Uzbekistan is more than just a growing hub for business and investments. It is also a country that has contributed much to the world in terms of trade, arts, and culture. A country that is the ideal, exciting blend of historic wonders and modern amenities. A country that is, admittedly, a hidden gem as far as tourism destinations go, but once you are there… once you visit Uzbekistan, you can’t help but think, “What took me so long to come here?”
image caption: Located in Samarkand, Registan Square is one of the most important landmarks in the city. During its heyday, it was the central gathering point of all important activities. The Square is home to three of the grandest examples of Islamic architecture from the Timurid period pictured below – the Ulugh Beg Madrasa (left), the Tillya Kari Madrasa (centre), and the Shir Do Madrasa (right).
Historic Heritage
Uzbek people are proud of their country’s history and heritage, and for good reason too. After all, their homeland has had a long and storied past, which has seen it contribute greatly to sciences, arts and architecture.
In fact, Uzbekistan was once at the heart of one of the most important trade routes in the world – the ancient Silk Road which connected China and Europe. As a crucial crossroad, Uzbekistan attracted travellers and traders from all over. This in turn contributed to the nation’s rich diversity, which is reflected in Uzbekistan having 130 different ethnic groups.
Standing at 48-metres in height, the Kalyan Minaret, which is part of the Po-i-Kalyan Mosque complex, is one of the most prominent landmarks in the historic city of Bukhara. Built in the 12th century, it is made from baked brick. It has been said that it so impressed Genghis Khan that he ordered it to be spared from destruction when the Mongols conquered Bukhara in the 13th century.
Today, the splendours of Uzbekistan’s past can be seen in its magnificent buildings and monuments, which date back to as far as the 14th century. Among the most well-preserved examples of architecture from the Timurid Reinassance period, UNESCO has recognised their cultural significance by placing the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Itchan Kala and Shakhrisyabz on the World Heritage list.
DID YOU KNOW?
Aside from historic monuments, Uzbekistan has also contributed to theology and the sciences. Two of the most famous Uzbeks in history include Imam al-Bukhari - considered the greatest hadith scholar in Islam - and Al-Khwaizmi, the father of algebra.
“We have more than 1,800 historical landmarks in Samarkand, such as the Imam al-Bukhari Mausoleum and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, so we are very popular destination for pilgrimage from Islamic countries. We have also built a new tourist centre in Samarkand, as well as eight four- and five-star hotels. We are hosting a lot of events here too, from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, World Tourism Organization, and UNESCO.”
Sabirov Sheroz Ilkhomovich, Head of Regional Investment, Industrial and Trade Development of Samarkand Region
Unleashing Uzbekistan’s Tourism Potential
As part of our mission to Uzbekistan, we were able to interview Farkhod Fayzillaev – the Adviser to the Chair of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan – who highlighted the country’s plans to enhance its tourism industry.
According to Fayzillaev, Uzbekistan is planning to leverage on its rich cultural heritage to drive tourism into the country. On this note, he credited the vision of H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who after assuming office in 2016, identified tourism as a key priority.
This, he revealed, has led to the country enjoying an uptick in tourist arrivals and revenue. “In 2016, we welcomed just 2 million visitors. Last year, in 2023, we had almost 7 million. So, that’s triple the amount. We are preparing for 10 million visitors a year by investing billions in infrastructure,” he proudly told International Business Review.
Presently, most of Uzbekistan’s tourism inflow comes from neighbouring countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which accounts for 5 million visitors. However, the country is looking to diversify this source, and is looking for more tourists from Europe by increasing air connectivity.
Fayzillaev also explained Uzbekistan is learning from other countries’ experiences in building the tourism sector such as Turkey, Italy, France and even Malaysia. He told how Uzbekistan is looking to partner with investors, with the aim of building more hotels and enhancing road and rail connectivity in the country. As such, Uzbekistan is offering incentives such as reimbursing developers for each room in any three-, four- and five-star hotels they build in the country.
