The Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the historical jewels of Tashkent, does not solely have a rich culinary history attached to it but it rests in a city and country with a diverse gastronomical heritage. Built in the 16th century during the Shaybanid Dynasty, the madrasah has been at the crossroads of various cultures and influences, including Persian, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese. Uzbek cuisine, therefore, is a melting pot of these cultures. The fertile Fergana Valley offers abundant produce, contributing to the variety of vegetables central to the nation's diet. While the food traditions in Uzbekistan do prominently feature meat dishes, the importance of bread (non), pastries, and various vegetable preparations is significant as well.