The combination of “Nowruz, Samarkand, and Bukhara” epitomizes the abundant cultural heritage that Uzbekistan proudly showcases. Drawing from my personal experiences from two visits to this country, I can attest to the enchanting shared cultural legacy, the vibrant Nowruz celebrations filled with music and traditional performances. Furthermore, Uzbekistan is celebrated for its delectable and affordably priced cuisine, transforming it into a haven for food enthusiasts. Moreover, the country’s reputation for warm Eastern hospitality adds to its allure as a welcoming destination for travelers. These compelling aspects, among many others, make Uzbekistan an ideal choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
Whether you decide to embark on the Silk Road journey, let this report serve as a simple guide.
Uzbekistan is actively working to strengthen its relations with Iran. In response, Iran has taken steps to enhance their bond by proposing a mutual abolition of the visa regime. Additionally, Iran has signaled its intention to introduce a visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan. This move aims to foster tourism and reinforce the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Samarkand Photo by Nafise Hajati
This new perspective in international relations, particularly since the inauguration of the new President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has gained momentum. This year, with the hosting of the twenty-fifth General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in Samarkand, there has been a notable advancement and increased visibility in the tourism sector.
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Prioritizes Boosting Tourism and Strengthening Ties with Iran
Fariddin Nasriev, the Uzbekistan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Iran, delivered his remarks in Uzbek. His speech included familiar terms like “Mehmankhane” for hotels and “Sayyah” referring to tourist.
Listening to the conversations of the people in Uzbekistan is one of the joys of travel, and this was one of the things I did during my trip to Uzbekistan last year. I even made it a habit to watch local news before going to breakfast at the hotel.
Samarkand Photo by Nafise Hajati
Following a warm welcome, the Ambassador highlighted the growing regional partnership between Uzbekistan and Iran, stating, “Cooperation between our nations is flourishing, marked by significant visits and the signing of agreements to enhance direct connections between Samarkand, Isfahan, Hamadan, and Bukhara. Uzbekistan has fostered favorable conditions for diverse trade and tourism ventures, including customs and tax incentives, financial support, and initiatives to construct new hotels and attract global brands, all aimed at boosting tourism influx.”
According to him, the number of hotel beds in Uzbekistan has increased to 140,000, with 70 new tourist routes identified and introduced. Additionally, there are now two direct flights between Iran and Uzbekistan each week. The addition of another direct flight is a positive development in the tourism sector of Iran and Uzbekistan this year. Previously, only Zagros Airlines operated a weekly flight between Tehran and Tashkent. However, Qeshm Air has also been added since mid-year. Discussions are underway to launch flights between Tehran, Isfahan or Shiraz, and Samarkand, and I hope that one day both you and I, who are reading this report, will be among the first passengers on the Isfahan-Samarkand flight.
Tashkent Photo by Nafise Hajati
Exploring the Timurid Empire and Skiing the Silk Road!
Umid Shadiev, the head of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a division of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, regarded as the highest tourism authority in the country, began his discourse in this manner: “We believe that tourism and travel are the most reliable bridges of friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding. Uzbekistan has taken unprecedented steps to transform the tourism sector into a catalyst for sustainable development in this country. This nation is a historical center and a pearl of the Silk Road, considered a meeting point of cultures and civilizations worldwide.”
According to Shadiev, there are over 8,000 cultural heritage sites in this country, with 209 of them being part of 4 historic cities listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This official highlighted the 3,000-year-old history of ancient cities in this country and mentioned the Golden Triangle of Tourism in this country (Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva), stating: “Samarkand is the ancient capital of the Timurid Empire, where the magnificent Registan complex, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and the important Muslim collection of Imam Bukhari exist. The legendary city of Bukhara with its architectural ensemble and Ark Fortress, and Khiva, the capital of Khwarezmian Empire with its ancient city of Itchan Kala and lush greenery are highly appealing to tourists.”
Khiva Photo by Nafise Hajati
In his remarks, he described Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, as a bridge connecting East and West and emphasized the importance of preserving historical structures in Uzbekistan. Shadiev also mentioned Uzbekistan’s four seasons and its natural attractions such as mountains, mysterious caves, Lake Aral, and numerous other lakes. He listed some attractions including Fergana Valley and its spring blossoms, pistachio orchards in Kokand, Namanagan Flower Festival, and of course the new and renowned ski resort Amirsoy located in the western region of Uzbekistan near the capital. A search on the internet for phrases like “Skiing on the old Silk Road” referring to this region would lead you there.
Shadiev continued: “In the heart of the Great Silk Road, namely the city of Samarkand, a modern tourist center has been developed, including the newest hotels, a convention center, and… Samarkand is transforming into a significant tourism hub, giving us a story to tell in the region. Due to the construction of this complex, we now have the most equipped MICE center in the region.”
His words reminded me of the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly held this year in Samarkand; the Silk Road Samarkand (Eternal city) with its 4 and 5-star hotels and attractive venues has successfully hosted several important international summits in tourism and energy sectors, marking a triumph for Uzbekistan that can potentially host even more international events and conferences.
In another part of his speech, he emphasized: “We have a duty to strengthen cooperation with Iran in the field of tourism. Iran has been attracting tourists for centuries. The cultural heritage left by ancient empires like Iran is so captivating that it draws in many tourists. The history of travel between Uzbekistan and Iran dates back millennia. Undoubtedly, the Great Silk Road, which was a major travel corridor, played a special role in developing trade, economic, scientific, cultural, and handicraft exchanges between our countries. Uzbekistan and Iran have vast untapped potential in tourism, and we need more active collaboration on a larger scale. The Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan is ready to support joint projects between the two countries.”
Bukhara casts a spell on tourists!
Uzbekistan made a vibrant appearance at the Tehran International Tourism Exhibition. Among them, Bukhara stood out with a larger delegation of 30 individuals from this country who had come to grace the Iran International Tourism Exhibition.
The vibrant presence at the exhibition was eloquently explained by Botirjon Shakhriyorov. Speaking in Uzbek, he expressed his hopes for the growth of relations between Iran and Uzbekistan, emphasizing the cultural similarities shared between the two nations. He noted that even in appearance, Iranians and Uzbeks do not feel vastly different when placed together. Shakhriyorov also highlighted the historical connection between Bukhara and Hamadan through the shared legacy of the great scientist Ibn Sina, further solidified by a sister cities agreement.
Bukhara Photo by Nafise Hajati
He elaborated further: “Our President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, placed great emphasis on fostering relations between our two countries during his visit to Iran. We are aware of Iranians’ desire to explore Bukhara, just as the people of Bukhara are keen to experience Iran. Bukhara captivates tourists, enchanting them with its charm.
With a 2,000-year-old heritage, iconic sites like the Ark Fortress, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, and the Attar Mosque are among the city’s top attractions. I extend an invitation to all of you to journey to Bukhara!”
His words evoke thoughts of the intriguing ties Bukhara shares with Isfahan and various cities across Iran; the entrance of The Nader Diwan Beyki School brings to mind the grandeur of Chehel Sotoun Palace. There exists a place known as Bolo Haouz Mosque; its architecture reminiscent of the ivan at Chehel Sotoun Palace. In an area called Lab-i Hauz, the melodic strains of Persian music, can always be heard wafting from restaurants. Nearby are miniature shops that may transport you back to the charm of Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan. The mausoleum of Ismail Samani also graces Bukhara, serving as a significant destination for admirers of Persian language, architecture, and cultural heritage; in essence, Bukhara stands as an ancient and captivating city.
