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Halal Travel in Uzbekistan – Why Go to Uzbekistan as a Muslim Traveller!

Categories Asia , Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is one of the new hot destinations that everyone seems to be going to, especially Muslims and after 1 week in Uzbekistan I can see why! Halal Travel in Uzbekistan is perfect for so many reasons which I’m going to tell you about in this Uzbekistan travel blog!

I have just returned from a 1 week tour in Uzbekistan with Halal Travel Guide where I got to travel around the country visiting 3 cities and endless attractions with a local guide and a group of like minded Muslim ladies .

Our guide told us that tourism in Uzbekistan has been increasing the last few years and I know I have seen more and more people go on social media so NOW really is the time to go whilst it’s still relatively unknown but so easy to visit!

Halal Travel in Uzbekistan

Muslim travel in Uzbekistan is perfect as there are places to pray, halal food, the chance to meet local Muslims, endless impressive Mosques, Madrasa’s and Mausoleums to visit.

Due to a very interesting, and recent history of 70 years of soviet rule , only ending in 1991 which stripped the country of it’s religion, there’s a lot to learn in Uzbekistan as a Muslim travelling there.

Many are also surprised to hear that the must-visit city of Bukhara is where Imam al Bukhari was born and his body is now in another must-visit city of Samarkand.

So in this Uzbekistan travel guide, I’m going to give you more reasons why you should visit Uzbekistan as a Muslim, some Uzbekistan travel advice I picked up from my visit and my Halal Travel Guide Review as I had such a great week with them and really recommend their tours to you!

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How to Visit Uzbekistan

Firstly, I cannot recommend travelling to Uzbekistan with Halal Travel Guide enough! They have been running Uzbekistan tours for Muslims for the last few years and have perfected their itineraries.

I did the 7 day, 6 night trip visiting Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand . This trip is perfect for those tight on time as we saw so much in such little time but it didn’t feel rushed or tiring thanks to the itinerary.

If you have longer to spend in Uzbekistan and want to get to know the country even more, I recommend the 10 day, 9 night tour which also visits Khiva and Shakhrisabz . Khiva is one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan but due to how far North it is, it’s hard to visit with just 1 week in Uzbekistan!

Click here to view all their Uzbekistan tours and the other tours they offer!

Halal Travel Guides run ladies only Uzbekistan tours which was what I joined and we had a lovely group of 7 British Muslims on the trip, however they run mixed tours too !

Travelling independently to Uzbekistan

Whilst Uzbekistan is safe to travel independently , it’s one of those countries where travel logistics have not been smoothed out just yet and that’s why I think it’s best to visit on a tour with a local guide.

Uzbekistan is well connected by train, however, our guide told us train tickets are not easy for foreigners to get and you’ll likely end up needing a local travel agent to help.

English is not that widely spoken making it more difficult to get around although it is still possible.

If you want to travel independently whilst also learning about the Islamic history and sites you are seeing, I recommend hiring a local Muslim guide in the cities you visit.

Is Uzbekistan Muslim Friendly?

Uzbekistan is extemeley Muslim friendly with around 80% of the population being Muslim .

On the outside, Uzbekistan is different to many other Muslim countries as looking at locals you may not think they are Muslim… After a long soviet rule where being religious meant you were persecuted , it is taking them time to come out of this history but having Muslim tourists visit who are openly Muslim in how they dress and wanting prayer spaces is also helping.

As a hijabi, I felt extremely welcome and safe . There were many other Muslim tourists around when I visited in April and many of the locals greeted me with an ‘Assalaamu Alaikum’ which was really nice and helped create a connection with them I felt.

Uzbekistan is also Muslim friendly for many of practical reasons which I’ll go into now!

Related post to read afterwards: What to wear in Uzbekistan!

Halal Food in Uzbekistan

You really don’t have to worry about halal food in Uzbekistan as it is halal !

Our guide told us they do serve pork in a very small minority of places like in Korean restaurants but even then, the rest of the meat is halal and it’s unlikely that as a tourist eating in tourist areas you’ll find these types of places anyway.

I ate amazingly in Uzbekistan! Their national dish is Plov which is a rice and meat dish that also comes with some vegetables and quails eggs which I found very unique. When in Tashkent, I recommend visiting the famous Besh Qozon aka The Plov Centre to get your first fix of Plov!

Manti was another one of my favourites which we had with meat and another time with pumpkin and I tried Laghman for the first time which is a pulled noodle dish from the Uyghur cuisine and Central Asian cuisine which we saw on nearly every menu.

One of the surprising things I found about the food served was the wide range of Salads on offer which were so fresh and delicious!

One of the things you need to know about visiting Uzbekistan is that their food is very meat and bread heavy ! They love their meat and if you order a selection of meat.. let’s say, you’ll be served a selection of meat ! Bread comes with all meals and it’s so fresh and tasty!

Places to Pray in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is full of mosques which makes praying on-the-go very easy .

Our guide told us that women from Uzbekistan generally pray at home which is due to the countries past history meaning there are less spaces for women to pray in mosques, however these days because of the amount of Muslim tourists visiting and foreign women needing places to pray in mosques , women’s areas have become more common and I prayed in some beautiful prayer areas.

2 out of 3 of our hotels whilst travelling with Halal Travel Guide had the direction of the Qibla on the hotel room ceiling and offered prayer mats in the room which I loved. Hotel Al Anvar in Tashkent even had a prayer room.

Islamic History in Uzbekistan

Many tourists travel to Uzbekistan to see the beautiful blue and green ornately designed Mosques and Mausoleums which are incredible to witness, but to visit as a Muslim and understand their meaning, their history and relevance in our religion is something really special and why I urge Muslims to travel to Uzbekistan!

Islam was brought to modern day Uzbekistan in the 8th & 9th Century which is known as the Golden Age , with Bukhara becoming the most important centres in the Islamic world !

In Bukhara, one of the most famous and impressive mosques Kalan Mosque was built in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century after being destroyed by Genghis Khan. Next to it stands Kalon Mineral which is not only famous for its design but because it was one of the few monuments Genghis Khan did not destroy !

Also in Bukhara, close to the trading domes and the ruins of the Hammam, you’ll see Magoki Attori Mosque which was also built in the 12th century . From the 12th to 16th century it was used as a working synagogue as well as a working mosque. It was later covered in sand and rediscovered.

Imam Al Bukhari

We all know of Imam Al Bukhari but many of us don’t realise that he was born in Bukhara which is now modern day Uzbekistan and this alone is one of the reasons to visit Uzbekistan!

Imam Al Bukhari lived from 810 to 870 . He was born in Bukhara and died in Samarkand after travelling the world.

Right now, just outside of Samarkand, the government is building a new Memorial complex of Imam Al Bukhari which is hoped to be finished in 2025 with a huge mosque and accommodation facilities around for tourists to visit and stay at for awhile.

Whilst in Samonids Recreation Park near the centre of Bukhara, there is a small Memorial complex of Imam Al-Bukhari .

Cultural Immersion Activities

One of the things that makes Halal Travel Guide so great is their focus on cultural immersion. We learnt about the national dish Plov , and then we had a go at making it. We learnt about pottery and calligraphy , and then we had a go at it ourselves.

I really love that the cities in Uzbekistan offer the chance to get to know the craftsmanship of the country and let you have a go. These are crafts that Muslims have been doing for centuries here and around the world and it feels special to be able to connect with them when visiting.

