Photo courtsey of Maftuna Khasanova

O

n the other side of the world (11,700 kilometres away, to be precise), you can find my homeland, Uzbekistan. Located right in the heart of Central Asia, it is a sun-soaked country with a rich history, culture and the most hospitable people. Yet, here in Melbourne (and in most parts of the world), when I say that I am from Uzbekistan, I see confusion or surprise on people’s faces. I often hear: “This  is my first time meeting someone from Uzbekistan,” “We never learned about this country in geography lessons,” or my favourite, “Pakistan? Afghanistan?” Being the only Uzbek (that I know of!) at the University, I realise how invisible my country is and how important it is to share and raise awareness about it.

When I first came to UniMelb, I was a bit surprised to learn that among so many international communities, there was no Uzbek student society nor Central Asian one. Not seeing your country’s flag and familiar faces can be isolating at times. But at the same time, it can also be encouraging and empowering. As a representative and ambassador of my country, I feel proud and responsible to share the beauty, history, traditions and warmth of my nation with my peers. And this article is my way of introducing Uzbekistan’s incredible culture, potential and the experience of a student who carries their country’s story on their shoulders.

Uzbekistan is a place where the past, present and future intertwine. As you travel through its ancient cities, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, you can immerse yourself in centuries of history, experience the elegance of Eastern culture and walk in the footsteps of traders, scholars and conquerors along the Silk Road. Turquoise-domed mosques and madrasas, spice-scented bazaars and shimmering adras (traditional silk fabric with vibrant patterns) give the ambiance of magical fairy tales. You will definitely feel the Central Asian spirit by wandering Tashkent’s bustling Chorsu Bazaar, haggling for spices or sipping tea in a traditional chaykhana (a teahouse where people gather to socialise).

But Uzbekistan is not just a museum of the past. It is a fast-developing, dynamic country in Central Asia with modern energy. With a population of 38 million, 60 per cent of whom are young people, Uzbekistan is a new oasis of opportunity and transformation. Reforms in education, tourism and innovation are opening the country to the world, and the world is starting to notice. Tashkent, the capital, is emerging as a regional tech and cultural hub, hosting international summits, innovation boot camps and creative festivals that spotlight Central Asian talent. Young Uzbeks are confidently stepping onto the global stage, succeeding across diverse fields and shaping their own globally connected narrative. Whether you are into history, modern life or breathtaking nature, Uzbekistan has something to offer every student explorer and curious traveller.

One of the most delicious ways I have introduced Uzbekistan to my peers here in Melbourne has been through food. In our culture, food is not just about feeding your body, it is about connection and ritual. There is a special kind of hospitality where guests are treated like family members, and leaving the table hungry is almost impossible. If you want to taste the most delicious food and experience gastronomic tourism, Uzbekistan is the best location for it. Fragrant plov (our national rice dish), shashlik (skewered meat), manti (steamed dumplings), and non (freshly baked bread) straight from a tandyr (a traditional clay oven) will steal your heart and show you exactly why food is sacred in our culture. Honestly, I often miss those tastes, especially during late-night study sessions in the Baillieu Library with nothing but a sandwich.

Uzbek culture is also about community and unity. We celebrate everything together, whether it is a wedding, holiday or simply good days and moments. As a student here, I have tried to recreate that sense of connection. I participated in a Nowruz festival organized by the GSA, celebrating the national spring holiday of the Uzbek people. I was eager to showcase our culture, so I set up a stand featuring our national dress, delicious foods and performed a famous Uzbek song on stage. My goal was to demonstrate that Uzbekistan’s heart is as open as its borders.

Of course, there are some challenges in being an international student from a lesser known country. Constant homesickness, loneliness and struggles to explain where you are from can be tough. But I also believe that being surrounded by such an internationally diverse community and experiencing different cultures is a huge privilege. As a proud Uzbek, I dream of seeing more people visit my country and become interested in my country’s story. Whenever I share something about Uzbekistan, I want to plant a seed of curiosity in people’s minds. I hope this article does the same.

So, next time when you plan a trip and choose your next destination, consider Uzbekistan. I am sure you will be mesmerized by its history, culture and warm hospitality. And if you see me around campus, say hi because I would love to tell you more about my home over kuk choy (traditional Uzbek green tea).