At a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Uzbekistan was declared the Asian country with the largest number of Islamic historical cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The event was attended by representatives of the Committee on Tourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia.
Four pearls of the Uzbek land have received international recognition:
- Samarkand;
- Bukhara;
- Khiva;
- Shakhrisabz.
These cities are living witnesses of the rich Islamic civilization, preserved to this day almost in its original form.
The heart of the Great Silk Road
Uzbekistan has been a crossroads of cultures, science and spiritual traditions for centuries. Passing through his lands, the caravans of the Great Silk Road carried not only goods, but also knowledge, art, and religious ideas.
Today, travelers can see:
- majestic mosques;
- ancient madrassas;
- mysterious mausoleums;
- integral urban ensembles.
The uniqueness of Uzbek cities lies in the complex preservation of the historical environment. The value here is not a single monument, but the entire urban appearance that has developed over the centuries.
Uzbekistan opens its doors to the world of Islamic culture for pilgrims and curious tourists:
- The Hast Complex‑Imam (Tashkent) – the spiritual center of the capital;
- The Mausoleum of Imam al‑Bukhari (Samarkand) is a place of worship and admiration for architectural craftsmanship;
- The ensembles of Bahouddin Naqshband and Chashmai Ayub (Bukhara) are the embodiment of a spiritual tradition;
- The Islamic monuments of Termez are pages of ancient history.
The ASIA Records Award is not just an honorary title. This is an international recognition of:
- Uzbekistan’s efforts to preserve its historical heritage;
- the importance of Islamic culture for all mankind;
- the country’s potential as a center of cultural and pilgrimage tourism.
