Search Results for: kyrgyzstan

The name Kyrgyz (pronounced KIR-ghiz) is derived from a Turkic word meaning “Forty”, in reference to the forty clans of Manas; a legendary hero who united the clans against the Uyghurs.  Kyrgyz literally means, “We are forty.”  The Uyghurs dominated much of central Asia in the early ninth century.   Although each tribe was separate, they were closely affiliated and considered to be part of greater family.

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful, mountainous, landlocked country, located in central Asia.  She is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east.  Much of Kyrgyzstan’s rich, 2000 year history has been preserved, mainly because of its high mountainous terrain.  In fact, 80 percent of the country is mountainous and is often referred to as, “The Switzerland of central Asia.” It is replete with snowy peaks and pristine lakes.  It has historically been at the crossroads of great civilizations and commercial routes, notably the Silk Road.

Kyrgyzstan was ceded to Russia through two treaties between China and Russia, back in 1876.  They gained independence in 1991, after the breakup of the Soviet Union.  The country has seen many uprisings and had much turmoil due to border disputes and ethnic tensions.  Kyrgyzstan has officially been a unitary, parliamentary republic but it remains conflicted today with revolts, economic troubles and political conflicts.

Ethnic Kyrgyz make up the majority of the population (5.7 million), with Uzbeks and Russians as large minorities.  The official language is Kyrgyz, although Russian is also widely spoken.  The main religion in Kyrgyzstan is Muslim, along with Russian Orthodox.  The largest city, is also the capital city, called “Bishkek” in the north.  The second largest city lies on the border with Uzbekistan; the ancient town of Osh.

Kyrgyzstan was the second poorest country in the former Soviet Union and remains the second poorest in central Asia today.  Over 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. The economy was significantly affected by the breakup of the Soviet Union and today struggles to become a market based system.  Although rich in gold and other mineral resources, they have yet to attract foreign investment or tourism, due to the political instability of the country.  Agriculture is an important sector of the economy, including the raising of livestock.  Wool, meat and dairy products are the major commodities.  Their crops include wheat, beets, potatoes, cotton, tobacco and some fruits and vegetables.

Like its neighbor Kazakhstan, many people live rurally and semi-nomadically.  Most are self-sufficient with respect to food production for their families.  Some still live in round, tent-like structures called yurts, tending to their sheep, horses and yak.  Koumys or fermented mare’s milk is a specialty in the countryside and considered to be the national drink.

Horses are very important to the Kyrgyzstani people, holding true to ancient traditions.  The horse was believed to carry the spirit of the deceased into a higher world.  They also are master horseman, as equestrian sports are extremely popular.  Racing and wrestling on horseback are especially well-liked.  A game played called Ulak Tartysh or kok boru, is common.  This is where they wrestle on horseback for a goat’s carcass.  These games stem from their ancient tradition, where the kok boru (the gray wolf), would attack the herds of cattle grazing in the steppes.  The shepherds would chase after the wolf.  Once caught and killed, they would try to snatch the carcass away from each other for fun.  Falconry, while on horseback, is yet another skill that has been practiced in the Kyrgyz culture for centuries.  In addition to falcons, golden eagles are also trained for the sport.

Another tradition, to keep the folklore alive, is the telling of epic tales, some that date back 1000 years.  The most famous epic tale, tells the saga of Manas, the father and hero of the Kyrgyz people.  The entire poem is incredibly long.  It takes up to three weeks to recite it and was not written down until the 1920s.  A special performer, called a Manaschi, performs the famous saga of Manas, and is held in the highest regard.