Halal Travel Guide Review

As I hope you can tell, I had the best time travelling Uzbekistan with Halal Travel Guide and I 100% recommend them to you for many reasons!

We managed to see 3 cities in just 6 days , we saw so many attractions and took part in 3 cultural activities but it didn’t feel like a really intense or tiring trip (and I say that as a woman who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time!).

Our itinerary had plenty of free time which we mainly used to rest, explore ourselves and get dinner by ourselves. I love it when tours offer this as it allows you to get to know the place independently and split from the group for some alone time if you’re craving it.

Bukhara and Samarkand are very walkable so it was nice being able to get dinner and shop in these cities alone and choose what we wanted to do with our time.

Explore the tours to Uzbekistan and other destinations Halal Travel Guide run here!

Accommodation

We stayed in 3 different hotels and each one was a bit different. In Tashkent and Samarkand the hotels were pretty modern which was nice, our hotel in Tashkent was just 15 minutes from the airport making arriving and departing very pleasant and in Samarkand we stayed along a beautiful green boulevard close to the top tourist attractions.

In Bukhara we stayed in a guesthouse in an old stone building right in the old city which was very fitting for Bukhara and I’m glad we had this experience and were within walking distance to all of the shops and restaurants.

All our hotels offered halal breakfast buffets and 2 of them had signs for the Qibla on the hotel room ceilings and prayer mats which is a nice touch for Muslim travellers.

Local Guide

Humoyun was our local guide on this tour and he was outstanding ! He was constantly available for us to speak to and get advice from and he gave us a lot of information about the country and the places we visited whilst not piling too much information on us.

He told us a lot about what it was like to grow up in Uzbekistan at the time of the Soviet rule, like how during Ramadan they were not allowed to fast and they were not allowed to pray or women wear hijab, and this local insight into a country is invaluable.

He was also incredibly patient with us ladies who liked to take a zillion photos and shop a lot!

Halal Travel Guide also arranged for us to have a local guide in Bukhara and Samarkand which was a lovely touch and both guides were female. It was lovely to hear about the sites and attractions from an extra local guide and I appreciated the initiative to support female tour guides here too!

The price of the tour to Uzbekistan by Halal Travel Guide is very competitive and includes a lot of things.

I spent £150.00 in spending money whilst the trip which covered the 5 dinners that are not included, tips and my own personal shopping. As a rough guide, we spent about £6.00 on dinner each night as the prices are very reasonable and some of the ladies felt lunch filled them up and opted just for a dessert instead of dinner on some nights.

Included in the tour were 3 cultural experiences which I feel really enhanced our itinerary and our connection with locals.

We learnt about the national dish Plov , and then we had a go at making it. We learnt about pottery and calligraphy , and then we had a go at in ourselves!

Group of like minded people

Finally, I do feel like tours bring together such a group of like minded people and I can say this is true for my tour. As it was a ladies only tour, there were 7 of us ladies and it is happened that we were all from the UK which made us connect more and I hope we will see each other and stay in touch in the future.

One of the wonderful things about travelling on a tour is going alone and meeting new friends to connect with. We had a lot of laughs and spent a lot of good time together.

2 of the ladies had been to Bosnia with Halal Travel Guide before which is another destination they excel in when it comes to tours and I can see why they came back on another tour run by the company!

I also know many Muslims want to travel as a couple or with their siblings and as female Muslim travel groups are more popular, this is hard to do, but Halal Travel Guide offer mainly mixed tours with some ladies only tours too!

Uzbekistan Travel Advice

I hope you are convinced about Muslim travel in Uzbekistan so lets look at some of the practical information to help you visit!

When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

April/May and September/October are great times to visit Uzbekistan and these shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn are the peak season in Uzbekistan.

This is because Uzbekistan experiences hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures in Bukhara which has a dry desert type heat can reach 50c in July!

I went at the end of April and the weather was perfect , it was warm and verging on hot during the day but cooled down at night a lot whilst still being really comfortable and pleasant.. especially when coming from the UK in April!

How to get to Uzbekistan?

It’s likely you’ll need to transit in Istanbul Airport when flying with Turkish Airlines to reach the capital city of Tashkent which is what my group did from Manchester and London. Although there are some direct flights from London to Tashkent too!

Search for flights on Skyscanner to Tashkent here.

Is Uzbekistan safe to visit?

I was on a tour with a guide for my trip to Uzbekistan so of course I felt very safe but as an avid traveller (this was country 74 for me!) I was sure to pick up on how it would feel to be in Uzbekistan on my own as I did experience times on my own too and I can still say I felt very safe .

On my Instagram content from Uzbekistan , many women said they have been to Uzbekistan recently and felt safe travelling alone or in a group of female friends and I can completely imagine this!

As a tourist to Uzbekistan you’re likely going to stick to the tourist centred cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and the tourist attractions here which are very well signposted and looked after making them feel safe and secure.

We got 2 bullet trains and the stations and trains are modern and easy to figure out .

I used an eSim and therefore had pretty constant internet access which always make me feel more comfortable.

Then, in terms of hygiene safety . We ordered salads and lots of different types of food, I brushed my teeth with the tap water and none of our group became ill from this making it safe to travel in this way too.

What to wear in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan offers tourists the chance to dress in a variety of ways although a level of modesty is needed inside mosques and other Islamic sites.

Click here for my full post on What to Wear in Uzbekistan as a tourist!

Uzbekistan Travel Tips

• Bring cash like £ or USD and exchange it once there. Uzbekistan is a cash society although in modern areas of the cities and when buying items at a high price point, you can pay by card but I wouldn’t rely on it.
• Download Russian and Uzbek on your Google Translator App as you’ll more than likely need to translate the menus and some signs. You can do this via taking a photo and the app translates it.
• How to say thank you in Uzbek is – Rahmat.
• How to say hello in Uzbek is – Salaam or of course ‘As Salaamu Alaikum’.
• Ladies should always have a shawl to put over shoulders and head to cover inside certain attractions if they are not wearing hijab.

Remember to check out the tours to Uzbekistan that Halal Travel Guide offer and you won’t regret it!

I hope this post has helped you realise that Muslim travel and halal travel in Uzbekistan is easy to do and a great idea!

• For more of my blog posts see:
• What to wear in Uzbekistan and what to pack for Uzbekistan!
• 7 Travel Hacks Muslim Women Must Know!
• Becoming Muslim and Connecting to Faith through Travel
• BEST Halal Restaurants in Manchester. ULTIMATE Guide to Halal Food Manchester!
• 36 BEST Things To Do In Istanbul With Insider Tips!
• Pakistan Travel Advice. Things To Know BEFORE You Go to Pakistan!

Disclaimer: I attended this trip to Uzbekistan with Halal Travel Guide as a press trip however all opinions and thoughts written are my own.

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• Travel Guide
• Inspiration

10 Reasons Uzbekistan Is The Islamic Destination To Visit In 2019

Shasha Dania  •  Jan 22, 2019

When you think about Uzbekistan, what comes to mind? ? This Central Asian country has begun to make its way onto travel bucket lists but is still not too well-known to most travellers

Credit:  Giphy

As with lots of other countries in the region, there are still some misconceptions about it that may make us hesitant to travel there – however, we believe that there’s so much more to Uzbekistan than meets the eye! Still unsure? Here are 10 reasons that will convince you Uzbekistan is your next great travel destination!

