WARSAW, May 16. /Dunyo IA/. A presentation titled "Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan in the Footsteps of Leon Barszczewski" was held at the Social Welfare Centre of the Wola District in the Polish capital, reports a Dunyo IA correspondent.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Poland in cooperation with the center and Igor Stroetski, great-grandson and archivist of Leon Barszczewski.

Leon Barszczewski (1849–1910) was a renowned Polish traveler, photographer, and researcher who lived in Samarkand for 21 years starting in 1876. He left behind a vast photographic archive of over 3,000 images capturing the traditions and daily life of the Uzbek people, historical events, and architectural monuments of the 19th century.

The event aimed to introduce participants to the rich history, culture, and architectural heritage of Uzbekistan through unique historical photographs and contemporary images, while also highlighting the country’s tourism potential.

The presentation covered historical ties between Uzbekistan and Poland, including the stories of Poles who lived in the region, offering participants a deeper understanding of the centuries-long connection between the two cultures

Igor Stroetski gave a detailed account of his expedition retracing his great-grandfather’s journey and showcased rare footage of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. Attendees had the opportunity to compare 19th-century images with modern views of the same locations.

The event attracted museum professionals, historians, Central Asia researchers, media representatives, and Warsaw residents.

Guests showed particular interest in Uzbekistan’s developing tourism infrastructure, the restoration of architectural monuments, and new opportunities for travelers.

The event generated significant interest among researchers, museum experts, and admirers of Uzbek culture. Positive feedback highlighting the value of such cultural initiatives was published in the media and on social networks.