Religion in Uzbekistan

About 90% of Uzbeks are Sunni Muslim, with small Orthodox Christian, Jewish and Catholic minorities. Society is secular in daily life but deeply respectful of tradition.

Mosque etiquette

Dress modestly — long trousers or skirts, covered shoulders. Women cover their hair before entering active mosques (a scarf is enough). Remove shoes at the door.

Ramadan

Restaurants and cafes stay open during Ramadan and non-Muslims are not expected to fast. Iftar dinners at family restaurants are a wonderful experience.

Key religious sites

  • Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Samarkand
  • Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Bukhara
  • Khast Imam Complex, Tashkent (home to the world's oldest Quran)
  • Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Samarkand