1. Awe-Inspiring Islamic Monuments and Mosques

It’s impossible to explore Uzbekistan without encountering a mosque or madrasah (Islamic school) – most of them centuries old! Some of the most popular attractions in Uzbekistan are in fact mosques or other Islamic sites, pointing to the country’s deep historical ties to the Middle East and Persia, and historical significance to the greater Islamic world. Uzbekistan is definitely another  Islamic destination you can't miss in your lifetime .

Credit: @ znzhdhznl  on Instagram

Khast Imam Square (Hazrati Imam) is located in the capital city of Tashkent and contains several individual buildings such as the madrasah of Barak-Khan and Tilla Sheikh mosque. There’s even a library of ancient manuscripts within the complex, containing the famous Samarkand Kufic Quran (also known as the Uthman Quran)! Turquoise tiling and decorations are a defining characteristic of mosques and architecture in Uzbekistan, and the beautiful facades of Khast Imam are no exception.

Credit:  Kris Hankinson  on Flickr

The Registan used to be at the centre of Samarkand’s ancient city, and is famously framed by three gorgeous madrasahs – Ulugh Beg Madrasah (Built 1417 – 1420), Sher-Dor Madrasah (Built 1619 – 1636), and Tilya-Kori Madrasah (Built 1646 – 1660). Each madrasah has its own unique architecture that sets it apart, while still displaying the brilliant turquoise colour Samarkand is especially known for.

#HHWT Tip:  Keep an eye out for the decorations on the Sher-Dor madrasah entrance, which features mosaics of tigers with a rising sun on their back reflecting ancient Persian Mithraic motifs.

Credit: @ quantastico  on Instagram

In North-Eastern Samarkand, Shah-i-Zinda is a mausoleum complex that according to local legend houses the body of Kusam ibn Abbas. Amazingly, while these buildings were built from the 11 th  to the 19 th  century, each subsequent leader decided to respect the area and add on to it rather than bulldoze older tombs and buildings away. Despite the long test of time, many of these buildings are still standing today!

2. Delicious Halal Local Cuisine

With over 90% of Uzbekistan’s population being Muslim, finding Muslim-friendly food throughout the country is a breeze! Uzbekistan has no official certification board for Halal food at the moment but is in talks with the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to begin a certification process. Nonetheless, there are still many options available for the discerning foodie! ?

Credit: @ layoverss  on Instagram

Plov is the national dish of Uzbekistan and consists of rice, mutton or beef, carrots, onions, and vegetable oil prepared in a deep cast-iron pot. There are meatless versions of plov available too, and each city and region even has its own variations. Plov centres in major cities are known for preparing the dish in large pans such as the one above – and guests may even eat or be served directly from this communal pan!

Credit:  Sergio Tittarini  on Flickr

Tea drinking is a major tradition in the country and is taken at almost every meal. While you can usually order green or black tea in a restaurant, for an authentic Uzbek experience make sure to stop and sit for a while at a Chai-Khana (tea house). While it tends to be old men who visit these tea houses to chit-chat for hours, don’t let that stop you from taking a break and soaking in the atmosphere! There are also less traditional cafes that serve a wider variety of tea (saffron tea anyone?) so you’re spoiled for choice!

3. A Birthplace Of Ancient Islamic Knowledge

We don’t typically associate Uzbekistan with scientific marvels, but some of the finest discoveries made by ancient Muslim scientists actually took place in its cities! Monuments and museums commemorating these discoveries should definitely be on your list – both as a way to discover Uzbekistan’s past, and to wonder at how much it changed the world!

Credit: @ alexandersanaev  on Instagram

The Ulugh Beg Observatory in Samarkand is regarded as one of the most impressive observatories in the Islamic world. Rediscovered in 1908 after almost 500 years, the contributions of its scholars included predicting eclipses and creating star charts. The Ulug Beg Observatory Museum was opened in 1970 and displays equipment such as astrolabes as well as reproductions of star charts and other important documents.

4. History Comes Alive In Its Streets

The cities in Uzbekistan are old – think  thousands  of years old. There are even medieval monuments still standing today, even in the capital city itself!

Bukhara and Samarkand are two of the biggest and oldest cities in Uzbekistan, but you can easily find the old existing alongside the new. Bukhara, in particular, is known for both its centuries-old mosques, as well as its modern museums!. It’s a place where the ancient and the contemporary co-exist side-by-side, speaking to Uzbekistan’s rich history as much as its optimism towards the future.

Credit: @ valeravi  on Instagram

Khwarezm, a desert oasis just outside of Khiva, houses several archaeological and historical sites. The area is also known as Elliq-Qala, or “Fifty Forts”, referring to the vast kingdoms that used to exist. While there are already so many ruins that have been uncovered for tourists to visit, it's amazing that more are still being discovered every day ?

Credit: @ dzyuba_travel  on Instagram

One of the sights in Khiva you can’t miss is the Kalta-Minor minaret. Unlike typical minarets, its fat tube-like design is overwhelmingly large – with a foundational diameter of 14.5 metres wide! Its turquoise body stands out even more against the brown desert tones, making it an icon of the city itself. The minaret was a project started by Muhammad Amin Khan in the 19 th  century and was intended to be tall enough to allow him to see all the way to Bukhara, but construction stopped after his death in 1855.

5. Magnificent Culture and Heritage

Did you know that Uzbekistan is home to 4 UNESCO Cultural Sites – with many more still on a pending list! Its central position in the Silk Road has made it a melting pot of a range of cultures for centuries, and this diversity has reflected itself in both the tangible and intangible aspects of the country.

Credit: @ see_seaview  on Instagram

Shakhrisyabz is over two millennia old and was the centre of ancient Kesh from the 14 th  to 15 th  centuries. Added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000, the city is a monument to centuries of secular growth which propelled Uzbekistan into its central significance on the Silk Roads. The continued preservation of the original buildings and decorations speaks both to the skill of the city planners of the time, and the dedication of the contemporary government to preserve the site. Sadly with increased tourist visits to the site and the building of more hotels and modern facilities to accommodate them, Shakhrisyabz was added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger list to reflect concerns that it may be getting too modernized.

Credit: @ nayundance  on Instagram

Uzbek dance is one of the country’s most recognizable traditions. There are three main schools – Bukhara, Fergana, and Khorezm – with their own unique styles, and these lively and energetic dances are performed on a variety of social occasions. If you come across a wedding taking place, you may even get to see the wedding party burst into a spontaneous dance on the street! Dancers often perform in front of madrasahs and other major buildings, but there are also local tours which will offer the opportunity to watch these beautiful dancers in motion.

6. Experience Breathtaking And Baffling Nature

Uzbekistan’s terrain is mostly desert – but don’t think that means there isn’t anything to see or do!

Credit: @ yaykaaa  on Instagram

The Aydar Lake (Lake Aydarkul) is part of the man-made Aydar-Arnasay lake system – right in the middle of the desert! A legacy of Soviet planning, the lake is mainly used for industrial fishing today but also hosts tourist activities nearby such as fishing or yurting. There’s even a yurt camp in the village of Yangigazgan where tourists can spend a night or two sleeping in these traditional desert houses.

Credit: @ jaa_kongdechakul  on Instagram

The Aral Sea isn’t quite what its name suggests – decades ago it used to be the fourth-largest lake in the world, but now it’s a barren basin that’s almost completely dried up! Many ships still remain landlocked and abandoned here, creating a kind of ship ‘graveyard’. Being amongst them is mesmerizing, especially when you realize that you’re standing right where there used to be deep water ?

