ANKARA, July 29. /Dunyo IA/. Prominent Turkish historian, Rector of the National Defense University, Professor Erhan Afyoncu, speaking on the analytical program “Circle of Thought” (Akıl Çemberi) on the leading Turkish television channel “CNN-Türk”, shared his assessments regarding the rich historical heritage and tourism potential of Uzbekistan, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In his speech, Professor Afyoncu characterized Uzbekistan as a unique geography home to the most magnificent cities of the Turkic civilization. “Uzbekistan represents a distinct geography. It is the land where the most beautiful cities of our civilization are located. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent are situated precisely on this soil”, he noted.

Addressing the youth, the Turkish historian emphasized that in an era characterized by vast opportunities for international travel, it is vital to first discover the countries of the Turkic world and connect with the land of their ancestors. “My advice to the youth: since convenient opportunities for traveling abroad exist today, begin by traveling across the Turkic world. Go, see and connect with the ancestral soil. Only then should you visit the lands where the Seljuk state was established, the professor said, adding that such journeys are deeply beneficial for young people, enriching their historical memory and worldview. The level of beauty found in Samarkand cannot be encountered in many places around the world. It is exceptionally important for Turkish youth to see their own geography and their historical cities”, Erhan Afyoncu noted.

Professor also specifically highlighted Uzbekistan as one of the primary cradles of the Turkic civilization and a center of science, emphasizing that the country is highly attractive not only from historical and cultural perspectives but also from a geographical standpoint. Answering the question of the program host, Fulya Ozturk: “So for you, among the countries of the Turkic world, Uzbekistan comes first, correct?”, Professor Erhan Afyoncu stressed: “Naturally, Uzbekistan holds a special place...”.

This presentation by the professor will further contribute to the growing interest of the Turkish public in the historical cities, rich cultural heritage and tourism potential of Uzbekistan.