As we look into the cuisine of Kyrgyzstan, it is almost indistinguishable from its neighbor, Kazakhstan.  They both share Beshbarmak as the national dish, with the same tradition of eating it with pieces of the meat, passed out based on their social position.  The cuisine is meat based, with simple cooking techniques, such as letting the flavors of the meat and vegetables blend together. (Yes, they also eat horse meat in Kyrgyzstan.)  Shorpo, a soup dish, along with plov (rice with meat carrots, garlic and onions), are also very popular mainstays.  Giant, steamed pasta dumplings called manty, filled with onions and mutton, are also loved.  Boorsuk, the conventional bread, served with green or black, (chai) tea and dairy products, are often served before the main meal.

So let’s eat a Kyrgyzstan meal:

The Menu

Salad

баклажан салат (Eggplant Salad)

Main Course

Laghman (A one pot meal of noodles, meat and vegetables)

Dessert

Алма торт (Apple Cake)

We set a white cloth, called a dostokhwon, over the table and decorated it with tulips, (the national flower), as well as cotton and livestock, to represent their economy.  An apple completed the setting, representing the region where they originated. (Apples are believed to have originated in the area of central Asia.)

We began with a toast of vodka; a clear Russian influence.  We said, “Den soolugubuz uchun”, which means “cheers”, in Kyrgyz.  Our first course was a simple eggplant salad that was more like an appetizer than a salad.  The eggplant was fried in slices and then paired with tomatoes and a topped with a garlic flavored mayonnaise.  They were secured, like little finger sandwiches, with toothpicks, which made them easy to pick up and eat (with only your right hand, which is customary there.)  They were yummy, little bites.

Our main course was as much fun to make as it was to eat.  Laghman is a dish of handmade, pulled noodles that originated from their neighbor, China.  The delicious, long noodles are served in a broth, with tender pieces of lamb or beef, along with root vegetables.  There is very little seasoning used and the end result is simply delicious by letting the flavors of the ingredients permeate the dish.  I really had a great time pulling the noodles.  There is just something so rewarding when the dough turns out perfectly.  I had never before attempted this but now, I will make this dish often.  Homemade noodles are incredible!

For dessert, we had a very simple, apple cake, made with just a few ingredients.  We enjoyed it with chai, for a lovely ending to our Kyrgyzstan meal.

When we finished our meal, we declared a loud, “Omin”, (Thanksgiving to God.)

I leave you with a few Kyrgyz proverbs:

“The earth is a small place for fugitives.”

“A horse is a man’s wings”

and

“If your right hand is angry, hold it back with your left.”

Until next week,

Korushkoncho (See you later in Kyrgyz.)

Darlene

P.S. Have you ever attempted homemade noodles?

How did they get their Names?

Both of these countries are named for early, ethnic groups that dominated their respective areas.  “Stan,” is a Persian suffix that translates to “place/land of.”  So, we have the land of the Tajiks and the land of the Uzbeks.  ‘Tajik” translates to “farmer or settled villager” and “Uzbek” translates to “genuine man.”

Where are Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Located?

The countries are located in central Asia; both are neighbors, and both are landlocked.  Uzbekistan is one of two countries in the world that is doubly landlocked, (the other is Liechtenstein).  They share borders with Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan is just to the east of Uzbekistan. 

Tajikistan has a river system that is an important source for hydroelectricity.  In fact, Tajikistan has the second highest dam in the world.  Both countries have diverse landscapes.  Tajikistan is known for its really tall Pamir and Alay mountains, with altitudes ranging from 980 ft to 24,600 ft., whereas, Uzbekistan is mostly desert.  However, they both share a fertile valley, which is  prized for agriculture.

A Brief History of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

Tajikistan has been inhabited for thousands of years.  It was part of the Persian Empire, the Batrian Empire and then the Arabs brought Islam to the land.  In 875 AD, the Samanid Empire came to power. This is the time period from which much of the Tajik culture comes.  In the 19^thcentury, Tajikistan was absorbed into the Russian Empire and later became part of the Soviet Union, until it became independent in 1991.

Uzbekistan, due to its central location, has a long and rich history.  Many empires and conquerors passed through the land and many of its cities were trade centers along the famous silk road.  Alexander the great, Arabs, the Samanid Dynasty and the Mongols, were just a few of those that came into power.

