Uzbekistan expects 1.7 M tourist Next Year – Visa for Pakistan will be Simplified ; DMP Aziz Abduhakimov

Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee for Tourism Development Mr Aziz Abduhakimov has said that our country has made significant progress in the development of tourism. The number of countries that do not require visa to Uzbekistan has been increased from 9 to 86. He was answering questions in an interview that was conducted recently at Tashkent. Here is the detail interview for the information of our reader.

Interviewer: What is the situation in the tourism market of Uzbekistan during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Over the past 4 years, we have made significant progress in the development of tourism industry in the country. In particular, the number of foreign countries that do not require a visa to Uzbekistan has been increased from 9 to 86.

In 2018, the new “e-visa” system was introduced, and today it is implemented to 53 countries.

As a result, the number of international tourist arrivals has increased 3.5 times over the past 4 years, reaching 6.7 million tourist arrivals in 2019 and $1.3 billion in tourism export. Back in 2016, it was only $375 million.

Unfortunately, the world faced an unprecedented global health, social and economic emergency with the COVID-19 pandemic and tourism industry was the most affected sectors of the world economy.

Although Uzbekistan has been doing well in confronting the coronavirus, the international tourism receipts has fallen to the results of 2015. Our experience has shown that the pandemic has opened the eyes of humanity in all areas and clearly demonstrated the untapped resources.

In 2021, Uzbekistan is expecting to attract 1.7 million international tourist arrivals around 700,000 will be visitors travelling for religious or spiritual purposes.

Interviewer: What are your plans to reach this number? Which markets are you planning to work closely with and how will you promote the country in those markets?

Muslim travel brings great opportunities for us, as there are many Islamic architectural, cultural and historic sites in the country. It has been cradle of the Islamic Civilization, and its historic cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Termez, and Tashkent were well known as the centers of Islamic culture.

ISESCO designated Bukhara as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2020, while TURKSOY selected city of Khiva as the Cultural capital of the Turkic-speaking nations in 2020-2021.

Historic centers of Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand and Shahrisabz are prescribed in UNESCO World Heritage sites list.

Uzbekistan is the birthplace of renowned Muslim clerics and scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, Imam Nasafi, Imam at-Tirmizi, al-Beruni, al-Kwarizmi, Ibnu Sina and Bahauddin Naqshband.

First of all, we are working on creating themed travel packages for Muslim travelers according to the geography and interests of Muslim traveler market.

Naqshbandi Sufi order, which is one of the largest schools in Islamic tasawwuf, traces its history back to the Bukhara region in Uzbekistan. There are thombs of 7 great sheikhs of this silsila in Bukhara, including Khwaja Abdul Khaliq Ghijduwani and Bahauddin Naqshbandi, and thombs of four more sheikhs of this silsilah. This direction are especially popular in Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey. The fact is that Pir Naqib Ur-Rahman – welknown Naqshbandiya scholar and spiritual leader, becoming the Ziyarah tourism ambassador of Uzbekistan in Pakistan with over 7 million followers, the flow of tourists from Pakistan is expected to grow bigger than ever.

Interviewer: What about Pakistan, in particular? Can we expect any changes in visa and transportation system?

Pakistan is a huge market. We have lots of things in common, particularly, Muslims in Pakistan and Uzbekistan are mainly of the similar schools of Islamic thought, fiqh and tasawwuf, we have common history of almost thousand years, and the legacy of Baburid Empire connects us.

Unfortunately, we have not fully benefited from this market in the past. We understand that the current visa system and flights connecting two countires are not enough to boost the economic relations, as well as travel opportunities between two countries.

We are planning to simplify visa system for Pakistani travelers, which will positively impact the tourist flow. The introduction of flights between Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore in Pakistan and Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand in Uzbekistan will ease the logistics.

Interviewer: Do you have some special period that you think best suits Pakistani families to come to Uzbekistan?

For Muslims everywhere Ramadan is a holy and favorite month. During this month, Muslims celebrate the revelation of Holy book Qur’an to Prophet Mohammed (SAW). All capable Muslims are expected to observe daily fasting and devote a particular focus to prayer, purification and charitable acts. This essence makes Ramadan one of the best times to visit Uzbekistan.