At the same time, the Uzbekistan Tourism Commitee has also embarked on a concerted publicity campaign of inviting media and social media influencers to visit the country. As a result, Fayzillaev proudly said that there are now thousands of hours of videos about Uzbekistan and its attractions, on social media sites such as YouTube and Instagram.
You can’t just visit Uzbekistan without trying the sumptuous cuisine on offer. Among the gastronomical delights of the country are shashlik, grilled skewered pieces of marinated meat; samsa, pastries stuffed with meat and onions not unlike samosas; obi non, a uniquely patterned flatbread baked in tandoor; and shurpa, hearty soup made with meat, onions, carrots, potatoes and various spices. However, the undisputed star of the show has to be palov, a rice dish that has been added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
In addition, he also revealed that Uzbekistan is working with shopping malls in Europe on out-of-the-home (OTOH) advertising by running tourism advertisements on digital billboards. At the same time, he shared the Tourism Committee is negotiating sponsorship opportunities with some major European football clubs.
Uzbekistan has long been a hidden gem as far as tourism is concerned. However, thanks to the leadership of its President, the efforts of the Tourism Committee and the partnerships it is forging with investors and media, this is no longer the case.
We have no doubt that Uzbekistan will soon take its rightful place among the most visited countries in the world, because it has everything that is needed. Wonderful culture, modern conveniences, sumptuous food and a friendly, welcoming people.
Luxury On Rails
Presently, those who want to travel between Tashkent and Samarkand can either opt to take the road or the Afrosiyob bullet train. Those who want a journey that adds more than a hint of luxury to the experience need only wait till 2026 when the Samarkand Express comes online.
A venture between Uzbekistan’s national railway company – O’zbekiston Temir Yo’llari JSC and Arsenale S.p.A. – an Italian luxury hospitality company, the agreement to build the Samarkand Express was signed during the 3rd Tashkent International Investment Forum on 3 May, between Khikmatulla Rakhmetov – Vice Chairman of the Board of O’zbekiston Temir Yo’llari JSC and Paolo Barletta – CEO of Arsenale S.p.A.
Once operational, the Samarkand Express is expected to be the most well-equipped and lavish train in Uzbekistan, with a passenger capacity of just 66 – which reinforces the sense of luxury. The train will travel between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, and is further evidence of how Uzbekistan is investing in its infrastructure to boost its tourism potential.
Modern Marvels
If you are seeking more contemporary pleasures, you need not worry because Uzbekistan also has something for you. Its capital city, Tashkent, is one of the most modern in Central Asia. Unless you were to only visit Old Tashkent, it may be difficult to believe that this bustling metropolis has a history dating back to the 3rd century BC.
The city is home to various well-equipped shopping malls, carrying a myriad of international brands such as Zara, Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Calvin Klein and Levi’s to name a few. Of course, visitors might choose to ignore these labels, preferring something more local as a memento of their visit to Uzbekistan. Needless to say, you will also find them in the Tashkent malls.
Tashkent also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Whether you are looking for a classy lounge or a happening night club to dance the night away, Tashkent will not disappoint.
After an exciting day and night out in the city, you will want a place to rest, relax, and recharge. Fortunately, Tashkent also has no shortage of hotels with 352 of them, including 5-star ones such as Hyatt Regency, Hilton and InterContinental.
At the end of the day, the convergence of heritage and modernity, of the old and new world that can be found throughout Uzbekistan – it is a testament to the country’s potential. It is a message that Uzbekistan is not just basking on past glories, but on a determined course to enhance its future.
To those who have yet to do so, International Business Review strongly recommends that they make that trip to Uzbekistan soon. Be it as a tourist, a business traveller or an investor, you will feel as if you are getting a front row seat to the start of something special. Because this beautiful country has a people who are inspired; inspired by their history and by the plans for the future, which tells them that, just as it was in the past, Uzbekistan can be and will be great again.