Uzbekistan’s golden years were in the 14^th century, when the Timurid Dynasty rose to power.  It was led by Tamerlane and  his empire.  The capital city was the City of Samarkland.  Like Tajikistan, the Russian Empire took over in the 1800s and Uzbekistan became part of the Soviet Union until the Soviet collapse.  Uzbekistan became independent in 1991, as well.

Since their Independence, Uzbekistan is central Asia’s most populous state and strives to assert itself as a regional power, often butting heads with Tajikistan.  Uzbekistan has been led by a Soviet era, communist party, boss since its  Independence.  Tajikistan had a bloody civil war from 1992 to 1997.  Since then, it has established political stability and shown some economic growth, although it is still one of the poorest countries in central Asia.

Tajik and Uzbek Culture

The religion in both countries is primarily Sunni Muslim, with a small Shi’ite minority.  (A large Ishamaeli still exists in the Pashmir region of Tajikistan.)  Religion however, is mostly secular, as it was suppressed during the Soviet reign.  Uzbekistan is famous for its beautiful mosques, especially in Samarkand, which has been designated as a UNESCO World heritage city.  It has the largest number of restored buildings showcasing mosaics, reliefs, azure blue tile and unique architecture.

Tajik is the official language in Tajikistan and Uzbek is the official language in Uzbekistan.  Russian is also spoken in both countries.  Literature originated from oral traditions and folklore legends.  Tajikistan has the legend of Yeti; an enormous shaggy, ape-man with huge feet and sabre-like teeth.  In nearly every Tajikistan village you will find a Yeti witness whose job it is to tell visitors the tales of Yeti and guide them to remote places for potential sightings.

Both countries share a special genre of music called “Shashmak,” which has been included by UNESCO in the list of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritages of mankind.

The most popular holiday in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan is “Navruz.”  This signifies the beginning of a new year and new life.  Colorful, traditional costumes are worn, and a variety of foods are laid on the table, but the star of the banquet is sumalak.  It is an ancient recipe made from flour and wheat sprouts, washed in water and oil.  It is said to strengthen the immune system and clear the body of chemical waste.  If you try it for the first time, you should make a wish, as it is believed the wish will definitely come true.  This dish must be cooked by only kind, old, women, who sing and dance while making it.  The name sumalaktranslates to “30 angels.”  This dish must be cooked overnight so that the angels may participate in the making.

Tajik and Uzbek Cuisine

The two countries have similar cuisines, as the influences over history have been nearly the same.  The influences are mainly from Russia, Afghanistan and Iran.  The national dish is plov in Uzbekistan, or osh, as it is called in Tajikistan.  It is, in fact, the same dish.  Another main food is qurut, which is a ball of dried, salted cheese that is dissolved and served with non-bread and vegetables.

Non bread is an integral part of the cuisine and they have many superstitions about bread.  If non is dropped on the ground, people will put it up high for beggars or birds.  You are never supposed to put the bread upside down or it will bring bad luck.  When someone leaves the house on a journey, a bite of non is taken and the loaf is then saved until they safely return.  Bread is also never cut with a knife, it is always torn.

Lamb is the most popular meat that they consume.  However, horse meat and goat are also popular, as is beef and poultry.  Being Muslim countries, pork is not consumed.  Mutton is served in plov and made into soups called shurbo, which are thick soups with noodles and vegetables.  Noodles and dumplings are widely loved, as wheat is readily available.  Kebabs are also a very popular dish.

With fertile valleys and farmland, fresh seasonal produce is used in many dishes and in summer, grapes and melons are often eaten as a dessert or a snack between meals.  They are known to have the sweetest and juiciest melons in the world.

