Don't leave your trip to Uzbekistan empty-handed: this country, extraordinarily rich in history and culture, offers a wide range of souvenirs. You can use them to decorate your home with Uzbek flair or to give to loved ones. The cherry on top is that these souvenirs are all local, authentic, and handmade, which gives them tremendous charm. Uzbekistan is known for its artisanal people, who have created goods for centuries that are exported around the world. Here are some souvenir ideas to buy in Uzbekistan.

Ceramics

This is surely the most renowned craft in Uzbekistan, and you'll notice it immediately during your trip: ceramics are not only used for tableware, but also cover the walls of all restaurants and homes like works of art.

Uzbekistan is known worldwide for its plates in blue tones with traditional patterns. Each region and even each city has its own school and style: you'll see it in the different colors and shapes adorning the dishes.

You'll find them everywhere in markets and souvenir shops. But the best place to buy traditional ceramics is Richtan, in the Fergana Valley. Here, artisans use "Ishkor" as their shade, made from plants and minerals: it's a blue you won't find anywhere else in the world! Generally, their works are decorated with pomegranates and almond blossoms.

Figurines and Dolls

Uzbeks also use ceramics to create charming small traditional figurines. They represent the heroes of the country or traditional life, such as a watermelon seller or a merchant with camels.

Easier to transport, felt dolls or papier-mâché dolls are lightweight and unbreakable. These often depict Uzbeks in traditional clothing.

Jewelry

Uzbek women love jewelry, especially in metal. Some are even talismans. You'll find them in all forms, decorated with pearls and precious stones. The most classic are surely the teardrop-shaped earrings.

To store them, don't hesitate to buy yourself an engraved wooden box, another talent of the Uzbek people.

Musical Instruments

Like all Central Asian peoples, Uzbeks have been musicians for generations. If you share this interest, bring back a traditional musical instrument: it's a very original souvenir, and useful too! You'll find various string and wind instruments as well as percussion: it's up to you what you prefer. Some, like the qoshnay, a small clarinet made of reed tube, are very small and easy to transport.

Traditional Clothing

Why not combine pleasure and practicality by purchasing traditional Uzbek clothing as souvenirs? You'll find warm coats, the chapan, worn especially in the mountains. Women can choose traditional dresses. If you're passing through Bukhara, check out the fur coats, which are highly renowned. Many garments and accessories are woven from camel wool, which is very warm.

Don't forget to buy yourself a traditional embroidered hat, called the tubeteika: even if you don't wear it, it's always a beautiful decoration for your living room!

Fabric and Carpets

In the markets, you'll also find very high-quality fabrics. Obviously, the most beautiful souvenir to bring back from Uzbekistan is a carpet: because these, handmade and of very high quality, are sold at high prices around the world. You'll need to make room in your luggage.

Uzbek Paper

Did you know that after China, it was in Uzbekistan that paper was invented? In the 10th and 11th centuries, the artisans of Samarkand made high-quality paper from mulberry bark and flowers.

Wine

For those with a sweet tooth, bring back a bottle of local wine. Uzbek wine, the most famous of which comes from Samarkand, is very sweet and fruity.