Photos

Bread (Non) enjoys exalted status in Uzbek society.

Legend claims that rulers once paid the minters of coins in bread. And in the 11th century, Non was recommended as a cure for debilitating disease. Great respect is shown towards Non. When a member of the family leaves (for example, on a trip, or for military service), he bites a fresh Non, which is hung up to safeguard his return. At a meal, the Non is broken into pieces and shared around the table. Non is never placed face-down - the patterned, seeded side is always kept facing up. Non is never left on the ground or thrown away in public. It is a further custom that anyone who finds a piece on the ground should pick it up, kiss it and touch it to their forehead three times.

To make Non, wheatflour dough, sprinkled with sesame or poppy, is placed against the clay walls of a tandyr oven. Only when it falls, is it baked to perfection.

Photo was taken in the Jewish Quarter.