Journey to the Muslim country that Israelis must discover
N12 reporter Amit Mansharof embarks on a journey through Uzbekistan, a Muslim country in Central Asia, describing its diverse landscapes, mesmerizing architecture, encounters with locals, and the small Jewish community still thriving in Bukhara. The trip ranges from deserts to snow-capped mountains, from luxury restaurants to remote villages, offering a glimpse into a land where tradition and secularism intertwine.
N12 reporter Amit Mansharof sets out on a journey through Uzbekistan, a Muslim country in Central Asia, describing a trip across landscapes and cultures. The journey begins in Bukhara, an ancient city on the Silk Road, where he watches the World Cup in the central square alongside enthusiastic locals and stays in an alley with a group of beer-drinking Muslim men. He visits the old Jewish quarter, meets Rabbi Emanuel Natanelov at the Ohel Yitzhak synagogue, founded in 1800 and converted into a textile factory under Soviet rule before being returned to the community. Mansharof continues to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Timur Lang, and climbs to Gilan, the highest village in Uzbekistan, which was closed to visitors for decades. The article combines sensory descriptions, historical anecdotes, and human encounters, painting a picture of a country where Islam and Soviet secularism coexist side by side.