On the 25th of April, alongside a few members of the Democratic Education Network, I shall be embarking on a voyage to Uzbekistan. I have always been intrigued by the opportunity to visit other countries, meet new people, embrace new cultures, and try cuisines I would otherwise never have encountered.
As different as it may be from England, I find a strange sense of comfort and familiarity with Uzbekistan. A dear friend of mine, who also happens to be my piano teacher, was born and raised there. Every week, she would tell me about her life in Uzbekistan, describing the warmth and beauty of her homeland, and thus I feel as though I already know it, despite never having been there. The historical significance of Uzbekistan deepens my curiosity even further. Located at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, it was once the centre of civilisations, ideas and cultures. Cities like Samarkand stand as tokens of Uzbekistan’s vibrant past, specifically known for the incredible architecture and vast heritage. Learning about Uzbekistan’s history, I cannot help but feel a sense of connection, as so much of it overlaps with the broader history of the Turkic world.
Far beyond its rich history, I am especially excited to experience Uzbekistan’s culture and daily life. According to the tales of my Uzbek friends, hospitality plays a very important role, much as it does in Turkiye. Food is also another thing that I am very excited to explore. Coming from a culture with very rich, comforting food, I have heard similarities between our cuisines, but I am also excited to try things that are incredibly new to me, like Naryn, noodles, and horse meat. I can envision myself bustling among the busy markets and revelling in the intricate architecture. As a Turkish person, this journey holds deeper meaning for me. Turkiye and Uzbekistan share Turkic roots, and though we are separated by geography, there are inherent linguistic, historical and cultural ties between us. I have heard Uzbek before, so I am very curious about how much of it I will be able to understand. In many ways, this trip feels less like visiting a foreign land and more like a rekindling of a distant historical tie that has developed its own identity while still retaining traces of a shared past. Ultimately, I hope this journey will allow me to learn more about Uzbekistan and about my own identity. To me, travel is more than visiting a new place. It is a way to appreciate beautiful scenery, form connections with people, and challenge perspectives, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for these wonderful opportunities. As I await our departure, I find myself not only excited about what I shall experience, but also the many memories I can reminisce on when I return.
Suheyla Coskun