7. Architectural Crossroads Of The World

Thanks to the Silk Road as well its few decades as a Soviet state, Uzbekistan has integrated all of these influences to create a landscape and culture completely unique to itself and representative of a multicultural outlook on the world.

Credit: @ bettyvonschnitzel  on Instagram

Even in a country dotted with stunning Islamic buildings, Bukhara’s Chor-Minor madrasah stands out for its four minaret towers topped with rounded blue ceramic domes. Each minaret is shaped and decorated differently, to reflect four major world religions – truly a symbol of peace and co-existence! The madrasah is available for regular visits, and visitors should remember to take a look at the unique hexagonal lobby inside as well!

Credit: @ safakyavuzlar  on Instagram

The Tashkent Metro is the oldest underground train system in Central Asia. Built by the Soviet government, there was a ban on photography within the stations up until the summer of 2018. Since then, photographers - amateur and expert alike - have been revealing the distinct Soviet-style architecture that remains. The corridors are decorated with chandeliers and large portraits of historical Uzbek figures, and the characteristic blue tiling can be seen even in such a modern setting.

8. Bazaars And Shopping Galore

Credit:  Aleksandr Zykov  on Flickr

If you’ve visited all of the beautiful attractions, you can always head to a bazaar to marvel at the range of local food and goods on offer. Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is the oldest in the capital city and holds centuries of history within its walls. The bazaar sells everything from hot meals to wholesale produce to traditional textiles, and stepping into its walls feels like a modern-day replication of Tashkent’s Silk Road past.

Credit:  Sue Fleckney  on Flickr

You can’t visit Uzbekistan and miss out on their textiles. Silk and cotton production have been mainstays of Uzbekistan’s economy and culture for centuries. Fun fact: their fabric is called “ikat”, coming from the Indonesian word “mengikat” (connecting, entwining), which refers to the weaving process.

9. Friendly And Welcoming Locals

Credit:  Robert Wilson  on Flickr

Almost everyone who has visited Uzbekistan has mentioned the friendliness and help extended by its citizens. Hospitality is a big part of Central Asian culture, and it definitely makes us want to visit Uzbekistan even more! Being a tourist a new country may be difficult, but it’s always comforting to know that the locals are willing to help you out ?

10. A Surprising Ease Of Travel

In recent years, Uzbekistan has rapidly modernized to accommodate its own growing economy as well as the tourist market. Central Asia is way more accessible now – and we’re totally here for it!

Credit: @ thomasehrhardt  on Instagram

Looking at the major cities on a map may surprise you – most of them are a pretty significant distance from each other! However, there are now lots of low-cost domestic flights, buses, and high-speed trains which can take you from city to city at your own pace.

Credit: @ adam.a.sal  on Instagram

Finally, did you know that Uzbekistan has been expanding the list of passports that can visit it visa-free? Better yet, did you know that Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are all countries that don’t require a visa for a 30-day stay? With the government opening up more and more to tourists, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that it’ll only get easier to travel to such amazing places! ?

Uzbekistan is truly so much more than we expected it to be. With so much history and culture behind it, it's definitely a destination you can't miss out on!

Feature Photo Credit:  Kirk Siang  on Flickr

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Perfect for Muslim travellers eager to explore Russia’s rich culture without compromising their dietary beliefs. Stay tuned to learn more about the growing halal food scene in Russia , where devotion meets taste in an exciting gastronomic fusion.

Does Russia have halal food?

Yes, Russia does have halal food. With a sizable Muslim population, particularly in areas like Tatarstan and the Caucasus regions, there are many restaurants and stores that provide halal food. Moscow and other major cities also have restaurants that cater to halal dietary restrictions. Some of these establishments may have obtained halal certification, which means their food preparation processes adhere to Islamic dietary laws. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with the restaurant or store if it is a concern.

Is it hard to find halal food in Russia?

Finding halal food in Russia can depend largely on the specific area you are in. In major cities like Moscow and Kazan, there are many halal restaurants and grocery stores due to the presence of a substantial Muslim population. In these cities, you may also find halal options in some international chain restaurants.

However, it might be more challenging to find halal food in smaller cities or rural areas where the Muslim population is less significant. In these locations, it may be advisable to opt for vegetarian or seafood options when dining out, or to prepare food yourself if possible.

Remember that availability can change, so it would be wise to check for updated information online or ask locals upon arrival.

Which area of Russia is halal?

The concept of an area being “halal” doesn’t quite apply geographically. “Halal” is an Arabic term that means “permitted” in English and is often used in the context of food and drinks that comply with Islamic dietary laws.

However, if you are referring to areas in Russia where there are significant Muslim populations and, consequently, access to halal food and other services, then some of the major areas include:

• Tatarstan: This republic within Russia has a significant Muslim population. Its capital, Kazan, has numerous halal restaurants and markets.
• Chechnya: The Chechen Republic is predominantly Muslim. The capital, Grozny, has many mosques and halal food options.
• Dagestan: This republic in the North Caucasus region of Russia is also predominantly Muslim, with halal options widely available.
• Bashkortostan: Another region with a significant Muslim population, offering halal services.

Remember, even in regions with fewer Muslims, larger cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg have halal restaurants due to their multicultural and diverse populations.

Are there a lot of Muslims in Russia?

Yes, there is a significant Muslim population in Russia. As of data from various sources, Muslims make up about 10-15% of the total population, making Islam the second most widely professed religion in the country after Orthodox Christianity.

The Muslim population in Russia is primarily concentrated in the North Caucasus region, including areas like Chechnya and Dagestan, and in Tartarstan and Bashkortostan among other regions. However, these numbers can vary due to factors such as migration and changing levels of religious adherence.

Is Russia halal friendly?

Yes, Russia can be considered halal-friendly to a certain extent. There are halal restaurants, food stores, and markets, especially in areas with larger Muslim populations such as Moscow, Kazan, and regions like Tatarstan and Chechnya. In Moscow, there is even a Halal Expo, an annual event that showcases halal products and services.

Furthermore, Russia has a significant Muslim population, and therefore there are many mosques and Islamic cultural centers.

However, the level of halal-friendliness could vary depending on the region and the particular venue. It is advisable for Muslims planning to visit or live in Russia to research about the halal food availability and Islamic facilities in the specific areas they plan to visit or reside in.

How to check whether McDonald’s or KFC is halal in Russia?

In order to confirm if the McDonald’s or KFC in Russia is Halal, you can follow these steps:

• Official Website or Customer Service : Visit the official websites of McDonald’s Russia or KFC Russia and look for information regarding their Halal status. If it’s not mentioned, you can contact their customer service directly through email or phone call.
• Halal Certification : Look for a Halal certification or endorsement from an accredited Islamic authority. This could be displayed in the restaurant or mentioned on their website. If in doubt, ask the staff.
• Local Halal Directories : There are online directories and apps (like Zabihah, HalalTrip, etc.) that list Halal restaurants worldwide. You can search for McDonald’s or KFC in Russia there.
• Ask Locals or Muslim Community : People living in the area, especially the local Muslim community, would be a good source of information about the Halal status of these restaurants.
• Social Media : You can also check their official social media pages or accounts for any information about their Halal status.

Please note that the Halal status can vary from one location to another. Even if the international chain has Halal branches in some countries, it doesn’t necessarily mean that all of their branches globally are Halal. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the Halal status of the specific branch you intend to visit.

What to do if I cannot find halal food in Russia?

