British Broadcasting Corporation
Women selling garlic at Yunus Abad market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's bazaars have changed beyond recognition in recent years. A lack of jobs means that many men have gone abroad to work and women have stepped in to take their place at the numerous markets. Pictures and text by the BBC's Central Asia service.
A woman selling melons at the Yunus Abad market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Traditionally it was older men who sold melons at this market in the capital, Tashkent. But women are now in charge here too - a sign of the changing times.
Vendors at the Farmers' Market in Urgench, Uzbekistan
Some women work on their own but others work in families like this one in a market in Urgench, on the Amu Darya river on the other side of Uzbekistan from Tashkent.
Women selling grapes at Chorsu market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
There is fierce competition for space in the bazaars, many of which have been converted into modern markets with allocated retail areas. There is not enough space for everyone, though, including these grape sellers.
A street by Chorsu market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Those who can not afford to pay for an allocated space are often confronted by market officials who will try to make them pay or move them on.
A vendor in Chorsu market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Unlike some of the male vendors, this woman greets customers with a big smile. Some invite people to taste their products or explain the health benefits of their wares.
A girl at the Khiva market in Khorezm, Uzbekistan
The market trade is often a family affair. Children usually work at the family stall when they have finished school, with the parents keeping a watchful eye in the background.
Stall holder eating lunch at Chorsu market, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
There is no such thing as closing for a lunch break, so meals are taken on the fly when there are no customers.
A woman selling sheep intestines at the Chorsu Food market in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
The men have not completely disappeared from Uzbekistan's markets, however. This couple are selling ready-to-eat stuffed sheep intestines, a popular dish.
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