BY FATIHAH MANAF

Ravshan Usmanov , Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia , told @ Halal that Uzbekistan had ambitious plans to develop the tourism industry in the country effectively and positively .

“ Today , the country is a bright destination for cultural , historical , and religious tourism . Back in Uzbekistan , we have a special terminology for religious tourism - Ziyarah tourism ,” said Usmanov .

Being located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road , Uzbekistan has always charmed travellers from all over the world . It offers travellers a one-of-a-kind experience , highlighting the fusion of the world ’ s cultures and civilisations .

The traditions reflecting the diversity and antiquity of Uzbekistan are also expressed in its music , dance , applied arts , language , cuisine , and textile . Many of them are included in UNESCO ’ s Intangible Cultural Heritage List of Humanity . These include – the Bakhshi art of storytelling , miniature fine arts , Lazgi traditional Khorezm dance , Navruz culture festival , Palov culture and tradition , Shashmaqom music , and others .

“ Navruz is one of the festivals celebrated in Central Asia , including Uzbekistan , Turkiye , Iran and Pakistan . It is like our new year , which we celebrate on Mar 21 . Also included in the UNESCO List is Palov , our main dish . Just like Nasi Lemak in Malaysia , Palov is our national pride . It is a trademark that attracts tourists and makes them remember our country ,” Usmanov explained .

Notable cities in Uzbekistan

With its Islamic shrines and madrasah , the famous city of Bukhara has long been known as the most significant centre of Islamic theology and science . One of the most prominent hadith scholars of the Muslim world , Imam al-Bukhari , was born in Bukhara . Interestingly , during Soviet rule , Mir-i Arab Madrasah in Bukhara remained the primary centre for religious education across Eurasia .

Further sharing about cities in Uzbekistan , Usmanov stated : “ Samarkand , former home to some of the finest architects credited with creating the masterpieces of Registan Square and Gur-Emir Mausoleum .”

“ Khiva , another city in the Western part of the country , is an open-air museum that captures the exotic atmosphere of the Silk Road with its winding alleys and bustling bazaars . It is a twin city to Versailles in France .”

The country also has other unique destinations like Termez , a Buddhist centre on the southern border and Shahrisabz , the birthplace of the great statesman Tamerlane .

Ravshan Usmanov

The Registan was the heart of Samarkand during the Temurid Empire . The city was regarded as the cultural and scientific centre of the epoch - the hub of the Temurid Renaissance .

just like it used to be hundreds to thousands of years ago . Samarkand is becoming the ‘ New Tourism Gate of New Uzbekistan ’ today . It now welcomes foreign travellers with modern infrastructure and new facilities .

“ This year , we have launched a brandnew terminal of Samarkand International Airport . The state-of-the-art facilities meet all international standards . The terminal building resembles an open book inspired by the Astronomy manuscript by medieval Uzbek astronomer Mirzo Ulughbeg .

“ Outside of the city , we built a tourism cluster - the largest international tourist complex of Central Asia , the Silk Road Samarkand . It features eight world-class hotels , a huge congress , a historical ethnographical park and much more . All of it was built from scratch ,” shared Usmanov .

The ethnographical park , called ‘ Eternal City ’, highlights Oriental bazaars , handicraft

workshops , masterpieces of Islamic architecture , and Uzbek traditional tea houses , immersing travellers and researchers into a modern interpretation of a medieval town .

“ The venue has already started attracting huge international summits . Over a short time , Silk Road Samarkand has hosted the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , the Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States , the EU-Central Asia Ministerial Meeting , and other international events . At the moment , Samarkand is becoming the diplomatic capital of Eurasia .”

Islamic Tourism in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is committed to developing and promoting Islamic tourism and Muslimfriendly hospitality . With its rich Islamic legacy , Uzbekistan is becoming more famous as an Islamic tourism destination and cradle of Islamic civilisation , attracting more and

The new Samarkand

According to Usmanov , the country is trying to make the city of Samarkand a tourism hub