ANKARA, September 19. /Dunyo IA/.   Turkish writer Ernail Koç has shared his impressions of his trip to Uzbekistan in the newspaper “Gümüşhane”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Author spoke about the warm attitude of local residents towards guests from Türkiye. According to him, when visitors say, “We are Turks and have come from Türkiye”, Uzbeks warmly welcome them and wish them a pleasant and successful visit.

Writer described Uzbekistan as a brotherly country and an “open-air museum”, which, in his view, Turkish citizens should visit in order to further strengthen mutual ties.

According to the author, particular attention is being paid to cultural and pilgrimage tourism, the restoration of Islamic monuments, and the development of the hospitality sector. He noted that up to $4 billion has been invested in pilgrimage tourism in recent years, including with support from UNESCO, Türkiye and other countries.

Writer highlighted the country’s broad and clean roads, sufficient parking facilities and sanitary facilities, as well as well-organized rail transport. At the same time, he identified internet access as one area where, in his observation, opportunities remain limited.

During his trip, the author visited a museum featuring the works of Ibn Sina, Al-Khwarizmi, Mahmud Zamakhshari and Al-Beruni. He also noted the construction of solar energy facilities, as well as developments in industry and agriculture.

Writer separately highlighted the expansion of the higher education system. As an example, he cited Bukhara, where, according to him, the number of universities has increased from three to 21 following the establishment of new public and private higher education institutions.

Concluding his account of the trip, the writer stated: “The 21^st century will be the century of the Turkic world”. He noted that he is returning to Türkiye with a sense of pride in Uzbekistan and confidence in its further development.