Muslims wake up before dawn for morning prayer and to eat ‘Suhur’, a pre-dawn meal. After sundown, Uzbek Muslims break their fast alongside their families in the evening with ‘Iftar’ meal.

During the lockdown most of the travel-loving population of the world have been surfing internet for a new destination to travel 2021 and with months of long home-isolation mad most of us to appreciate family. Hence the best answer for this need will be offering family travels to Uzbekistan during Ramadan.

Uzbekistan is definitely another Islamic destination you can’t miss in your lifetime.

With special transport and hotel price discounts, festivals all around the country, it will be something quite new product for ziyarah goers. And if doesn’t convince to come, then here are 7 more reasons to celebrate Ramadan in Uzbekistan.

Reason 1 – Magnificent Islamic Masjids and Tarawih prayers

Ramadan is a time when Muslims all over the world spend countless of hours at the mosque. With lots of community and religious activities such as tarawih prayers at the mosque to celebrate the holy month, it is probably the most wonderful time to experience Muslims life in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is well-known for centuries old, beautiful mosques, towering minarets with cupolas and madrasahs with blue and golden frescos that are rich with history and culture – you will marvel at the amazing Islamic architecture.

Bukhara’s old town houses plenty of well-preserved examples of historical mosques, including the 12th century Kalan Minaret and Po-i-Kalyan Mosque.

In Tashkent, the Hazrati Imam Mosque and the 16th century Barak Khan Madrasah are brilliant examples of Islamic architecture from the past and the present.

The 18th century Juma Mosque inside the walled town of Khiva, Ichan Qal’ a, is still in its original state and contains more than200 carved wooden columns.

In Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque of Timurids period stands tall as one of the Islamic world’s most magnificent mosques.

Reason 2 – Delicious Halal Cuisine for your Iftar and Suhur meals

In Uzbek culture and nothing says ‘welcome’ better than food and drink. And during Ramadan, you will definitely get a warmer welcome. Muslims observing Ramadan will wake up early and eat Suhur (saharlik), which is the pre-dawn meal. After sunset, the fast is broken and have the evening meal (iftar).

Most Uzbek families prepare Iftar in their homes, some public places and mosques offer food for free to break the fast during Ramadan.

Nishalda is a traditional Uzbek dessert that you can’t get at any other time of the year so this is another reason why Ramadan is a great time to visit.

Uzbeks’ next favorite staple of Iftar and Suhur meals is obviously Patir bread. Although around 100 types of bread are baked throughout the country, Uzbeks mostly prefer patlr, which is prepared with milk and butter and cooked in a clay tandir oven, for special days, weddings and Ramadan.

Men traditionally cook Plov, the national dish of Uzbekistan.

 During Ramadan Uzbeks invite neighbors, relatives and the needy to their Iftar tables. If you don’t know any locals who can invite you to take Iftar at their homes, then many Muslim-friendly restaurants may serve special set meals during this time.

Reason 3 – Birthplace of Imams, scholars and scientists of Islam

Discover how Islamic civilization has influenced world culture, specifically in the fields of science, architecture, and mathematics. The land of Uzbekistan, known in Arabic sources as Ma-wara-an-nahr, has been a cradle of science and Islamic learning throughout history.

Religious scholars who originated from Uzbekistan, such as al-Bukhari and al-Tirmidhi, played a leading role in the development of hadith, al-Maturidi and an-Nasafi were major figures in Islamic theology, while scholars such as Zamakhshari and Samarkandi contributed to the progress of Quranic sciences.

Abu Ali Ibn Sina, al-Khwarezmi, Abu Nasr Farabi and Ulugh Beg were leading scientists who worked and gained recognition in the region in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, physics, metaphysics and philosophy. Some of the discoveries made are still used and appreciated by scholars and contemporary academics.

Monuments and museums commemorating these discoveries should definitely be on your list – both as a way to discover Uzbekistan’s past, and to wonder at how much it changed the world!