Green tea (Kuk-choy) is considered the national drink, although black tea (Kora-choy) is typically consumed more often in the winter months.  Tea is served before and after the meal.  It is served in a cup called a piala.  Being offered tea in both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is considered a sign of hospitality.  Traditionally, the more a guest is esteemed, the less tea is poured in his piala.

So, let’s enjoy a Tajik and Uzbek meal:

Menu

 First Course

Qurutob (Bread Salad)

Served with 

Non Bread (Traditional Bread)

Main Course

Plov (Lamb and Rice Pilaf)

Dessert

Kukiho Pamir Qajmog (Cream Cheese Cookies)

We set the scene on the floor with a simple cloth, common to both countries, called a “dastarkhan.”  (One could also use a low table.)  We placed a tea pot on the cloth, as green tea would be served prior to the meal and at the end of the meal, which is customary there.  Cotton and wheat were added to the décor since they are very important crops to both countries.  An apple was placed, because this was the area from which they originated.  Photos of the Uzbek cat and the markhor completed the scene. They are the national animals of the two countries.

Our first course was qurutob, served with non bread.  I was excited to try this new and unusual salted cheese called qurut, and it was really a surprising treat.  Generally, I love bread salads and this one did not disappoint.  I understand why nomads would carry this morsel of dried, salty cheese on journeys.  When you mix the dried cheese ball with water it turns into a yogurt like substance with an excellent flavor.  It in essence, became the dressing for the salad and softened the pieces of the non bread in the salad.  The salad consisted of tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and peppers, with of course, the non bread and qurut.  We loved it!

For the main course, we served the beloved plov or osh, considered to be the national dish in both countries.  It was lovely.  It was made with lamb and rice, but it also called for a barberry, which was something else I tried for the first time.  It reminded me of a small, dried cranberry; sweet yet tart, at the same time.  Both the salad and the plov was served communal style.  They generally eat with their right hand, although sometimes a spoon will be offered to a guest. 

For dessert, we devoured the scrumptious cream cheese cookies.  They had little pockets filled with raisins and walnuts and were dusted in sugar.  They went perfectly with the green tea.

As we say goodbye to these two, most intriguing nations, I leave you with a few of their proverbs:

“If you sit with the moon, you become the moon”

“To know a language is to know the world”

“First think then talk”

“A chicken you eat only once, eggs a hundred times”

Until next time,  

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Kazakh, means “Wanderer” and stan, means “land” and so Kazakhstan means “Wanderers of the land”; aptly named for their centuries old, nomadic lifestyle. Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by size and the largest, landlocked country. However, it has a very small population in relation to its size, with only about 16 million people. That makes Kazakhstan one of the lowest, population densities in the world, with only six persons per square mile. Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia with a small portion west of the Ural River which is considered Europe. In fact, while standing on the bridge over the Ural, near Atyrau, Kazakhstan, one can have one foot in Asia and another foot in Europe. Her neighbors are Russia to the north, China to the east, the Caspian Sea on her western border and Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south.

Kazakhstan was formally part of the Soviet Union and one of the last countries to gain independence, which occurred December 16, 1991. The current president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been the leader of the country ever since. Run as an Authoritarian Republic, there are concerns regarding human rights violations and suppression of political opposition.

Kazakhstan, with its small population, is surprisingly diverse. She is considered a melting pot, in large part due to Stalin’s regime from the 1920s to the 1950s, when Russia deported many different ethnicities to the Gulag camps (involuntary settlements) in Kazakhstan. There are at least 131 different ethnicities living in Kazakhstan. Kazakhs today, make up about 65 percent of the population, which has grown from 40 percent at the time of her independence. The government implements polices and incentives to grow the Kazakh population. Russians make up the second largest portion of the population, although the number of Russians has declined substantially since their independence.