If you find yourself unable to find Halal food in Russia, you might consider these options:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Food : If you can’t find halal meat, opting for vegetarian or vegan food would be permissible as this avoids issues around non-halal meat and alcohol.
• Seafood : As per most Islamic dietary rules, most seafood is considered Halal and could be a good alternative if Halal meat is not available.
• Cook Your Own Food : Consider staying somewhere with a kitchen and cooking your own food. You can buy halal certified groceries or ingredients that are inherently halal such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and seafood.
• Global Food Chains : Some international food chains in Russia offer Halal certified meals. Do some research to find out which ones do.
• Research and Plan Ahead : Look for areas, especially in big cities like Moscow or Saint Petersburg, where there might be halal restaurants. Also, consider reaching out to local Muslim communities for advice.
• Mobile Apps : There are various mobile apps available that can help you locate halal food places nearby.
• Carry Snacks : You can also carry halal snacks or ready-to-eat meals with you while traveling.

Remember, it’s always best to ask if you’re unsure whether something is halal or not. Also, it’s crucial to respect local laws and customs while adhering to your beliefs.

Why I should be strict in my halal food diet in Russia?

Maintaining a strict halal food diet in Russia, or any other non-Muslim majority country, is essential for several reasons, especially if you are a practicing Muslim:

• Religious Observance : Halal food adheres to the dietary laws outlined in the Quran. Eating only halal food is part of one’s faith and obedience to these laws.
• Cultural Identity : Keeping a halal diet helps maintain cultural and religious identity in a non-Muslim majority country. It is a way for Muslims to stay connected to their beliefs and traditions.
• Ethical Reasons : Halal slaughter requires that the animal is killed in the most humane way, minimizing its suffering. If animal welfare is important to you, then sticking to a halal diet might align with these values.
• Health Reasons : Halal food regulations often lead to cleaner and healthier food as they prohibit the consumption of harmful elements such as pork and alcohol.

However, it is equally important to know that maintaining a strict halal diet in Russia can be challenging due to the relatively smaller Muslim population and a high demand for non-halal foods. The availability of halal food varies greatly by region, with more options available in regions with larger Muslim populations. You might need to put extra effort into finding halal grocery stores or restaurants, or you may prefer to cook at home more frequently.

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Stores in Japan set up prayer rooms as Muslim visitors increase

Department stores and shopping malls in Japan are increasingly setting up prayer rooms to meet the need for Muslims amid a growing number of visitors from Islamic countries on the back of a weak yen.

At the Matsuya Ginza department store in Tokyo's upscale shopping district, a number of people lined up in front of a room designated as a "prayer room" at certain times of the day.

The room is equipped with a foot-washing area for cleansing parts of the body before worship and has mats for several people to offer prayers.

A Malaysian woman in her 30s said she had searched for a prayer room online before arriving in Japan, saying she was thankful as it is difficult to find one in the middle of the metropolitan area.

Muslims typically pray five times a day, though some reduce the frequency to three times while on a trip, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Their activities would be limited if they could not find a prayer room and had to return to their accommodation.

"Prayer rooms are necessary infrastructure similar to bathrooms and nursing rooms," said a retail industry official, adding that people in the industry need to cooperate to install such rooms.

Among other department stores in Tokyo, Shibuya Parco in the Shibuya shopping district has opened a worship room.

Aeon Mall Co., which operates large-scale shopping complexes, has installed prayer rooms in seven outlets across Chiba, Kanagawa, Aichi, Hiroshima and Okinawa prefectures, with plans to expand the service to other stores.

The number of visitors to Japan from Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey surpassed 870,000 in 2023, up 2.7-fold from a decade ago, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

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Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is sworn in as interim leader of Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh — Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge of Bangladesh’s caretaker government on Thursday, hoping to help heal the country that was convulsed by weeks of violence, forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit and flee to neighboring India.

Known as the “banker to the poor,” Yunus is the pioneer of the global microcredit movement. The Grameen Bank he founded won the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for helping lift millions from poverty by providing tiny loans to the rural poor who are too impoverished to gain attention from traditional banks.

As chief adviser of the caretaker government, he is, however, tasked with bringing stability back to the country which witnessed some of its worst violence in decades and then hold fresh parliamentary elections.

“The brutal, autocratic regime is gone,” Yunus said in a televised address to the nation after taking charge. “Tomorrow, with the rising sun, democracy, justice, human rights, and full freedom of fearless expression will be enjoyed by all, regardless of party affiliation. That is our goal.”

Earlier on Thursday, on his arrival in Dhaka following medical treatment in Paris, Yunus said he would govern it with the guidance of students who backed him for the role in the caretaker government.

A harsh critic of Hasina, Yunus became emotional and seemed to hold his tears back at the airport as he referred to a student he said had been shot during the protests and that sacrifice could not be forgotten.

Hasina’s flight from the country she ruled for 20 of the last 30 years after winning a fourth term in January brought jubilation and violence as crowds stormed and ransacked her official residence.

Many Hindu homes, temples and businesses were vandalized after Hasina’s departure, and hundreds in the minority community have tried unsuccessfully to flee to India this week. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said a schoolteacher was killed and 45 other people hurt.

Many Hindus have traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League party, which identifies as secular.

Yunus’s swearing-in plugged the power vacuum Hasina’s resignation created in the South Asian country of 170 million people, which has the fourth-largest Muslim population in the world.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to Yunus and 13 advisers who will help him govern, at a brief ceremony in the official presidential residence.

Three more advisers will be sworn in at a later date, officials said. Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, two student leaders who are both in their mid-20s and led the protests, were among the 13 who joined the caretaker government.

The ceremony started with a minute’s silence to honor the hundreds who were killed in the protests and clashes that erupted in July.

Hasina’s Awami League party does not figure in the interim government. In a Facebook post, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said the party had not given up, and was ready to hold talks with opponents and the interim government.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycotted two national elections after the arrest of its leaders and has demanded fresh elections in three months.

Hasina is sheltering in the New Delhi area, a development that Yunus said caused anger at India among some Bangladeshis. India’s foreign ministry said it had no update on Hasina’s travel plans and that it was up to her to “take things forward.”

The neighbors have longstanding cultural and business ties and New Delhi played a key role in the 1971 war with Pakistan that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Yunus and said New Delhi was committed to working with Dhaka to fulfill the “shared aspirations” of the people of both countries for “peace, security and development.”

“We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities,” he said.

The student-led movement that ousted Hasina grew out of protests against quotas in government jobs that spiraled in July, provoking a violent crackdown that drew global criticism, though the government denied using excessive force.

Bangladesh’s Leader Resigns and Flees Country After Protests

The country’s army chief said an interim government would be formed, as demonstrators successfully challenged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s harsh rule.

• Share full article
• Protesters storm and loot the official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. By Reuters
• Protesters display Bangladesh's national flag atop the prime minister's palace in Dhaka. K M Asad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Protesters damage a statue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's father outside Parliament. Reuters
• Protesters inside the prime minister's palace in Dhaka. K M Asad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• People greet soldiers in Dhaka. The army will oversee the formation of an interim government. Saif Hasnat for The New York Times
• People shake hands with soldiers in Dhaka after the prime minister's resignation. Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
• Protesters march through the streets of Dhaka toward the prime minister's official residence. Reuters
• Protesters outside Parliament. Munir Uz Zaman/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Protesters cheer as they climb atop a monument in Dhaka. Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters
• A burned truck in Dhaka. Monirul Alam/EPA, via Shutterstock
• Celebrating the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Rajib Dhar/Associated Press
• Security forces at an intersection in Dhaka before the prime minister's resignation. Munir Uz Zaman/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
• Security forces blocking traffic and standing guard. By Reuters

Saif Hasnat Mujib Mashal and Matthew Mpoke Bigg

The resignation came after a violent day of protests that left almost 100 dead.