Reason 4 – Experience Breathtaking Nature

Uzbekistan is famous for its architecture and Islamic history – but don’t think that means there isn’t anything to see or do in nature! Away from the Silk Road cities, Uzbekistan has a diverse landscape: grassy highlands, arid deserts, rivers, forests and mountains making it a destination of choice for trekkers and hikers.

Aydarkul Lake is right in the middle of the desert! The lake, which is mainly used for fishing, hosts tourist activities nearby such as camel trekking or yurting.

Or drive across the Aral Sea – what was once the world’s fourth largest lake – where many ships still remain landlocked and abandoned here, creating a kind of ship ‘graveyard’.

Just two hours’ northeast of Tashkent, Chimgan mountains is the best place to be for your biking and hiking. With mountain flowers blossoming and the slow pace of village life, you will never regret stopping by this beauty.

For regular travel schedule, Uzbekistan is best visited during spring and autumn (from April to May, and September to early November). During these periods, it’s typically warm and dry, and you can enjoy the heat of this desert region without it being uncomfortably hot, as it can be during the summer months.

As Ramadan falls into April-May in 2021, it is best mild weather and flowery time for fasting folk.

Reason 5 – Bazaars and Shopping Galore

Discover unique, beautiful and unusual items while traveling, and in Uzbekistan you will find plenty. From paintings to pottery and carpets to dry fruits, it’s full of enticing things that you’ll want to buy.

The silk fabric of Ikat is an Uzbek specialty and can be found at most bazaars in all imaginable colours. If you are an Ikat lover, a visit to Margilan Silk factory will be a highlight of your time in Uzbekistan.

Bukhara carpets have become a global brand, dating back to the early middle ages. Even in the time of the Great Silk Road, people around the world could not remain indifferent when the caravan spread Bukhara carpets on the shelves of Baghdad or Venice. Soft, pleasant nap, unusual pattern with all shades of red is a masterpiece bought up instantly.

If you’ve visited all beautiful attractions, you can always head to a bazaar to marvel at the range of local food and goods on offer. Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent is the oldest in the capital city and holds centuries of history within its walls.

The bazaar sells everything from hot meals, wholesale produce to traditional textiles, and stepping into its walls feels like a modern-day replication of Tashkent’s Silk Road past.

Reason 6 – Friendly and Welcoming Locals

Almost everyone who has visited Uzbekistan has mentioned the friendliness and help extended by its citizens.

Uzbekistan is one of the happiest countries on earth as UN report says and among the 5 safest countries of the world*.

Hospitality is a big part of Central Asian culture, and it definitely makes travelers want to visit Uzbekistan even more!

Being a tourist a new country may be difficult, but it’s always comforting to know that the locals are willing to help you out. In Uzbekistan, even the smallest of everyday interactions with the locals can offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Silk Road customs that still thrive today.

During Ramadan, Iftar is a time to reconnect with friends and families. Every night, there are different people to meet, different homes to visit, and different restaurants to break fasting at.

Don’t be surprised if a local invites you for breaking fast with his or her family even if you’ve just met – that’s the beautiful spirit of Ramadan.

Reason 7 – And a Surprising Ease of Travel

Visiting Uzbekistan is much easier than you think.

No matter where in the world you are now, there are a number of different ways to get to Uzbekistan. A number of international airlines fly in and out of Tashkent. National carrier Uzbekistan Airways have flights from 58 cities, including daily flights from Istanbul, Dubai and Jeddah.

Low-cost domestic flights, buses, and Central Asia’s first high-speed trains can take you to major cities. Uzbekistan is much more accessible now!

Moreover, Uzbekistan has been expanding the list of passports that can visit it visa-free. Now, 30-day visa-free regime applies for 86 countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Canada, France and Germany. E-visa has become available for 54 different countries.

Uzbekistan has been chosen as one of the world’s top destinations for Muslim travelers in recent survey conducted by Singapore’s Crescent Rating and MasterCard. With an abundance of halal food, prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly hotels, Uzbekistan perfectly caters to the needs of Muslim travelers.

Uzbekistan is truly so much more than you expect it to be. With so much history and culture behind it, it’s definitely a destination just waiting to be discovered!