Page 55 - The Stans of Central Asia: Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan

The biggest religious holiday is Ramadan, a month-long celebration that is meant to teach
the values of restraint and charity. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Fasting
includes no eating, drinking alcohol, cigarette-smoking, or gum-chewing. Visitors are not
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restaurants are closed. The museums and archaeological sites remain open.

Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate TQ_L]—the breaking of
the fast. The festivities often continue well into the night. The mosques and some streets are
decorated with lanterns, special meals are prepared for the evening breaking of the fast, and
nighttime social events and festivals are planned. Ramadan follows a lunar calendar, so its
OL_P^ NSLYRP ^TRYTʭNLY_Wd Q]ZX dPL] _Z dPL]ɨTY " =LXLOLY bTWW MPRTY L_ ^`Y^P_ ZY 8Ld
26th and continue until June 19th.

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Central Asia is also home to large populations of Eastern Orthodox Christians. This is perhaps
not surprising when you realize that put together, the Eastern Orthodox churches are the
second-largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million followers.
?SP OTʬP]PY_ NS`]NS MZOTP^ L]P `^`LWWd Z]RLYTePO Md YL_TZYɨ2]PPV :]_SZOZc =`^^TLY
Orthodox, etc—but are united by similar doctrine. (In Central Asia, it is the Russian Orthodox
Church that is the most common.)

Practicing Orthodox Christians are expected be baptized in the faith, to attend church
regularly, and study the Orthodox bible (which contains books not included in the Protestant
bible). When visiting an Orthodox religious building such as a church or monastery, it is
considered polite to be covered from shoulders to below the knees—no shorts, no sleeveless
shirts, and no low or revealing necklines. Female visitors may be asked to cover their hair.

Language Barrier

You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if
you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be
a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a
few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive
toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball rolling. Keep in mind, however, that it is always
good form to know at least a few words in the local language.

Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. See the Packing chapter for more
details on dress in Central Asia.

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