There are two official languages, Kazakh and Russian. The Kazakh language is a requirement for all government jobs, as well as many others. It is generally not spoken by Russians. Kazakh is a Turkic language that contains Russian and Arabic words, along with Persian, Mongol and others. It was not written down until the 1860s, using Arabic script. Then in 1940, the Cyrillic alphabet, (used in Russian) along with some extra symbols were used to formally write Kazakh. Many other languages are spoken in the country, especially Ukrainian, German and Uzbek. Muslim is the majority religion but due to the many years of Soviet rule, religion as a whole is not practiced by many. However, just recently, the country has undergone a revitalization of the Muslim religion.

Kazakhstan’s main resource is oil, which is plentiful. The land is also rich with many other natural resources. In fact, 99 of the elements listed from Meneleev’s table of “110 chemical elements”, are found there. The country is trying to diversify its economy, to not be so dependent on oil. Kazakhstan fosters a large agricultural sector, featuring livestock and grain. They are working on modernizing their infrastructure and hope to increase their tourism appeal.

Environmentally, Kazakhstan has challenges, mainly due to Russia having used an area in northeastern Kazakhstan for testing their nuclear weapons. The amount tested is believed to be the equivalent of 20,000 Hiroshima bombs. The resulting radioactive and toxic waste pose serious health risks for humans and animals. Russia still leases a territory there which houses the Baykonur Cosmodrome (the world’s first and largest, space launch facility) and the lease was renewed until 2050.

Kazakhstan has a varied topography. The highest point is Khan Tengri, at a whopping 23,000 feet. The lowest point is located just east of the Caspian Sea, called the Karagiye Depression. It is 433 feet below sea level and considered one of the lowest elevations on earth. The Caspian Sea is home to the country’s navy, (Kazakhstan is one of the few landlocked countries to have a navy.) The Caspian Sea is the largest inland body of water in the world and is rich in sturgeon; a fish prized for its world famous caviar. Most of Kazakhstan is home to what is known as the “steppe” which is mostly flat and barren. It is semi-arid and generally without trees. This area is extremely hot in summer and extremely cold in winter.

There are numerous ancient monuments throughout Kazakhstan. One of the most significant is the Golden Man; a Scythian warrior clad in gold armor. Recent excavations suggest Kazakhstan may have been home to the Amazons; a brave tribe of female warriors who fought from the seventh to the third centuries B.C. Some historians believe the Golden Man may very well be an Amazon woman. The country was also significant in the silk trade, as the route went through much of Kazakhstan. Archeologists have found evidence of prehistoric settlements in Kazakhstan dating back to 13,000 BC. Many native Kazakhs likely descended from the Mongol leader, Genghis Khan, as his second son conquered Kazakhstan in the early 1200s.

Ancient Kazakhs were the first people in the world to domesticate and ride horses. Horses are very important in the Kazakh culture and are their primary source of meat, along with mutton. Horsemeat is such an important part of the cuisine that athletes, had to beg the Olympic committee, to be allowed to bring it into London for the 2012 games. The traditional drink of Kazakhstan is called kumis and sometimes referred to as “milk champagne.” It is made from fermented mare’s milk and believed to be a cure all for everything from a cold to tuberculosis. Kazakhs living on the steppes also drink shubat, which is made from fermented camel’s milk and also believed to have medicinal benefits.

Kazakhs like to play several different games on horseback. One is called Kyz Kuu (catch that girl), where a young man pursues a young woman riding in front of him. Her job is to keep him from getting in front of her and she uses a whip to lash at him to keep him at bay. He must persist, and if he does manage to overtake her, she has to reward him with a kiss. Another test of horsemanship is called Kumis Alu (pick up the coin). The goal is for a rider to gallop at top speed and at the same time, pick up a silver coin from the ground. Today a white handkerchief is used instead of the coin. Legend says that Alexander the Great, was so impressed with Kumis Alu that he felt the game could be used to train his own warriors on horseback.

