There aren’t many other countries that capture the mystery and splendour of Central Asia as well as Uzbekistan does. The varying terrain produces some fantastic sights, from the incredible solitude offered by the rolling deserts to the vast mountainous expanses or beauty of the countryside, there is that definite haunting charm that Central Asia somehow kicks up. Uzbekistan has been growing all round including in the tourist market, but an apparent danger of Islamic fundamentalism in the country is damaging the reputation of the nation.

The history of the Uzbek people differs from that of most other Central Asian peoples, in that the Uzbeks were less of a nomadic group and stayed where they were – evidence of Uzbek living patterns in the region stretch back as far as the 6th century BC. Even though the Uzbeks were around for all that time, they did not always rule themselves and numerous tribes, hordes and empires passed through the region over the centuries – the Huns, the Macedonians, the Mongolians and the Seljuks, amongst others, all held power in the area at some time or another. The influences of Alexander the Great and the Western Turks bringing Islam to the region helped shape Uzbekistan into a prosperous and powerful nation at the heart of the Silk Road, and the 14th century saw the reign of the ruthless warrior Timur, whose expansion of the nation saw the borders stretch as far as Moscow, Baghdad and Ankara. By 1510, however, Mongol hordes naming themselves Uzbek had conquered the region for themselves, and that is how things have stayed since. Russian interest in the region began in the 1700s, but it took around 150 years of trying for the empire to get a footing in the territory, and by 1875 the Russians had taken the region for themselves.

The Bolsheviks went on to declare the area as Uzbekistan in 1924, even though before Central Asians did not live by borders and boundaries, and the Uzbek people were generally forced into cotton farming, or if they were of the intelligentsia variety forced out of the country – or worse. The years of Soviet rule forced the Uzbek economy into relying on the Russians and the environmental consequences of methods used then are still being felt to this day. After decades under Soviet rule, the collapse of the Union came about and Uzbekistan declared itself an independent state, with Islam Karimov taking power and not letting go. The government has been accused numerous times of forcing opposition parties out of the picture in a number of ways and reputedly has an appalling human rights record, and the seemingly growing threat of Islamic militancy is a problem that needs to be addressed by the country – fortunately they have America on their side, thanks to the help Uzbekistan is offering in the ongoing military campaign in Afghanistan.

The tourist market in Uzbekistan is currently reeling from the growing problems in the area, though it should be noted that most visits to the country are totally safe. The nation is a long way away from past economic glories, but there has been some turnaround in recent years from the stagnation left from the Soviet era, and the government have allowed opposition parties to at least organise publicly. Baby steps, one might say.

Healthcare in Uzbekistan is generally of a very poor standard, with hospitals failing to offer even the most basic of supplies such as bandages or clean needles. Health insurance is highly recommended and major illness or ailments should be treated elsewhere. The British embassy should be consulted on whom to visit for minor treatments, as they can point foreigners in the right direction for better facilities.

Mobile phone signal covers Tashkent, but signal strength is poor at best in all other regions. Landlines are of a poor standard and need modernisation soon. Internet cafes are available in Tashkent.

General banking hours in most areas are from 0930 to 1730 Mondays to Fridays. Usual office hours are from 0900 to 1800, Mondays to Fridays. Shopping hours are normally from 0900 to 1900, whereas food shops open from 0800 to 1700.

Usual business etiquette applies in Uzbekistan. Guests in private homes should remove their shoes before entering.

Tipping is not mandatory, though is gratefully accepted.