I will be documenting my life in Tashkent in this final year here.
Modern Uzbeks are known for producing delicious fruits and vegetables. There is a lot of agriculturally productive land here in the Ferghana Valley and along the Amu and Syr Dayra (rivers). Historically, the “Uzbeks” were a nomadic Turkic tribe and not farmers in the 15th and 16th centuries. They eventually encountered and assimilated with the sedentary, Persian-speaking agriculturalist Sogdian people in the oasis cities and farming areas here. The nomadic Uzbeks merged with the sedentary Sogdians, to be known today as producing the greatest variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains in Central Asia. One of the best things about living here is the great-tasting produce.
Several varieties of Uzbek table grapes are absolutely delicious. The wine industry here is not developed yet. My personal favorite variety is the white damski (lady fingers) grapes. They are the oldest variety, legend has it that they came from Samarkand during the Timur dynasty. The Rizamat variety is the most expensive and delicious as well. Rizamat grapes were named after Uzbek grape breeder Rizamat Musamukhamedov, one of the most famous viticulturists in Central Asia in the 20th century, The Mercedes variety originates from Tajikistan and are supposed to make delicious raisins as well.
We are hosting my Uncle Jack this month in Tashkent. He has been a tremendous help in setting up our new house. It is much smaller than our previous house, as Nadia and I are downsizing our lives after 24 years of children at home. We both love our new home as it is comfortable and cozy. Little by little, we are organizing the storage, tidying up the patios, planting flowers, adding hooks and electrical outlets, etc. We hosted a successful first dinner party this weekend. We like the easy access to the front garden and the open concept kitchen, living, and dining room. The house has high ceilings with classic Central Asian design and lighting. It will be a cozy year in our new home.
It is nice to be back in Tashkent. I have been walking Obi and jogging in different neighborhoods. I appreciate that Tashkent is such a walkable city.
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