🎷 Free Jazz Festival, a Wedding Themed DJ Event, and Burger👑 Coming Soon...

Samarkand Marathon Registration Opens

I promise this is the last week I open with talk of running...

One of the world’s most beautiful marathons — featuring "views of ancient mosques and madrasahs, the blue domes of Registan Square, and traditional Samarkand mahallas" — is back!

Registration for the 7th Samarkand Marathon has already begun. Although the race isn't until November, registration usually only opens a few weeks before the event — and it tends to sell out fast.

This year they’ve opened months in advance—make the most of it!

Saturday, 8th November

• 2km race

• Multiple kids' races

• Nordic walking race

Sunday, 9th November

• Full and half marathon

• 10k and 5k races

Grab your tickets ASAP — I don’t imagine they’ll last long.

I already have my half marathon tickets. Who’s joining??

More information plus tickets here.

Speaking of running, don’t forget that Sky Camp Bo’stonliq 2025 is at Amirsoy this weekend.

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🎷 Tashkent International Jazz Festival (April 29–May 13)

Music lovers, mark your calendars — Tashkent’s biggest celebration of jazz is just around the corner!

From April 29 to May 13, head to the open-air stage behind the Palace of International Forums (the big, fancy building on Amir Temur Square which never seems in use).

Every concert is free and starts at 19:30. From experience, there’s a friendly atmosphere and plenty of people without being crowded.

Here’s the full schedule:

• April 29 – Sven Hammond Big Band

• April 30 – Glenn Miller Orchestra (International Jazz Day special!)

• May 1 – Salvador Sobral

• May 2 – Peter Bence

• May 3 – Jeremie Ternoy Trio (France)

• May 4 – Jazz Musicians of Uzbekistan

• May 5 – LRC Trio

• May 6 – Maya Azucena

• May 7 – Pawel Gunnar (Yamaha Artist) & National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan (Conductor: Alibek Kabdurakhmanov)

• May 8 – Shalash

• May 9 – Jazzirama

• May 10 – Chris Botti

• May 11 – Rumah Angklung feat. Arunika Anglung (Indonesia)

• May 12

  • 19:30 – JAH Trio (Poland)

  • 20:30 – Alpha-ray ban (Switzerland)

• May 13 – Spice 'n' Space

Whether you're into big bands, piano virtuosos, or international jazz fusion, there’s something here for you.

🎧 T’OY — An Uzbek Wedding Themed DJ Night by Sublimation

Sat April 26 | 18:00–23:00 | 42A Zargarlik Street

T’OY isn’t your typical DJ night — this one blends tradition and electronic music in a bold, imaginative way. Drawing on the rich symbolism of a traditional Uzbek wedding, the event mixes maqams, trumpets, and digital rhythms to create something both rooted and forward-looking.

This one has me excited for the weekend! The lineup includes both Josef Tumari and Sabinē who both featured on Boiler Room, Uzbekistan last year. Their sets from this event have well over half a million views combined. You can watch them here and here to get you in the mood.

Expect a carefully curated evening of live vocals, folk influences, house, techno, and more — all shaped by the evolving sound of contemporary Tashkent.

Lineup:
– Doppi Twins X Hayriniso – folk meets electronica
– ianiiiron X Alenzo – house & disco warmth
– Khyarim X Josef Tumari – oriental beats & techno energy
– Sabinē X Sabina Mustaeva – DJ set + live vocals
– Loud373 + mystery guest – a surprise to close the night

🎟 Tickets available at the Sapiens Hotel reception:
– Early bird (100 available): 200,000 UZS
– Standard: 300,000 UZS
– On the door: 350,000 UZS

📅 Ticket sales: April 20–25. This is an 21+ event. See you there!

Sublimation Insta

🍔 Coming Soon: Burger King in Tashkent

Tashkent’s about to get royally grilled..

International Beverages Tashkent has signed a deal to bring Burger King to Uzbekistan. The company has secured the license and expects to open the first restaurants within the next 2–3 months.

The deal has been seen by some as a positive sign for international investment. Personally, I’m not sure we want to pave the way for a Starbucks inside Chorsu Bazaar or a McDonalds in front of the Registan..

In the News this Week…

• Uzbekistan lowers duty-free allowance for travellers: From 1 May, new rules significantly reduce the amount of goods individuals can bring into Uzbekistan without paying customs duties, including reductions to $1,000 by air and $300 by car or on foot. Starting 20 July, travellers must also meet minimum stay requirements abroad (2–3 days) to qualify for the allowance. More.

• In contrast, import restrictions on baby items to be lifted: Following criticism and shortages, Uzbekistan will ease the rules on imports of baby products like diapers. From personal experience, it’s been getting harder to buy baby products - hopefully this will help. More.

• Uzbekistan to launch ‘golden visa’ scheme: From 1 June, foreigners can obtain a five-year residence permit by investing $200,000 plus $100,000 per family member, aimed at attracting wealthy investors. I’ll be sticking to my work visa for now... More.

• Historic Hazrati Imam Complex to be restored with strict preservation measures: Restoration of key structures in the Tashkent complex has been approved under the condition that monuments remain undamaged and traditional materials are used for foundations. More.

Tote-ally Local: Carry a Piece of Uzbekistan

City-Inspired Bags for Everyday Adventures

We’ve partnered up with a young local Tashkent artist to bring you these beautifully illustrated tote bags, featuring playful hand-drawn designs inspired by Toshkent, Samarqand, Xiva and Buxoro.

Each bag captures the charm of a different city and adds a touch of Uzbek flair to your everyday routine. Lightweight and practical, they're perfect for shopping at the bazaar, carrying food for a picnic, or bringing your laptop to work.

Whether you're heading to Chorsu or out of town, these totes are a stylish and functional way to carry a piece of Uzbekistan with you wherever you go.

Price: 200,000 UZS (plus delivery).

Limited stock available – message @ryanett88 on Telegram to grab yours before they’re gone!