Jubilant crowds thronged the streets of Bangladesh’s capital on Monday after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country. The army chief said in a statement to the nation that the army would oversee the formation of an interim government.

Ms. Hasina, 76, had ruled Bangladesh since 2009. She was forced out by weeks of protests that began peacefully and then transformed into deadly clashes with security forces. She was spotted at the airport in the capital, Dhaka, but hours after her resignation, her exact location was not clear.

The student-led protests grew into a broader movement seeking the removal of Ms. Hasina, who was seen as an increasingly authoritarian leader. On Sunday, the deadliest day of the protests, almost 100 people were reported killed in clashes between security forces and demonstrators across Bangladesh.

Ms. Hasina, one of the world’s longest-ruling female leaders, had blamed the violence on her political opponents and called for “resisting anarchists with iron hands.”

Here’s what to know:

Ms. Hasina played a pivotal role in the politics of Bangladesh, a nation of around 170 million people that proclaimed its independence in 1971. She won re-election to a fourth consecutive term in January. She is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s charismatic founding leader, who was killed in a military coup in 1975, when Ms. Hasina was 28. She served as prime minister from 1996 to 2001 and regained power in 2009.

Under her leadership, the economy, helped by investment in the garment export industry, grew quickly, and average income levels at one point surpassed those in neighboring India. Bangladesh also experienced rapid development in education, health, female participation in the labor force and preparedness against climate disasters, including flooding — a national priority in a delta nation .

But her critics said that she tried to turn the country into a one-party state, and the protests that began last month reflected broader discontent against her rule.

Eve Sampson

Crowds swarm the prime minister’s residence after Bangladesh's leader flees.

Exuberant looters made off with furniture, bedding and potted plants as they swarmed the Bangladesh residence of the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, after she resigned her office and fled the country, according to local broadcast footage.

People scaled the residence’s black gates, the videos showed, throwing items against walls inside, bashing portraits and helping themselves to a spread of food in catering dishes.

The footage showed many people with hands and fists raised in celebration and some jumping for joy on the street. Many in the crowd appeared to be filming the event on their own cellphones.

Social media posts and live television footage also showed people taking animals from the residence, including chickens, ducks and rabbits, and some people posing with the animals.

Monsur Ali, a garment worker, said he was among the thousands of people who entered the prime minister’s residence, many of them taking away objects. He grabbed a plate.

“We went there out of anger,” he said. “Nothing is left there.”

Ms. Hasina, 76, was driven out of office by weeks of protests — initially about coveted government jobs and who is entitled to them — that began without conflict but turned deadly when government security forces cracked down. Nearly 300 people are reported to have died in those clashes.

Many in the country also oppose Ms. Hasina’s increasing authoritarianism after 15 years in power.

The country’s army chief confirmed Ms. Hasina’s resignation in a statement to the nation and said an interim government would be formed.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg

Protesters defied the risk of fresh violence to drive Hasina from power.

Hours after almost 100 people were reported killed on Sunday in clashes between security forces and demonstrators across Bangladesh, the protest leaders made a decision that may have been pivotal in the downfall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

They had planned to hold a mass march to Ms. Hasina’s official residence, known as the Ganabhaban, on Tuesday. But responding to Sunday’s violence, they moved up their march by a day to increase the pressure on Ms. Hasina, whose resignation they were now demanding.

Ms. Hasina had ruled for years through fear. But the protests had swelled to such large numbers, persisting even after days of deadly crackdown, that the demonstrators’ fear of Ms. Hasina did not keep them off the streets. Instead of backing down in the face of a new curfew and other restrictions, the protesters planned a march that would take them straight back into the maw of the security forces.

Their determination carried the risk of another blood bath. What followed instead, from the perspective of the protesters, was victory. Ms. Hasina fled in a helicopter, a crowd stormed her residence and the army announced that, after more than 15 years in power, she had resigned.

In the aftermath, tens of thousands of people, many shaking their fists in celebration, marched through the center of the capital, Dhaka, and what had been shaping up to be another day of street battles turned into a street party.

That atmosphere of jubilation may be short-lived, however. Bangladesh’s politics have long been violent, and the animosities between Ms. Hasina’s party and the opposition are unlikely to fade soon. Before Bangladesh settles into its next chapter, revenge for years of harsh suppression under Ms. Hasina will be on the minds of many.

Mujib Mashal

How the prime minister’s crackdown weakened her grip on power.

For those watching from outside, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh presented a compelling story. She was among the world’s longest-serving female heads of government, a secular Muslim in colorful saris who fought Islamist militancy, lifted millions out of poverty and deftly kept both India and China at her side.

But this seeming success came at a heavy cost. Over the past 15 years, Ms. Hasina deeply entrenched her authority and divided the nation. Those who kissed the ring were rewarded with patronage, power and impunity. Dissenters were met with crackdowns, endless legal entanglement and imprisonment.

The sustained protests that convulsed Bangladesh in recent weeks were a backlash against Ms. Hasina’s formula for power: absolute, disconnected and entitled. She cracked down hard, and the resulting challenge to her rule was a crisis largely of her own making, analysts said. The student-led protests started as a peaceful expression of opposition to quotas that reserve sought-after government jobs for specific groups. The violent response by government security forces and vigilantes from Ms. Hasina’s party sent the country to the verge of anarchy.

Ms. Hasina, 76, deployed every force at her service onto the streets, including a feared paramilitary unit whose leaders have in the past faced international sanctions over accusations of torture, extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances.

Saif Hasnat

Monsur Ali, a garment worker, said he was among the thousands of people who entered the prime minister’s residence, many of them taking objects away with them. He grabbed a plate.

People were pouring into the streets across Dhaka late into the afternoon, and the mood was jubilant. Some came with their families, others beat drums and booed Hasina. “It is the victory of the students, the victory of the people. After a long time, we are happy to be out of a dictatorial regime,” said Towfiqur Rahman, who said he was preparing for an entrance exam for a government job. “You can suppress anger for a while, but it erupts — today is proof of that.”

Hours after her resignation, Hasina’s exact whereabouts was not clear. Diplomatic officials said she was possibly on her way to London, transiting through India. The former prime minister has family both in Britain, where her sister and her family live, and the United States, where her son lives.

Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh after 15 years at the helm does not necessarily mean easy days ahead for a deeply troubled nation. She has long crushed her political opposition and put many of its leaders in prison, so they will be relieved to see her go. But the process of agreeing on an interim government could be bumpy. Interparty animosity and anger is widespread and deep-rooted, even at the local level.

Shayeza Walid

Wild with glee over news of Hasina’s departure, protesters who had stormed her official residence caused pandemonium within. Social media posts and live TV footage showed people removing furniture, bedding, potted plants — and even pets. Demonstrators posed for pictures with the prime minister’s menagerie, including chickens, ducks and rabbits.

Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman said the army would request the formation of an interim government. The army chief said he had consulted with representatives of the country’s political parties and civil society before his statement.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has resigned, the country’s army chief confirmed in a statement to the nation. He said an interim government would be formed.

Andrés R. Martínez

After nearly a day without access to the internet in Bangladesh, connectivity appears to have been mostly restored, according to NetBlocks , an internet watchdog.

