LONDON, December 22. /Dunyo IA/. One of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious newspapers, The Times, has published an article on the rapid revival of tourism in Uzbekistan, calling the country “the modern heir of the Great Silk Road”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that for centuries, reaching the trade hubs of Central Asia — Samarkand and Bukhara — was a challenge even for the hardiest merchants. Caravans crossed deserts, mountain ranges, and endless steppes, carrying not only spices and precious stones but also political news, scientific knowledge, and religious ideas. Today, these legendary cities welcome an increasing number of tourists, drawn to their mausoleums, sand-colored minarets, and bustling bazaars filled with the aroma of freshly baked tandoor bread.

The Times emphasizes that Uzbekistan has undergone a profound transformation since 2016: the current government has made tourism a key priority for economic development, and the results of this policy are becoming increasingly evident.

The country’s appeal has also been enhanced by major cultural events, including the Silk Road exhibition at the British Museum and the Splendor of Uzbekistan’s Oases exhibition at the Louvre, placing the republic in the international spotlight.

“But this isn’t to suggest that the bygone Silk Road atmosphere of Uzbekistan has disappeared with these changes. The city of Samarkand – its name resonating like only a handful of other ancient cities – is still the main draw. Set in the valley of the Zarafshan River, this turquoise oasis beguiles modern-day visitors following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great and the mighty Tamerlane, empire builder and “conqueror of the world”, - the article notes. - Old Bukhara, which was thoroughly spruced up for the first Bukhara Biennial arts festival, held in the autumn of 2025 and with the likes of British sculptor Antony Gormley participating, is pleasingly walkable, which is one reason visitors love it. As well as Unesco-listed monuments such as the Poi-Kalyan Ensemble with its mosques, towering Kalyan Minaret and the Miri-Arab Madrassa and covered trading halls, there are charming Silk Road-themed cafés to cool off in, selling pots of refreshing tea, white noqul (sugared almonds) and fudge-like halva”.  

The newspaper also cites from Natalie Fordham, a travel specialist at Wild Frontiers, who has observed growing interest in Uzbekistan for over a decade. According to her, improvements in the hotel sector, expanded culinary options, and the development of ecotourism, including national parks like Zaamin, have made the country particularly attractive to discerning travelers.

“Character is important for us, too – there are the chains moving in but also restoration of old houses into small, comfortable hotels, which we actively seek out, - the publication quotes her. - Really, it’s just a great time to visit. Visa-friendly, tourist numbers are still moderate, and service quality improves every year”.

https://www.thetimes.com/static/uzbekistan-samarkand-tashkent-travel-wild-frontiers/