Uzbek National Holidays

UNESCO Sites in Uzbekistan: Western Tien-Shan Mountains
The Western Tien Shan Mountain range, located at the junction of three 
neighbouring countries - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, was included in 
the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. The World Heritage Committee 
unanimously acknowledged the uniqueness of this region’s nature, which is 
characterized by a high level of endemism which means that some animals and 

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plants inhabit only in this certain geographical area. Moreover, the mountain range 
was included in the UNESCO as a precious natural sight due to being a home for 
numerous endangered species of flora and fauna, among which the Menzbir 
marmot, the snow leopard, the Karatau mountain sheep, and many others can be 
distinguished. The Western Tien-Shan includes 11 sites that are part of seven 
natural protected territories of three countries. 
Independence Square is one of the most beautiful places in the capital 
Tashkent. Moreover, the most impressive and beautiful fountains are also located 
in the square. 
On the site of the square, there was the palace of Kokand khan from the 
Kokand dynasty. In 1865, the khanate stopped existing, Tashkent became the part 
of Russian Imperium and the palace was destroyed. The square first was called the 
Red Square. Later it was named Lenin Square. After a strong earthquake in 1966, 
the part of the city and the square were destroyed. The reconstruction ended in 
1974 and the square was enlarged. At last, after the declaration of independence, it 
was called Mustaqillik Maydoni. In the place of Lenin monument a golden globe, a 
symbol of Independence was installed. 
The central part of the square is the Ezgulik, the arch of good and noble 
intentions. The monument has sixteen marble columns connected with a bridge. 
The figures of storks symbolizing peace decorate the bridge. Alleys stretch from 
the arch to the Independence Monument and the symbol of Mother – Motherland, 
the statue of a woman holding a baby. 
The main government and administrative buildings are located around the 
square; Uzbek Senate building, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of 
Uzbekistan, Uzbek Parliament Supreme Chamber and other buildings. The park 
with the Glory and Memory Alley is located opposite the administrative buildings. 
The alley of the park is decorated with wooden columns. There are Memory Books 
on the columns with the names of heroes who sacrificed life for Motherland. 
Ramadan Hayit is a day of moral and spiritual purification. The holiday 
starts after the Islamic fasting Ruza that lasts for 30 days. It is the fasting to purify 

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the soul. According to fasting month, Ruza or Ramadan from sunrise to sunset 
Muslims are not allowed to eat and drink, they treat politely and avoid bad 
thoughts. 
All religious holidays start with morning prayer Hayit-namaz. Ramadan 
Hayit lasts for three days. In Uzbekistan, religious holidays are declared public 
holidays and the whole country celebrates Ramadan. Arafa is the day before the 
holiday. On Arafa, Uzbek families prepare traditional dishes kush-tili, Orama, 
chak-chak, bugirsok and nuts in sugar. 
As a tradition on the day of a religious holiday Uzbek families visit a 
cemetery to honour relatives. Mazars (cemeteries) are tidied up before the holiday. 
After visiting the cemetery it is used to visit friends and relatives. The house where 
there are newlyweds, kelin (wife) wears a veil to cover her head and face.