A LAND OF CHANCES, BEAUTY, AND PROMISE

A few months ago, I had the privilege of visiting Uzbekistan — a land where every day seemed to offer me another chance. Another chance to see, to taste, to learn, to be humbled.

I boarded the sleek high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand, watching the landscape unfold at modern velocity. Not long after, I found myself in a very different setting — an old train, perhaps built in East Germany in the 1960s, rattling steadily towards its destination. This was not just a change in pace; it was a journey through time.

There were the monuments of Bukhara and Samarkand, standing like eternal witnesses to history. I walked their courtyards, climbed to the rooftop of a madrasah, and gazed at domes and minarets that seemed to touch the sky. In Bukhara’s bustling bazaar, I tasted the best plov of my life — fragrant, rich, accompanied by fresh vegetables and, in true Uzbek fashion, a small glass of vodka. That simple lunch, on the slow old train, remains one of my favourite memories. The train restaurant was alive with chatter, the view from the windows an ever-changing tapestry of fields and villages. Payment by card was not an option — a reminder that not all journeys are about convenience, but sometimes that is the charm.

One afternoon, on the train from Tashkent to Samarkand, I found myself seated with two Uzbek men. We began to talk in English. To my surprise, they had just arrived from New York — members of the executive board of the Uzbek Jewish community. Our conversation flowed easily, a mix of shared travel impressions and reflections on culture. It was a simple but profound reminder that Uzbekistan is a peaceful country where diversity is possible, and where respect and kindness are part of a legendary hospitality.

In Tashkent, I wandered into a bazaar and discovered a beautiful “Raketa” watch — a small treasure from another era. I also found one of the best cocktail bars I have ever visited, proof that Uzbekistan can mix tradition with cosmopolitan flair.

Uzbekistan is a land of wealth and contrasts — ancient cities and modern ambitions, deep traditions and youthful energy. It is a place that humbles you with its beauty and hospitality. And yet, beyond its monuments and markets, there is a bigger story unfolding.

Uzbekistan’s population is young, its future wide open. Soon, the country will join the World Trade Organization — a milestone that will bring new opportunities for trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. The people of Uzbekistan are already rich in heritage, even if they do not always fully realise it. Now, they stand on the threshold of a new kind of wealth: opportunity.

As an enthusiastic traveller and a cosmopolitan tradesman, I have seen how countries evolve when their people embrace both their roots and the wider world. To me it seems that the young people of Uzbekistan present a bright future, but there are a couple of humble suggestions I might make from my observations.

1. Learn English. Not only for work in tourism, but as a gateway to global knowledge. News can be fleeting, but knowledge endures. English opens doors to science, culture, and opportunities that span continents.
2. Study abroad. Uzbekistan has a tradition of welcoming and mingling with foreigners. Returning the gesture by venturing beyond your borders will enrich your perspective. The exchange of ideas, values, and skills will strengthen both you and your homeland.
3. Master technology — especially AI. Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world. It is powerful, but like any powerful tool, it must be handled wisely. Learn it, use it, but do not let it use you.
4. Protect your culture and traditions. A tree that bears fruit does so because of its roots. Sever them, and you risk losing what makes you unique. Your history is not a weight holding you back — it is a foundation to build upon.
5. Be daring. Only you can blend Uzbek tradition with modern innovation in a way that feels authentic. This is your competitive advantage — your “secret recipe” in a world that values both heritage and progress.

My journey in Uzbekistan was a journey through time, taste, and thought. From the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the laughter in a train carriage, from a bazaar watch to a crafted cocktail, every moment reminded me that this country holds infinite chances for those willing to see them.
To the people of Uzbekistan — thank you. Thank you for your kindness, your beauty, your hospitality. You live at the crossroads of history and the future. May you walk forward with confidence, holding your traditions in one hand and your opportunities in the other. The world is ready to discover you. And I, for one, am ready to return.

As for me, I am French, an enthusiastic traveller and a polyglot. I have a passion for participating in Uzbekistan’s growth and development, especially by working with young people — whether through coaching, teaching, or mentoring. As a 57 year-old, educated in France, Italy, and the United States, fluent in six languages, and active in the cosmetics industry I hope to meet the people, learn the culture and help where I can. That is why I am drawn to Uzbekistan — a land where giving and receiving knowledge feels like a shared journey.

by Damien Collignon