“No beds, no clocks, and carpets on the walls—this is how people really live in Uzbekistan” 🏡🌙 During a months-long stay, I discovered the beauty of everyday life in Uzbek homes—where traditions, hospitality, and simplicity create something truly special. From sleeping on the floor to gathering on topchans, take a look inside a culture you’ll never forget. Full story and photos in the article below 👇
A few years ago, I had the chance to travel around Uzbekistan for several months. It was an amazing trip full of kind people, beautiful sights, and the most delicious fruits and melons I had ever tasted! I also got the opportunity to see what real life is like inside Uzbek homes and apartments.
We stayed in different places and even rented a home from a local family. This gave me the perfect chance to learn about how people in Uzbekistan live.
Staying in a Bukhara Apartment
We wanted to experience everyday life, so we rented a two-room apartment in a regular neighborhood in Bukhara, away from the tourist areas.
The first thing I noticed was how spacious the apartment was. There wasn’t much furniture, which made the rooms feel even bigger.
One bedroom had just a bed, a small table, and a wardrobe. The second room, which was much larger, had only a big table and some chairs. This room was clearly meant for guests—hospitality is very important in Uzbek culture.
Where Guests Sleep and Eat
Uzbek families are very welcoming, and they’re always ready to host guests. In many homes, people use special mattresses called “kurpacha.” These are stacked in the corner and can be laid out on the floor for guests to sit or sleep on.
At first, I wasn’t used to sleeping on the floor. The first night, my back hurt a bit. But after adding more layers of the soft mattresses, it became more comfortable. Even wealthy families prefer these traditional sleeping arrangements. It’s believed that sleeping on a firmer surface is better for the back.
Big Tables and Plenty of Food
Even though furniture is minimal, one thing is always present: a large table.
Uzbeks love to gather around for meals, and you’ll always find plenty of food and tea for everyone.
Sometimes, instead of using chairs and a high table, people sit on the floor with a low table or spread food on a tablecloth in the center of the room.
It’s a cozy and warm way to eat and spend time together.
Carpets and Decorations
One of the most noticeable things in Uzbek homes is the carpets. They’re everywhere—on the floors, on the walls, and sometimes even on the furniture.
Carpets are a major part of the home’s decoration and can be found in nearly every household.
There are also many shops and markets that sell carpets throughout the cities.
The dishes are another lovely feature. Uzbeks use beautiful plates and bowls, often with blue and white patterns that are very traditional.
No Clocks, But Always On Time
I didn’t see clocks in many of the homes I visited, which surprised me. Still, whenever I made plans with someone, they were always on time. So even without wall clocks, people clearly keep track of time well!
Houses with Big Yards
Traditional houses in Uzbekistan are big, often with 4 to 7 rooms and a spacious yard.
The yard is a special place—people eat, drink tea, relax, and even sleep outside when it’s hot.
Many yards have something called a “topchan,” a raised platform with cushions, perfect for resting and chatting.
Families in Uzbekistan are usually large. Children care for their parents, and often the youngest son stays in the family home. That’s why the houses are so roomy—there needs to be enough space for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Uzbek homes are full of warmth, tradition, and simplicity. Whether it’s the way they sleep, eat, or gather, everything is about comfort and hospitality. I feel lucky to have experienced it.
Have you ever been to Uzbekistan or seen a home like this? Share your thoughts in the comments if you enjoyed this article!