ℹ️ Update: Internet connectivity remains available in #Bangladesh amid reports Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country, bringing an end to her combined total of 20 years in power; hundreds of killings at student protests were masked by telecoms blackouts in recent weeks https://t.co/0SkwO2q6uR — NetBlocks (@netblocks) August 5, 2024

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been spotted at an airport in Dhaka awaiting departure, diplomatic officials said. The army chief has said a statement was coming soon, fueling speculation that her time in office might be over.

Large numbers of protesters have entered the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, footage on local television channels shows. She appears to be on her way out of the country, with diplomatic sources saying she has been spotted at an airport in Dhaka.

Mujib Mashal and Shayeza Walid

As the unrest intensifies, all eyes are on Bangladesh’s army.

With Bangladesh’s security forces seemingly on a deadly collision course with angry protesters after a crackdown on Sunday, eyes were turning to the country’s powerful military establishment to see how it might respond.

Protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leave office, after 15 years of rule that have turned increasingly authoritarian. If the violence on the street leads to instability and chaos, the military — which has sought to distance itself from the violent police reaction through weeks of unrest — would certainly be a central player.

It has been before. Bangladesh’s army has a history of staging coups and counter coups. But over the past couple decades, the military has taken a less overt role in public affairs, choosing more often to exercise influence from behind the scenes.

Part of that shift has been attributed to Ms. Hasina. Her father, Bangladesh’s first leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as well as much of her family, was killed in a deadly military coup in 1975. In her time in office, she has stacked its leadership ranks with loyalists, and allowed them access to lucrative government contracts and other businesses.

There are international incentives for the military, as well, which has been a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions that have given it another important side business. Any involvement in a coup would subject the army to criticism — or ostracism — from the United Nations, whose human rights chief responded to the recent killings by calling for restraint and accountability from those with “command responsibility.”

While the army was deployed on the streets during the crackdown to clear the protesters late last month, there have been reports of discomfort in the ranks over it. Dozens of former senior officers also issued a statement calling on the military not “to rescue those who have created this current situation” — a statement seen by some as referring to the police and paramilitaries, and possibly even to Sheikh Hasina herself.

On Sunday, the army’s chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, gathered senior officers for a meeting that was seen as an attempt to allay concerns. In a statement after the meeting, the army said its chief had reiterated that “the Bangladesh Army will always stand by the people in the interest of the public and in any need of the state.”

If Ms. Hasina’s power becomes untenable, analysts said the army would be unlikely to opt for a takeover. It might, though, try to aid some transition period from the sidelines with a caretaker government — something that happened in 2007.

“There are major international ramifications to a military coup. And more than leaders it is the younger officers who are hesitant to go ahead with anything of the sort,” said M. N. Khan, a retired general of the Bangladeshi Army.

Television channels in Bangladesh are showing live footage of crowds of thousands of people streaming toward the city center. The earlier police blockades stopping them appear to have been lifted.

Restrictions on the internet appear to be easing. The address by the army chief has been pushed back by an hour, with the army asking for “patience” until 3 p.m. local time.

Clashes have been reported in different parts of Dhaka, as thousands of people try to push through security barricades to make it to Shaheed Minar — the gathering point for the protests. At least six people have been killed in the clashes today, according to police officials.

Local television channels in Bangladesh are reporting that the country’s army chief, Gen. Waker-uz-Zaman, will address the nation in the next hour. The contents of his address remain unclear, and information flow remains heavily restricted by the communication blackout.

By noon, protesters who had set off for Dhaka were being blocked from entering the city center. There is a heavy deployment of security forces at all the intersections leading to Shaheed Minar, the gathering point for the protesters. Witnesses said the police had used force to try to disperse the hundreds of protesters who had managed to make it to the spot.

The streets of Dhaka were quiet this morning, with garment factories, the largest driver of Bangladesh’s economy, closed in Mirpur, one of the busiest neighborhoods. The intersections leading to the Shaheed Minar, where protesters are supposed to gather before their declared march on the prime minister’s residence, were blocked by the police, army and paramilitary forces.

The government appeared to heavily limit internet connectivity on Monday, a move that it used last month as protests grew. The latest blackout started on Sunday, according to NetBlocks, an internet watchdog.

Sunday's violence prompted the U.N. human rights chief to make a pointed statement. Volker Türk warned that Monday's march, and the ruling party's call for counter-action from its youth wing, could lead to further loss of life. He singled out those "with superior and command responsibility" in his call for accountability for the “shocking violence.”

The crackdown has brought the country into a particularly dangerous phase, as the protest and anger is no longer concentrated in one area. The clashes have spread across the country, making them difficult to contain. The growing clashes have fueled concerns of a return to past periods of political violence, that have included assassinations, coups and counter-coups.

It is setting up to be a tense day in Bangladesh. This march on the residence of the prime minister was initially planned for Tuesday. But protest leaders have moved it forward a day in anger over the deaths of nearly 100 people on Sunday, the deadliest day since the protests began last month.

Saif Hasnat and Mujib Mashal

Saif Hasnat reported from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Mujib Mashal from New Delhi

The government’s lethal response brings new risks.

Almost 100 people were reported killed in clashes between security forces and protesters on Sunday across Bangladesh, as the country’s leaders imposed a new curfew and internet restrictions to try to quell a growing antigovernment movement.

The revival of student protests after a deadly government crackdown late last month, as well as a call by the governing party for its own supporters to take to the streets, has plunged the country of over 170 million into a particularly dangerous phase.

The exact number of deaths on Sunday was unclear, but it appeared to be the deadliest day since the protests began in July. At least 13 of the dead were police officers, the country’s Police Headquarters said in a statement.

Over the weekend, the tensions flared into the kind of localized clashes across the country that appeared difficult to contain. With the public already angry at the police forces, seeing them as an overzealous extension of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s entrenched authority, attention focused on Bangladesh’s powerful military.

Ms. Hasina has worked to bring the military to heel. But it has a history of staging coups and was being watched for how it positions itself in the escalating crisis.

Here’s what we know about the deadly crackdown on Sunday .

Shayeza Walid contributed reporting from Dhaka.

Saif Hasnat and Andrés R. Martínez

Saif Hasnat reported from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

What we know about the ouster of the prime minister.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned on Monday as protests that began as peaceful demonstrations by students grew into a broader movement calling for an end to her increasingly authoritarian leadership of the nation.

Ms. Hasina deployed the police and paramilitary forces against the students late last month, a crackdown that set off broader public anger against her. The protests became increasingly violent as more students as well as other citizens joined, clashing with pro-government supporters and the authorities.

More than 300 people have been killed. After a curfew and communication blackout eased, the revival of the protests over the weekend, in addition to a call by Ms. Hasina’s party for its own supporters to take to the streets, plunged Bangladesh into a particularly dangerous phase.

On Monday, the army chief announced the resignation and said an interim government would be formed.

Here’s what to know about the protests.

What were the protests about?

Students at the University of Dhaka, the country’s top institution, started the demonstrations on July 1, and they later spread to other elite universities, and then to the general public. The protests turned violent when some members of student wing of the governing party, the Awami League, began attacking the protesters.

Besides sending the police and paramilitaries into the streets, the government locked down schools and colleges. Officials said they slowed down internet connectivity to stop the spread of rumors and protect citizens, making it harder for protesters to organize and make plans via social media platforms.

The protests were initially about coveted government jobs and who is entitled to them. An old quota system, reinstated recently by the courts, reserves more than half of those jobs for various groups, including the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan. The students said that the system is unfair and that most of the positions should be filled based on merit.

