [bee-LEHT .... gah]

Qarshi, originally known as Nasaf, is believed to have been settled as early as the 8th century. The city was strategically positioned along the Silk Road, which made it a bustling hub of trade and cultural exchange. Archaeological evidence indicates that the region was influenced by various civilizations, including the Persians and the Sogdians.

In the 13th century, Qarshi fell under the control of the Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan. The city was later absorbed into the Timurid Empire under the rule of Timur (Tamerlane), who is known for his extensive building projects and contributions to the arts and sciences. Qarshi prospered during this time, with the construction of grand architectural structures such as the Odina Mosque.

During the 16th century, Qarshi became a prominent center within the Bukhara Khanate. The city served as a second capital and played a key role in the political and economic affairs of the Khanate. This period saw the construction of important public buildings, including the Chubin Madrasa, which remains a significant historical site today.

In the late 19th century, Qarshi was incorporated into the Russian Empire following the Russian conquest of Central Asia. The city underwent significant modernization, including the establishment of new infrastructure and educational institutions. Following the Russian Revolution, Qarshi became part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. The Soviet era brought industrial development and urbanization to the city, fundamentally transforming its landscape and society.

After Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Qarshi experienced a period of economic and cultural revival. Efforts were made to preserve the city's historical heritage while promoting modern development. Today, Qarshi is known for its vibrant markets, educational institutions, and as a center for agriculture and industry. The city continues to celebrate its rich history through various cultural events and festivals.

Qarshi is accessible via multiple modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is in Samarkand, approximately 130 kilometers away. From Samarkand, you can take a train or a taxi to Qarshi. Trains are a popular choice, with several daily departures that provide a comfortable and scenic journey. Alternatively, you can reach Qarshi by bus or shared taxi from Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, which is about 520 kilometers away.

Within Qarshi, various transportation options are available. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. Local buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate throughout the city, connecting key areas and neighborhoods. For a more personal experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace. Walking is also a viable option, as many attractions are within close proximity to each other.

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 local markets. ATMs are available in Qarshi, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival to ensure you have enough funds for your stay.

Qarshi 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. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 103 for medical assistance and 102 for police services. Qarshi has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is 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, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. 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. A slight nod 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 Qarshi like a local, visit the bustling local markets 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 ancient Kashkadarya River and the historic Oqsaroy Palace. For a unique experience, try the local dish 'Qarshi pilaf,' which is a regional variation of the famous Uzbek plov.