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Myths and Realities – The Personal Viewpoint of Julia – A Young Girl from Uzbekistan
By Agha Iqrar Haroon: Former Consultant Ministry of Tourism Government of Pakistan
After travelling to many of the popular places in Uzbekistan, I had really wanted to travel in a purely rugged fashion, but also knew that certain areas of Central Asia could be difficult and challenging. Then, I was introduced to a vibrant young travel guide named Julia Yusupova who was fluent in both French and English.The conversation started with our introduction, and the moment she discovered that I am a journalist and writer, and from Pakistan on top of that, Julia appeared to be a little bit uncomfortable with my presence. I felt instantly that something was awry after she discovered who I am and what I do for a living.
On our way along a dirt road I wanted to stop at any Chaikhana (tea shop – chai is an Uzbek name of tea and khana is a shop or a place). While sipping my tea, I politely brought up the subject of Julia’s apparent discomfort with me. This young lady simply answered “Yes I am little perturbed.” This answer was shocking for me because in the field of tourism, such an honest answer to a client from a guide is highly unusual! Since I am also a teacher, I laughed and smiled, asking her to explain the reason. Here, our wonderful conversation started that led me to know more and more what young people in Uzbekistanthink about the media.
At the end of our journey and having listened to her carefully, I asked Julia to write whatever she thinks about media people and about Pakistan and that is what you will now read in this article.
In a nutshell, here is what Julia said to me:
Nowadays the media has a huge influence on society. The media does not necessarily inform people, but actually forms their own opinion, and sometimes the media gives only a partial view of things which can then be misleading. Ignorance, lack of information and prejudices of media can sometimes create myths, and ones about Uzbekistan are not an exception. As a result of my experience of contact with foreigners, I have heard different points of view of how Uzbekistan is perceived by western society.
Uzbekistan = Afghanistan and Pakistan, also? Hmmm . . .
Uzbekistan is a republic and is a unique and distinct nation, existing only since 1924. That was the time of the creation of “New Asia” or the creating of nations by the soviet government (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan etc.). Therefore, from the etymological point of view, the phenomenon of “Uzbekistan” has appeared only at the beginning of twentieth century. The truth is that at the mention of Uzbekistan, most western people lose any spatial content, mixing up Uzbekistan with Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Uzbekistan borders on the south with Afghanistan, a beautiful country looking for a peace that is still uncertain. In addition, northern Afghanistan has a relatively stable level of security. Mostly populated by Uzbeks, northern Afghanistan is also the region that differs ethnically from the rest of the country. People are very hospitable, despite a recent history riddled with conflicts and wars.
The name “Uzbekistan” in derived from the name given to the dominant ethnic group of the region: the Uzbeks. The suffix of the name has its origin from the Persian word “stan” (“country”, “place”). Uzbekistan therefore means “The Land of Uzbeks.” The same rule holds true for the names of other countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan etc.
Uzbekistan = the Heritage of the USSR?
Carried by the peaceful wind, the sun tells a tremendous love story – that of Alexander the Great. That of Genghis Khan. That of Turks, Arabs snd Persians. That of Russians and their boundless passion for this region of Central Asia. Each of these love stories has left their mark without erasing those of its predecessors. Significantly each has played its positive or negative role. This is the history and we accept and appreciate it. The 70-year dominance of communism has left its mark on Uzbekistan and its people, but also in the minds of western people. As a result the western point of view perceives Uzbekistan as an old satellite country of the former USSR with kolhoz, sovkoz, huge military parades, KGB agents, etc. Such stereotypes are sticking to the cultures for a long time, but unfortunately they also exert a great influence on public opinion. The fabulous historical heritage and the countless mixing of populations that have occurred in Uzbekistan since ancient times can decidedly open the door to wisdom.
This year, Uzbekistan is celebrating its 20th anniversary of independence. What a great path it traversed throughout these years! It is well known that after having obtained independence in 1991, Uzbekistan has chosen its own model of development. The political, economic and social reforms have been made. The State has become the main actor who initiates progressive, social-oriented changes. We must objectively evaluate all the advances of the young independent state that has great potential and real opportunities for its development.
Uzbekistan = Samarkand?
My observations show that the majority of French speaking people associate the country with Samarkand, a name that makes you dream of turquoise domes, colorful markets and fragrant spices, camel caravans, great adventures…
Samarkand, a key step on the Silk Road narrated by Marco Polo, described by Amin Maalouf in his novel titled “Samarkand,” is a city in the perfect setting for tales of the Arabian Nights. For some people, visiting Samarkand is on the top of their wish list.
I have a great affection for Samarkand, my hometown, however, the magnificent and majestic Samarkand is not all Uzbekistan has to offer.
Uzbekistan is a country of rich culture that is deeply rooted in centuries of history in Central Asia. Throughout its history, Uzbekistan has been a bridge between the East and the West – between the peoples and nations – a crossroads of ancient roads, a meeting place for people through all their linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds. Moreover Uzbekistan is a meeting with a very hospitable and friendly people, inquisitive and ready to offer their best with ease. They will ask you to take pictures of them, and as prize you’ll see smiles on their faces. It is a welcoming country, because after all these years of isolation, the Uzbeks seize upon every opportunity to welcome new friends from afar. Uzbekistan is a country rich with natural resources, including cotton, Mourountaou gold, uranium in Navoi, a good production of oil and gas, and the ancestral people themselves with their know-how in agriculture and trade.
The greatest chance of Uzbekistan: current developments make it a sanctuary, a refuge of peace. Maybe it is because the land is so rich, it is needed to use its wealth in tranquility, and crisis and war will appear only on its periphery.
Hopefully in the near future Uzbekistan will be recognized by its official name, not only in favor of cotton, gas, turquoise domes, etc., but with the sparkling eyes and soothing smiles of Uzbeks who will welcome you with the open heart!
| What is the independent travel which I plan and I realise? - Independent travel for me it: independence, a freedom in choosing and decision-making. It is responsibility which lies on me and only on me. Is a way to experience the country, to size up it without relying on luster of tourist magazines, being in private with way of life: people, meal, binge, dances, the nature... |