In the past couple of weeks, however, the movement grew massively and become centered on calling for accountability for Ms. Hasina’s increasingly harsh governance.

How did the protests evolve?

The crackdown in late July, which saw over 200 people killed and 10,000 arrested, temporarily dispersed the protesters. However, the large number of deaths also fueled protesters’ anger.

Over the weekend, the tensions spread away from protests and into clashes across the country that appeared difficult to contain. On Saturday at a rally of tens of thousands, protesters called for the resignation of Ms. Hasina, who has been in power for the past 15 years.

In response, Ms. Hasina’s Awami League party called on its supporters to join counter protests, and she asked the country’s people “to curb anarchists with iron hands.”

The threat emboldened protesters, who called for a march on her residence in central Dhaka on Monday. The government once again imposed a curfew, effectively shutting the country down.

By midafternoon Monday in Dhaka, what appeared to be conditions for another deadly day of protests had eased. Police officers let protesters cross barricades into the center of the city, and the army said they would make a statement.

Shortly after, the army chief announced that Ms. Hasina had left the country.

What will happen to Bangladesh after her ouster?

Ms. Hasina was among the world’s longest-serving female heads of government, a secular Muslim who fought Islamic militancy, helped lift millions out of poverty and deftly kept both India and China at her side.

Over the past 15 years, Ms. Hasina entrenched her authority and divided Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million people. Those who were loyal were rewarded with patronage, power and impunity. Dissenters were met with crackdowns, endless legal entanglement and imprisonment.

The army has asked the president, who holds a ceremonial role, to form a new government. Bangladesh’s army has a history of staging coups and counter coups. But over the past couple decades, the military has taken a less overt role in public affairs, choosing more often to exercise influence from behind the scenes.

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6 Best Halal Restaurants in Moscow

With all the political concerns about Russia in the news, don’t let it put you off from visiting their incredible country. If you are a history buff, Russia will have a special place in your heart as it has a lot to offer. Even if history is not your thing, you cannot help but be enticed by the richness of the culture, the buildings that date back centuries, and the museums and theatres that inform us of how Russia has helped shape our world into what it is today. With buildings the architecture and colors of which look like something straight out of a Disney movie or Harry Potter, you will be delighted by all the potential Instagram material. Moscow has a documented 16 percent of Muslims which puts them in the running for ‘Most Muslims in Europe’ (not including Turkey). This means that it is home to one of the biggest mosques in Europe – Moscow Cathedral Mosque – that can accommodate 10,000 people and is a sight to behold with its simple exterior and gold dome adding to its beauty.

It also means that finding nearby Halal restaurants in Moscow , Russia is easier than you think. While there are a few places that are strictly Halal – meaning they serve Halal meat and no alcohol is available at the restaurant – most other places have Halal menus but offer alcohol to guests as well. The Halal sign is not difficult to spot though, and you can be assured of the restaurant’s certification. In an attempt to increase Muslim travellers to Moscow, two hotels cater specially to Muslims with certain rooms being equipped with Qur’ans, prayer mats, a basin to take ablution in, and the direction of the Qiblah , as well as having a separate kitchen with new cutlery and utensils to ensure 100 percent Halal food is being served to their Muslim guests.

When it comes to finding Halal food, there are street kiosks serving Halal kebabs, and Halal eateries in Evropeyskiy Mall and THE21 Food Market at New Arbat on Arbat Street – it is not difficult to locate Halal food places in Moscow, Russia. In addition to those, here is our list of the best Halal places in Moscow :

1) Uryuk Restaurant

Uryuk is a classic Russian café-style restaurant that serves some of the best Uzbek food. If you have never tried food local to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Georgia and the likes, a visit to Uryuk is a must. With various outlets across Moscow, you just have to check Google maps for the one closest to you. Inexpensive food, top service, a warm atmosphere that allows cosy seating for groups are just some of the reasons why these cafés are so populated. A word of caution, however: Most of them have pubs on the premises, or at the very least, serve alcohol to their guests, so be prepared. The food itself is Halal.

Address:  Check Google maps for the closest one to you!

Website : www.mrlivanets.ru Click here for more information about Uryuk Restaurant

2) Mr. Livanets

Image Credit:  www.mrlivanets.ru Lebanese cuisine at its best in Moscow. Classic hummus, pita bread and meat can make your taste buds sing in the contemporary, Middle Eastern decorated restaurant. The slightly expensive rates are made up for by the great atmosphere, service and taste. Mr. Livanets hosts large parties well, so go there with a big group! Note: They serve alcohol.

Address:  Glinishhevskiy Ln., 3, Moscow 125009, Russia

Click here for more information on Mr. Livanets

3) Chaikhana Shurpa

Located in Avia Park Mall, Chaikhana Shurpa is an Uryuk-like restaurant with a similar cuisine. They are well-known for their excellent service, ambience and food, with a lot of people saying a great way to spend the afternoon is lunching at the restaurant after roaming the mall. Kick up your feet and relax after that mall workout! You will want to sink into their overstuffed couches and soak up their cosy atmosphere while dining on their Uzbek delicacies.

Address:  Aviakonstruktora Mikoyana St., 10  |  Mall AviaPark ,  Moscow 125252, Russia

Click here for more information on Chaikhna Shurpa

4) Tajj Mahal

The different outlets offer different ambiences with the one at Arbat Street being more crowded and noisy and the other outlet being more relaxed. Take your pick depending on your mood and company because it will have an impact on your experience. The restaurant, like many others, allows smoking shisha, and the eatery at Arbat Street is said to be more smoke-filled than the other. Consider yourself warned! As the name suggests, Tajj Mahal offers Indian cuisine as well as Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Japanese and European. Their Uzbek food, however, is great, and the interiors always get a special mention, as does the service. Note: They serve alcohol.

Address:  Boshoy Kislovskiy St., 1/12 ,  Moscow 125009, Russia

2nd outlet:  Arbat St., 6/2 ,  Moscow 119019, Russia

Click here for more information on Tajj Mahal 

If you haven’t made it to Georgia yet (the country, not the American state) fear not because the food served here is as good as that in Georgia. Light and simple dishes are made to perfection and they offer great vegetarian options as well. Good food married with even better service and a friendly atmosphere makes Vai Me! a must-visit. Note: They serve beer.

Address:  Bolshoi Ovchinnikovsky lane., 16, Moscow, Russia, 115184 Click here for more information about Vai Me!

6) Khalyal Barbekyu

Image Credit:  Mahi Blog

Tired of proper meals and just want some fast food? Khalyal Barbekyu is your place to go! Despite the tag “fast food”, everything is made to order so you can expect fresh meats and meals. Add the low prices, unlimited bread and great service, and you’ve got a good reason to go to Khalyal Barbekyu.

Address:  Aviakonstruktora Mikoyana, 10 ,  Moscow 125252, Russia Click here for more information about Khalyal Barbekyu

If you are planning a Halal vacation in Russia , you don’t have to look hard to find Halal food places in Moscow . Despite the service of alcohol in many restaurants, their meat and menu are Halal. Use the Halal Trip App to locate ‘ Halal food places near me in Moscow ’ and share your Halal food reviews there as well so that anyone who wants to find Muslim-friendly food in Moscow, Russia will know where to look.

Salmah Shahnawaz is an avid reader, travel enthusiast, and a busy body in general. Mostly you will find her daydreaming about her next getaway, nursing a mug of coffee; or with her nose in a book when she can spare the chance.

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