As we look into the cuisine of this interesting nation, it is based mostly on the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakhs, who were herders for hundreds of years. As they traveled, they would set up “yurts” to live in along the way. (This is a domed shaped tent that was easy to set up and move.) The food also had to be easy to prepare and was mostly based on meats (lamb, horse and sometimes beef) combined with dairy and bread. The food contained high fat content to provide energy during their harsh weather. They relied on their animals for transportation, food and clothing. Meat has always been the primary ingredient in the cuisine. It is usually cooked in boiling water and often served in large pieces. Sausages, made of offal and kebabs, are also very popular. They waste no part of the animal. The seasoning is simple; usually just salt and pepper. Milk products are also plentiful, whether made into sour cream, butter or cottage cheese. Manti, a spiced mixture of meat seasoned with black pepper, wrapped in dough and steamed, is also well loved. Tandyr nan is the traditional flat bread, made in the tandoor oven, which accompanies most meals. Chai, or tea, is also served with nearly every meal.

So let’s enjoy a meal from Kazakhstan:

The Menu
Starter
Kazakh Chai (Tea)

Side Dish
Shalgam (Radish Salad)

Served with Shorpa (Broth)

Main
Beshbarmak (Boiled Meat with Noodles)

Dessert
Baursak (Fried Dough)

We decorated the dastarkhan (which is a clear cloth placed over a rug, or could be just a low table) with a few national symbols. We had a picture of the snow leopard, which lives in the eastern mountains of Kazakhstan and is revered for its bravery, independence and intelligence. Also, the golden eagle, another national symbol that is on their nation’s flag and loved for its power and strength and considered a master of the sky. (Falconry, using this amazing creature, is also very big in Kazakhstan.) We added apples to our décor, as scientists believe the first apple trees grew there as far back as 20 million years ago. We also put in a few agricultural reminders; a horse and a sheep and a lily, the unofficial flower of Kazakhstan.

We removed our shoes before sitting on the floor. We began with some Chai, or tea. It was black tea, spiced with cardamom and fennel and milk and sugar. Typically in a Kazakh home, they will only fill the cup half full. This is to make sure it stays hot and it is actually an insult to fill it all the way, (that means the host wants you to leave.) (Oh please don’t judge the photo as I learned this information after the fact.) Either way, we enjoyed the tea with its unique, earthy flavor.

The next part of the meal was served family style; all at the same time. Beshbarmak is probably the most popular dish in Kazakhstan and literally means “five fingers.” That is because the dish is meant to be eaten using all five fingers, of only the right hand. The dish was made with beef, which if cooked in Kazakhstan would more commonly be made with horse or sheep. The meat is boiled until perfectly tender and falling off the bone and then placed on top of large sized noodles, like lasagna noodles. It is then topped with the onions, which were part of the stock. The dish is served with the rich broth that the meat was cooked in but placed in a separate bowl, as a side, called shorpa. It was garnished with chives and parsley. If enjoying this dish in Kazakhstan and you were an invited guest, you may be served the entire sheep’s head, which is a symbol of honor. The host will often serve special pieces to specific people, like ears to children, to listen better and the tongue, to someone who may need a little more eloquence. It all has meaning. We simply savored the flavors of the very tender beef combined with the noodles, onions and broth.

Our main dish was served with a very flavorful, daikon radish salad. They have a very short growing season in Kazakhstan so vegetables, like radishes, carrots and onions are used generously while in season. The salad was delicious, complemented with the sweet and hot flavors of the dressing.

For dessert, we had Baursak; a delicious, fried dough, with a sprinkle of sugar and served with more Chai. This was a simple ending to our fantastic, Kazakhstani meal.

Now we are off for some horseback riding, in honor of the Kazakhs’ domestication of the horse.

As we say goodbye, I leave you with a couple Kazakh proverbs:
Do not slam shut the door, which is still to be opened.
and
A healthy person values belongings, a sick person values life.

