Bazaars

Uzbek bazaars play an important role in the lifestyle of the local culture. Since the old times, the Uzbek markets have been the reflection of tradition and culture of the people. Bazaars are not only used as a form of trade, but they also serve the function of socializing. You can learn the latest news, enjoy various traditional meals, and watch different performances by local artists at the bazaars. Uzbek markets help to preserve traditions and customs. You can experience different forms of trading at the bazaars, from the most old fashioned to the most modern rituals of trading goods. You may see people trading in the open air, on the ground, on covered or open-air stalls, wooden benches, booths, and many different bases.

There are traditional markets in every city of Uzbekistan. One of the biggest, oldest and most famous markets is the Chorsu bazaar, which is located in Tashkent, in the center of Eski Juva – the old town, and the Kukaldosh Madrasah. The word Chorsu comes from the Persian language and means “the crossroads”. The Chorsu bazaar is over a thousand years old and is a unique three-storied complex with a blue-skied dome. Here you will find all sorts of vegetables and fruit, both fresh and dried, along with traditional and modern clothing, carpets, handmade and wood-carved products, and much more.

Among the traditional big markets, there are many conveniently located smaller neighborhood markets where people can find essentials without having to travel too far.

It is a common practice to negotiate the price of any item in bazaars when you shop. It is rare to pay the asked price without bargaining first.

Here are some language points to use when shopping at a bazaar:

Customer to the seller:

Seller to the customer:

Language practice:

Using the vocabulary you know, write a short conversation between a seller and a customer at a bazaar.

References:

http://simurgtravel.com/en/east-markets

https://www.orexca.com/uzbekistan/tashkent/bazaars.htm