Men greeting Men –Men will usually shake hands with the right hand when greeting and departing. This is usually accompanied with the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum" which means "God grant you peace". Family members will often engage in full hugs and members of the Russian-speaking population may exchange kisses on the cheek.

Women greeting Women- Most women will shake hands when greeting and departing, sometimes accompanied by a nod of the head and the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum".  Good friends and family of the Russian-speaking population may exchange a kiss on each cheek.  During initial meetings a handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually suffice. 

Greetings between Men greeting Women-   At a first meeting a simple nod of acknowledgment accompanied with the Islamic saying "Asalaam Aleikum" will usually suffice.  In certain regions a handshake may be appropriate nut it is best for women to initiate the greeting.  Good friends and family of the Russian-speaking population may exchange a kiss on each cheek. 

Note: It is taboo for religiously observant men to touch women and vice-versa.