Uzbekistan: A Mosaic Of Islamic Heritage And Natural Wonders

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Uzbekistan, a gem of the ancient Silk Road, lies just a four-hour flight from Qatar. Last year, over 6.6 million visitors headed to this double landlocked country, and more are expected as awareness of the nation and its natural, cultural, and heritage treasures spreads.

Internationally recognized for its tourism achievements, Uzbekistan ranked 13th among 140 countries in the Global Muslim travel index last year.

The city of Khiva was awarded“Islamic Heritage Tourism Destination of the Year” at the Halal in Travel Awards 2023, and the country has been identified by Lonely Planet as a top travel destination for 2024.

The capital, Tashkent, is a gateway to a country replete with Islamic heritage, with the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara being monuments to Islam's Golden Age.

Samarkand's Registan Square is a marvel, with a trio of madrasas adorned with intricate tilework and the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque showboating architectural magnificence.

Bukhara boasts over 140 historical monuments.

Tashkent will soon inaugurate the new Centre for Islamic Civilization, featuring the Samarkand Kufic (Uthman) Qur'an, said to have belonged to the third Caliph Uthman ibn Affan and one of the oldest known copies of the Holy Quran.

This prolific 45,000 square meter embodiment of Islamic architecture will house a museum, 8 galleries, a library, and national archives, showcasing ancient manuscripts, silk screen prints, and other historical documents.

The centre aims to be a leading institution dedicated to the history, culture, and education of the Muslim world.

These cities of architectural wonder were once centres of Islamic learning and scientific advancement, nurturing brilliant minds like Muslim mathematician Muhammad Al Khwarizmi, the father of algebra whose influential Arabic-language works had a profound impact on mathematics, astronomy and geography.

He is also the source of the term“algorithm”, derived from his last name and then adopted into Latin, French and English.

Similarly, Ibn Sina, whose medical prowess is commemorated today in the naming of hospitals and pharmacies, and Imam Muhammad Al Bukhari, the eminent scholar from Bukhara, both hail from this illustrious country.

From ancient minarets to serene mosque courtyards, Uzbekistan offers a profound understanding of Islamic cultural and religious identity, bringing centuries of heritage vividly to life, such as Hast Imam, a an important mosque and Timurid architectural complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, renowned for its historic Quranic manuscripts and stunning blue-tiled domes.

The country is a true feast for the senses, awash with traditional creativity, from the Unesco-recognised intricate patterns of Rishtan ceramics to the vibrant silk fabrics of Margilan and masterful wood carvings.

These crafts, soulful maqam melodies, and the poetic art of bakhshi summon a profound connection to Uzbekistan's cultural roots.

This fascinating nation is also rich in pristine forests and alpine meadows. The Zaamin National Park gives summer hikers panoramic views of the spectacular Turkestan Range, while the Amirsoy mountain resort is a world-class retreat for winter skiers and family summer nature escapes.

Eco-travellers relish the opportunity to explore Uzbekistan's natural beauty and be at ease with its sustainable development, which is highlighted in picturesque villages replete with charming trails dotted with stunning waterfalls, rich flora and fauna, and Katta Langar's breath-taking mountain views.

With the country offering a 30-day visa-free regime for Qatari citizens and direct flights from Doha with Qatar Airways, the chance to get there before the crowds could not be easier as adventure awaits tourists of all tastes to Uzbekistan.

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