Uzbekistan is a country where history comes alive at every step. The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva seem to have come straight from the pages of Eastern fairy tales: mosaic madrassas, sand fortresses, mosques with turquoise domes. Here, hospitality is not just a word, but a part of the culture. The aroma of pilaf hovers in the air of the bazaars, and silk fabrics and carved items tell of centuries-old crafts. Uzbekistan is not only the past, but also the future with modern infrastructure and open tourism. For those looking for genuine Eastern exoticism, this is a must visit.