Until next week,
Warmest regards,
Darlene

The Chinese people call their country Zhoung Guo, which means the “Middle Kingdom”. Way back when, the Chinese believed the earth was flat and that their country was in the middle of it and so the name stuck. The name China however, came from the early days of Chinese trade, when Persia was the country that sold and traded silks, spices and goods to the rest of the world. It was the King of Qin that united six nations to become one and “Qin” in Chinese is pronounced “Chin.” “Na”, comes from the Persian word “nation.” When asked where the goods came from, the reply was “Nation of Qin”, which created the word China to Westerners.

China is huge in size, coming in second, third or fourth in the world depending on how it is measured. Located in Asia, she has many neighbors, fourteen to be exact. They are: Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam. (Phew!) She is uncontested as number one in the world for being the most populated. The current 2014 estimate is 1,393,783,835, we will just call it 1.4 billion in round numbers and that does not include Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau. The population has been a hot political issue in China. After rapid growth in the middle of the 20th century, the Chinese government instituted the renowned, ‘one child policy’. They rewarded couples that agreed to have just one child, with cash and better access to housing. The policy has been so successful that the birthrate is down to 1.4 children per woman. Now the experts worry about the imbalances that policy may cause, especially regarding the much larger number of males over females and whether there will be enough young people to provide needed services to the elders.

China’s fascinating history is one of four ancient civilizations dating back more than six millennia, and one of the oldest in the world. Today China is run as a communist state. The Chinese celebrate their Independence Day on October 1st, which marks the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China is a unified, multinational country comprising 56 nationalities. The Han make up the majority, at 91 percent of the population. The national religion is officially atheist. They do not keep figures on religion, however, their constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The culture and people have been influenced by many religious movements over the past thousand years. Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are considered the country’s “Three Religions”. Islam and Christianity are also practiced by a smaller percentage of the population.

The national language is Putonghua or Mandarin. Many other dialects are spoken and the minority groups have their own cultures and language. The writing system however has not changed for thousands of years, having over six thousand characters. It is extremely complex and difficult to learn unless taught at an early age. The language is written in symbols that represent concepts instead of sounds. There is now a simplified writing system called pinyin, which is the writing of Chinese words in Roman characters.

China has an impressive list of inventions; the compass, paper, gun-powder and printing, to name a few. There are also many symbols of China, but one cannot talk about China without talking about the Great Wall. Like a giant dragon, it wanders up and down across desserts, grasslands and mountains from east to west. At a length of 5500 miles, it is the only man-made object visible from the moon. Work began on the wall in the third century B.C.E. and was continued into the 15th century, during the Ming Dynasty. Many died while building the wall and were buried in it. The Great Wall is a reminder of the suffering the Chinese have endured contrasted by the incredible accomplishments of their civilization. The Great Wall is also one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. It is fascinating to think of this and two other engineering projects that were built over 2000 years ago; the Grand Canal (the longest canal in the world at 1115 miles) and the Karez irrigation system, an ingenious series of wells and channels that capture snow melt and transport the water by gravity for irrigation. Aside from these ancient projects, China has numerous other wonders like the 8000 Terra Cotta Warriors that were discovered in 1974 who are said to guard Emperor Qin’s tomb and created around 221 B.C; or the Leshan Buddha which stands over 233 feet high and 90 feet wide; and how about the Forbidden City in Beijing the largest ancient palace in the world to name a few.

China’s topography and climate are quite diverse due to her sheer size, ranging from tropical and sub-tropical valleys in the south to the frigid mountains of the north. Their chief crops are rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, tea, millet, barley, cotton and tobacco. She is considered to be the world’s top supplier of teas and grains.
China has huge reserves of coal, iron ore, petroleum, tin and has harnessed hydroelectric power to provide electricity. China has become a major force in the world’s economy with electronics, machinery and apparel as important exports. As China has grown in economic wealth and power, so has her appetite for imports, having many trade partners around the globe. The Peoples currency is called the Renminbi and its unit, the Yuan.

