My name is Soira...

I am 19 years old, and the oldest sister to two sisters and two brothers. I enjoy playing volley-ball, reading books and listening to music. I have six hens and a cow and calf.

Many girls in Uzbekistan think about their weddings a lot. Weddings are a big deal here. If a young man wants to marry a young lady, his parents go to ask her parents for her hand. If the girl’s parents don’t agree, they may visit again later. If they do agree, the young man’s parents present them with “patir” (a kind of bread) and sweets, which they share. Then comes the betrothal ceremony. The young man’s parents bring special clothes for the young lady, and many other gifts. If the girl’s parents still want the wedding, they go to the future groom’s parents’ house to set a date for the wedding.

The day before the wedding, they send special food for the party: meats, vegetables, fruits, oil, rice and drinks and things. The women prepare all the food. More...