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On Sunday 25 October, San’at – Forum für Kunst, Kultur und Wissenschaft e.V. transformed a Berlin venue into a hub of Uzbek culture and hospitality. The event was dedicated to the 35th Uzbek Independence Day and the first anniversary of San’at Forum. The highlight of the event was the joint preparation of the traditional Tashkent wedding plov under the guidance of head chef Shokhayit Odilov. The live cooking demonstration was accompanied by a varied presentation of Uzbek applied and fine arts, traditional clothing, music and dances from various regions of the country.
A culinary experience: the tradition of Tashkent wedding plov
Through its cultural initiatives, San’at Forum aims to introduce an international audience to Uzbekistan’s rich culture, traditions and intangible cultural heritage, and to create spaces for authentic intercultural encounters. The aim of this event was to give people in Berlin, as well as anyone interested in Central Asia, the opportunity to experience Uzbekistan first-hand and with all their senses – without having to leave Berlin. By combining traditional Uzbek cuisine – in particular the preparation of Tashkent wedding plov – with cultural performances, music, dance, arts and crafts, and insights into time-honoured customs, the aim was not only to impart knowledge but also to allow guests to experience the special atmosphere that characterises Uzbek culture: cordiality, openness, warmth and a deeply rooted sense of hospitality. Our aim was to create a meeting place where culture is not merely presented, but experienced and personally encountered – so that guests could immerse themselves in the cultural world of Uzbekistan for a few hours and leave Berlin feeling as though they had been on a special journey. We are delighted to say that this aim has become a reality.
Under the guidance of head chef Shokhayit Odilov, who works for the Uzbek Embassy in Berlin, the guests were given an insight into the preparation of traditional Tashkent wedding plov, one of the most significant dishes in Uzbek cuisine. Not only were the ingredients and individual steps explained, but the significance of the dish for Uzbek culinary and festive traditions was also conveyed.
Cooking the dish in a traditional large cauldron became the highlight of the afternoon spent together. The guests were able to watch the cooking process unfold first-hand and then enjoy the freshly prepared plov together.
Live-Cooking by our chef
Participants enjoying plov
Plov presented by workshop participants
Chef Odilov preparing plov
Plov during the cooking process
Other highlights featured Somsa – another famous traditional Uzbek dish
Traditional clothes have been presented and were available for the participants to try out
Decoration of the table by Uzbek
Central Asia Expert Christian Große (l.) with our chairperson Zukhra Rakhmatova (center) and other participants
The decorated table before the event
San’at Forum team
Discover Uzbek culture with all your senses
A particular highlight of the event was the comprehensive cultural display. Guests were not only able to learn about Uzbek traditions and customs, but also to experience them first-hand.
Applied arts, including ceramics—such as traditional Lagan plates from Gijduvan—as well as the embroidery art characteristic of Uzbekistan: Tashkent suzani, were on display. In addition, fine arts from Uzbekistan, including contemporary paintings, were presented.
Another highlight was the display of traditional clothing from various regions of the country. Colourful dresses, robes, coats and embroidered ‘doppi’ headdresses gave an impression of the regional diversity of Uzbek textile and traditional costume culture. Guests also had the opportunity to try on selected garments and gain a first-hand understanding of this tradition.
Music and dance – the diversity of Uzbekistan
The cultural programme was enriched by traditional dances from Surxondaryo and the Fergana Valley. The different dance styles showcased the cultural diversity of Uzbekistan’s regions and lent the afternoon a special atmosphere.
Uzbek tea culture and the importance of shared meals in social life were also showcased. This gave the guests an insight into the traditions that have been an integral part of everyday life and hospitality in Uzbekistan for generations.
A piece of Uzbekistan – right in the heart of Berlin
What made this Sunday so special was the interplay of all these cultural elements. Cuisine, crafts, traditional dress, music, dance and personal encounters all came together to create a shared experience.
Visitors from the worlds of business, culture and the arts, from Central Asia and Europe, were able to do more than simply get to know Uzbekistan. They were actually able to experience Uzbekistan for a few hours – through its flavours, colours, sounds, traditions and the warm atmosphere of its hospitality.
With this unique event format, San’at Forum provided a fresh cultural impetus in Berlin. The aim was not only to showcase Uzbek culture, but to bring its full diversity to life and to connect people through shared experiences.
One Sunday. A taste of Uzbekistan. An unforgettable cultural experience – right in the heart of Berlin.
San’at – Forum für Kunst, Kultur und Wissenschaft e.V. would like to extend its warmest thanks to all the participants, guests and supporters who made this special day possible.
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