The Panda is an epic, national symbol of China. The panda bear is native to central and southwestern China but is facing extinction due to its loss of habitat. To make things worse, pandas have only a two to three day fertility window, which makes it very difficult to add panda cubs to their sub-critical population. There are several pandas in captivity and on loan to other nations to help with this issue and scientific intervention is becoming increasingly successful in boosting procreation rates. You will find these bamboo eating, adorable creatures proudly displayed on Chinese currency. Gold and silver coins sport the panda’s importance as the national animal.

As I looked into the cuisine of this massive, diverse country, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of coming up with just one meal, I made a dish from each of the eight recognized cuisines in China. Please note that all of these dishes were excellent however, some of them took a few days to make, so be sure to read the directions carefully. With each recipe you will get a little background on that particular Chinese cuisine. The main cuisines reflect the area, local ingredients and distinct method of cooking. Of course, the wok is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Chinese cuisine. However, it was amazing to learn of all the different techniques that are used there. It was challenging and fun to experience these different cuisines. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!

Perhaps you might want to host a Chinese New Year party. Did you know it’s coming up on February 19, 2015? This massive celebration is also called the Spring Festival in China. Most Chinese have eight days off of work for the celebration. It is based on the Chinese lunar calendar and is associated with the Chinese zodiac which has twelve animal signs. Each animal represents a year in a 12 year cycle. This year will be the Year of the Goat. Red envelopes are the most popular gifts for children and seniors, as they always contain money. Red is a very significant color and is worn and used in decorations all over China. The Chinese New Year is a time for family and friends to be together and eat delicious food.

So here we go to the cuisines of China:

The Cuisines of China
Shandong Braised Abalone (原汁燜鮑魚)

Guangdong Black Pepper Beef (hēi hú jiāo niú liǔ) 黑胡椒牛柳

Sichuan Gong Bao Ji Ding (diced chicken, fried with peanuts/cashews) 宫保鸡丁

Zhejiang Dong Po Pork (dōng pō ròu) 東坡肉

Hunan Hot and Sour Soup 酸辣汤

Fujian Shrimp Fried Rice 福建炒飯

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao (小笼包) Soup Dumplings

Peking Duck (China's National Dish)北京烤鸭

Dessert
Orange (A symbol of good luck) jú zi 橙

We enjoyed each of these dishes using chopsticks. It is fun to eat with them, even if it takes a little practice. Round tables are common in China and with a lazy Susan; a center, round large platter that turns to easily move the food around the table. Most courses are served all at once. Sometimes you will find communal chopsticks available for serving. Make certain that you do not keep them by mistake. Use them to take a small serving and return them to the dish. Many times there will be chopstick holders next to your place setting. If not, never place your chopsticks upright in the food, this is taboo and symbolizes death. Instead, simply lay them on the plate. Also don’t pick out certain things from the dishes. This is also taboo and considered “grave digging.”

The Chinese people are very friendly. Be polite and always greet elders first and with the utmost respect. Be on time, as punctuality is considered a virtue. A handshake or nod is the most common form of greeting. For a toast, make sure to raise your glass and clink glasses and then say干杯！ Gānbēi! This is the equivalent of “Cheers!” or “Bottoms up!” The words actually mean “Dry Glass”. It's pronounced like “Gun-Bay!” For dessert, you will notice it is not a fortune cookie. It turns out that fortune cookies are an American invention, not a Chinese one. An orange was picked for our dessert, as the Chinese believe they bring good luck.

The Chinese have superstitions regarding numbers. They generally like even numbers, except for the number four. If giving a gift of fruit or flowers, never give four of either. Give six or eight, these numbers are considered very lucky.

As we leave this rich and ancient culture, we do so with a better understanding that the country has seen incredible growth and prosperity. We can only hope that they continue to make strides for the good of their enormous population and the world and will be kind to the environment as they grow.

And you know how I love proverbs. I leave you with a few from the Chinese:
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.

To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.

Until next week,
Warmest regards, Darlene