Urgench: The Gateway to Ancient Wonders

• HelloSalom
  [sah-lom]
• GoodbyeXayr
  [khayr]
• YesHa
  [hah]
• NoYo'q
  [yoq]
• Please/You're welcomeIltimos
  [eel-tee-mos]
• Thank youRahmat
  [rah-maht]
• Excuse me/SorryKechirasiz
  [keh-chee-rah-siz]
• How are you?Nima yangiliklar?
  [nee-mah yahng-ee-lik-lahr]
• Fine. And you?Yaxshi. Sizcha?
  [yahk-shee. seez-chah]
• Do you speak English?Siz inglizcha gapirasizmi?
  [seez een-gleez-chah gah-pee-rah-siz-mee]
• I don't understandTushunmadim
  [toosh-oon-mah-deem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyuni ko'rishni istarman
  [mehn-yoo-nee koh-reesh-nee ees-tar-mahn]
• I don't eat meatGo'sht yemayman
  [gohsht yeh-mahy-mahn]
• Cheers!Salomatliklar!
  [sah-loh-maht-leek-lahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTo'lashni istarman
  [toh-lahsh-nee ees-tar-mahn]

• Help!Yordam!
  [yohr-dahm]
• Go away!Yur!
  [yoohr]
• Call the Police!Politsiyani chaqiring!
  [poh-lee-tsee-yah-nee chah-keer-eeng]
• Call a doctor!Duktur chaqiring!
  [dook-toor chah-keer-eeng]
• I'm lostYo'l yo'q
  [yohl yoq]
• I'm illKasalman
  [kah-sahl-mahn]

• I'd like to buy...Sotib olishni istarman
  [soh-teeb oh-lish-nee ees-tar-mahn]
• I'm just lookingFaqat ko'z qarashni qilaman
  [fah-kaht kohz kah-rahsh-nee kee-lah-mahn]
• How much is it?Qancha?
  [kahn-chah]
• That's too expensiveBu juda qimmat
  [boo joo-dah keem-maht]
• Can you lower the price?Narxni pastga tushirsangiz bo'ladi
  [nahrkh-nee pahst-gah too-sheer-sahn-geez boh-lah-dee]

• What time is it?Soat necha?
  [soh-aht neh-chah]
• It's one o'clockBir soat
  [beer soh-aht]
• Half past (10)O'ng yarim
  [oh-ng yah-reem]
• MorningErtalab
  [ehr-tah-lahb]
• AfternoonKunduzi
  [koon-doo-zee]
• 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-qqeez]
• 10O'n
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...qayerda?
  [...kah-yehr-dah]
• What's the address?Manzil qayer?
  [mahn-zeel kah-yehr]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Menga ko'rsatingsizmi?
  [men-gah kohr-saht-eeng-siz-mi]
• When's the next (bus)?Keyingi (avtobus) qachon?
  [keh-yin-gee (ahv-toh-boos) kah-chohn]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir chipta (....ga)
  [beer cheep-tah ....-gah]

Urgench is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, with its origins tracing back to the ancient region of Khwarezm. It is mentioned in historical texts dating as far back as the 6th century BC, during the Achaemenid Empire. The city's early prosperity was due to its strategic location along the Amu Darya River, which facilitated trade and agriculture.

Urgench flourished as the capital of the Khwarezmian Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries. Under the rule of Shah Ala ad-Din Tekish and his successors, the city became a hub of culture, science, and commerce. Scholars and traders from around the world flocked to Urgench, contributing to its wealth and intellectual prominence.

In 1221, the city faced devastation at the hands of Genghis Khan and his Mongol army. The siege of Urgench is one of the most brutal events in the city's history. Despite fierce resistance, the Mongols destroyed much of the city and its population. This marked the end of Urgench's golden era and led to a period of decline.

In the 14th century, Urgench experienced a revival under the Timurid Empire. Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and his successors invested in rebuilding the city, restoring its status as a significant cultural and economic center in the region. Notable architectural projects from this period include the construction of grand mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums.

Urgench came under Russian control in the late 19th century and subsequently became part of the Soviet Union in the 20th century. During this period, the city saw modernization efforts including the construction of new infrastructure, educational institutions, and industrial facilities. However, many of its historical sites faced neglect and deterioration.

Following Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, efforts to preserve and restore Urgench's historical heritage intensified. The city has since embraced a new chapter, balancing modernization with the preservation of its rich cultural and historical legacy. Today, Urgench serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting tourists and historians alike.

Urgench is accessible primarily via Urgench International Airport (UGC), which is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. The airport receives flights from major cities in Uzbekistan and some international destinations. Alternatively, you can reach Urgench by train from Tashkent, Bukhara, or Samarkand. The train journey provides a scenic view of the Uzbek landscape. Buses and shared taxis are also available for those traveling from nearby cities.

Within Urgench, you can use taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate regularly and can take you to various parts of the city and nearby areas. For a more authentic experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to drive.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Urgench, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in major cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in some banks.

Urgench 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 Urgench does not have 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 emergencies and 102 for police assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Urgench. 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 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 Urgench 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 historic sites in nearby Khiva, such as the Itchan Kala, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Amu Darya River.