Funerals are an unavoidable part of life. At some point, each of us will face this reality. In Tashkent, as in many other cities, local customs, services and funeral costs follow particular norms. This guide explores what a funeral costs in Tashkent as of 2024, the services available to Muslims and Christians, and what it takes to start a funeral-related business.
Funeral Procedures in Tashkent
To arrange a funeral in Tashkent, families must contact one of the city’s cemeteries. Burial plots can be reserved in advance, which is often an important step for relatives of the deceased. Tashkent has 74 cemeteries, of which 16 are officially closed.
Dombrabad and Botkin cemeteries fall under this category. However, burials are still permitted there if a close relative of the deceased is already buried on the grounds.
The Mirzo Ota Cemetery serves residents of Yashnobod district. In this case, the deceased must have had permanent residence registration in the same area. This helps families, as the cemetery is divided by sectors according to neighbourhoods (mahallas).
Cost of a Cemetery Plot in Tashkent
Officially, burial plots in Tashkent are provided free of charge. However, reserving a plot in advance often involves a payment ranging from $54 to $78 (approximately UZS 700,000 to UZS 1 mln), depending on the location and prestige of the cemetery.
These reservations can sometimes be made up to ten years in advance, which is crucial for those wishing to be buried next to other family members.
Grave Digging Costs
Digging a grave in Tashkent costs between $31 and $78 (roughly UZS 400,000 to UZS 1 mln), depending on the season and weather conditions. This pricing is generally the same for both Muslim and Christian cemeteries.
If the burial plot was booked in advance and the cemetery is far from the family home, additional expenses may arise for transporting the body. There may also be extra fees for gravediggers and other related services.
Muslim Funeral Rites and Their Cost
In Islam, a funeral is a deeply spiritual process. The core elements include washing the body (ghusl), transporting it to the mosque, performing a collective prayer (janazah), and finally, burial. The deceased is dressed in a kafan, a plain white shroud, before being laid to rest.
Typical Muslim funeral expenses in Tashkent total around $184 (about UZS 2,370,000), covering the following services:
- Grave digging: $54 (UZS 700,000)
- Body washing: $62 (UZS 800,000)
- Kafan (shroud): $29 (UZS 375,000)
- Transportation: $39 (UZS 500,000)
Additional purchases may include prayer mats and beads. Bought in bulk, mats cost $1.17 (UZS 15,000), and items such as rosaries, skullcaps and white scarves can be bought for $0.23 (UZS 3,000) each.
Christian Funeral Services and Their Cost
For Christian funerals in Tashkent, companies like Black Tulip offer services. Burials take place at the Urta-Saray Cemetery, located approximately 20 km from the city.
Basic funeral packages for Christians start at $93 (UZS 1.2 mln), which includes:
- Coffin: from $39 (UZS 500,000)
- Body transport: $43 (UZS 560,000)
- Grave digging: $12 (UZS 160,000)
If opting for more premium services – such as coffins made from high-quality materials – total costs may reach $202 to $241 (UZS 2.6 mln to UZS 3.1 mln).
Private funeral companies, like Ritual-Lux, tend to charge more. Typical Christian funeral expenses at such firms include:
- Coffins: Standard models start from $93 (UZS 1.2 mln). Mid-range models cost between $233 to $272 (UZS 3 mln to UZS 3.5 mln), while exclusive coffins range from $536 to $1,157 (UZS 6.9 mln to UZS 14.9 mln).
- Crosses: A simple plywood cross costs $7.77 (UZS 100,000). Crosses made from more expensive materials range from $39 to $233 (UZS 500,000 to UZS 3 mln).
- Body preparation: Washing and dressing the body costs $62 (UZS 800,000).
- Total funeral cost: At private firms, basic Christian funerals cost between $202 to $241 (UZS 2.6 mln to UZS 3.1 mln), including the coffin, washing, cross, body transport and other services.
- Clothing for the deceased: Funeral attire, such as a suit or a dress, typically costs from $27 (UZS 350,000).
Memorial Meals: Muslim and Christian Traditions
The memorial meal, or “pominki”, is an important tradition in Uzbekistan. Muslims usually host these gatherings on the day of the funeral and again on the ninth day following the death.
A memorial meal for 30 guests at Aziya Art restaurant costs around $699 (UZS 9,000,000). More budget-friendly venues like Broccoli charge about $12 (UZS 150,000) per guest – a lunch for 30 guests would total approximately $349 (UZS 4.5 mln).
After the burial, Muslims often hold private memorials at home, limited to family and neighbours. Guests offer prayers, express condolences, and join in a modest meal featuring soup or plov. The food is usually prepared by relatives or neighbours.
A separate tradition involves organising a morning plov after the funeral. This event is attended by friends, family, and neighbours.
Morning Plov Costs in Tashkent
At banquet halls hosting 200 guests, the cost of morning plov varies:
- Sarbon: $3,107 (UZS 40 mln)
- Dunyo: $2,328 (UZS 30 mln)
- Ummon: Hall rental: $699 (UZS 9 mln)
- Yashnobod: $14 to $15 per person (UZS 180,000–190,000); hall rental may cost $1,009 (UZS 13 mln) for 200 guests.
Starting a Funeral Services Business
The funeral industry is both demanding and sensitive, but it is also essential. Armida Shakhnazaryan, founder of the funeral services firm Dafna, shares her experience of starting a business in this field.
How Did It All Begin
«Over 15 years ago, at a funeral for a family friend, more than 100 people attended. When the time came to lower the coffin from the third floor, no one was available to help. We had to call workers from a nearby shop. That moment made me realise how important it is to have professionals who can offer dignified support during such times. It inspired me to start my own company.»
The First Step
«The first challenge was convincing my family. Many people are hesitant even to talk about such a business. Once we agreed, we rented an office and started hiring staff through job adverts.»
«To start, you need a genuine desire to help others, honesty, and the ability to listen to people’s needs – especially when they’re grieving. What matters most is being compassionate and respectful.»
Business Start-up Costs
According to those in the industry, initial expenses depend largely on the location and premises you choose to rent. It’s difficult to estimate a precise figure.
Some expenses are tied directly to the services you offer. For example, if your firm doesn’t own a hearse, you’ll need to hire a driver. Similarly, if you don’t have a staff member who can wash and dress bodies, you’ll need to outsource the service. These costs are typically passed on to the customer, with a service fee or commission added.
In such a business model, your primary fixed costs are rent and taxes. All other expenses will vary depending on client orders.
