Uzbekistan Quiz Part 2: The Heart of the Silk Road

How well do you know Uzbekistan?

Test your knowledge of Uzbekistan with these 10 questions. Choose the best answer for each question and see your score at the end!

• 1. What is "Plov" (Pilaf), the national dish of Uzbekistan?

  • (A) A type of soup
  • (B) A layered dish of rice, meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, and onions
  • (C) A sweet pastry
  • (D) A fermented dairy drink

• 2. The historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva were key stops along what ancient trade route?

  • (A) The Spice Route
  • (B) The Silk Road
  • (C) The Amber Road
  • (D) The Incense Route

• 3. What is a "chapan," a traditional piece of Uzbek clothing?

  • (A) A type of leather boot
  • (B) A woman's headscarf
  • (C) A quilted or padded outer coat, often colorful and worn by men
  • (D) A piece of jewelry

• 4. What is the correct etiquette when entering an Uzbek home?

  • (A) Keep your shoes on
  • (B) Take off your shoes and place them by the door
  • (C) Enter without greeting anyone
  • (D) Ask for a tour of the house immediately

• 5. In Uzbek culture, what is the significance of bread ("non")?

  • (A) It is considered a minor side dish
  • (B) It is sacred and should never be placed on the ground or upside down
  • (C) It is only eaten on special occasions
  • (D) It is typically thrown away after a meal

• 6. What is a "mahalla" in the context of Uzbek society?

  • (A) A large shopping mall
  • (B) A traditional neighborhood or community that serves as a form of local self-government
  • (C) A type of musical instrument
  • (D) A royal palace

• 7. How is respect for elders demonstrated in Uzbekistan?

  • (A) By calling them by their first name
  • (B) By standing when they enter a room and offering them the seat of honor
  • (C) By speaking over them to show enthusiasm
  • (D) By shaking their hand very firmly

• 8. What is "suzani," a famous type of Uzbek textile?

  • (A) A type of rugged canvas for tents
  • (B) A large, hand-embroidered decorative textile, often used as a wall hanging
  • (C) A plain, un-dyed wool
  • (D) A machine-made carpet

• 9. When drinking tea with an Uzbek host, what does it mean if your cup is only filled halfway?

  • (A) The host dislikes you
  • (B) The host is running out of tea
  • (C) It is a sign of respect, showing the host wants to keep serving you fresh, hot tea
  • (D) It means the meal is over

• 10. What is the Registan, located in Samarkand?

  • (A) A modern government building
  • (B) A famous local market
  • (C) The heart of the ancient city, a public square framed by three ornate madrasahs
  • (D) A desert oasis