Uzbekistan’s national pavilion at the international “Umra Plus and Pilgrimage Tourism” exhibition in Istanbul highlighted the country's pilgrimage tourism potential, rich historical and cultural heritage, and growing opportunities in the tourism sector, reports Dunyo IA.
The exhibition was held at the Lütfi Kırdar International Convention and Exhibition Center, bringing together more than 400 international participants and around 1,500 representatives of Türkiye's tourism industry, including hotel chains, airlines, catering and ground service providers, as well as tour operators.
The Uzbekistan national pavilion, organized at the initiative of the Association of Umrah Tourism Organizations, showcased the country's key pilgrimage destinations, sacred sites, rich historical legacy, and modern tourism infrastructure.
Visitors received comprehensive information on the tourism potential of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Kokand, and Tashkent, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, renowned Islamic shrines, and the facilities and services created to ensure a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
The exhibition also featured presentations highlighting Uzbekistan's national traditions, handicrafts, cuisine, culture of hospitality, and ongoing reforms in the tourism sector.
In addition, a series of bilateral B2B meetings was held with tour operators, airlines, hotel industry representatives, and pilgrimage tourism stakeholders from Türkiye, the Middle East, and other countries. The discussions focused on increasing the flow of pilgrims to Uzbekistan, developing joint travel packages, and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The event was attended by representatives of the General Directorate of Hajj and Umrah under the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Türkiye (Diyanet), leaders of industry associations, and international tourism professionals.
The exhibition concluded with an award ceremony. It was noted that Uzbekistan's participation marked another important step toward strengthening the country's position as one of Central Asia's leading pilgrimage tourism destinations.
One of Iraq's leading Arabic-language newspapers, “Azzaman”, has published an article entitled “Uzbekistan on the 35th Anniversary of Independence: From State-Building to the Third Renaissance”, reports Dunyo IA .
Article highlights Uzbekistan's development path over the years of independence, the large-scale reforms implemented across the country, and the republic's growing standing on the international stage.
It notes that the country's independence in 1991 marked a historic turning point in the life of the Uzbek people, laying the foundations for national statehood, establishing the basis for economic development and ensuring social stability.
Particular attention is paid to the large-scale transformations carried out since 2016 under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev within the framework of the New Uzbekistan concept. The article emphasizes that these reforms have earned the country recognition as a state pursuing consistent and balanced development in Central Asia.
Publication also highlights reforms in the social sphere, including improvements to the social protection system, enhanced quality of education and healthcare, as well as initiatives aimed at expanding the participation of young people and women in public life.
Article places particular emphasis on the concept of the Third Renaissance put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, describing it as one of the country's key strategic development priorities. It notes that the homeland of such eminent scholars as Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Abu Ali Ibn Sina, Imam al-Bukhari and Imam al-Tirmidhi is today striving to usher in a new era of the Third Renaissance by advancing science, innovation, technology and human capital.
Publication also highlights Uzbekistan's open, pragmatic and balanced foreign policy, its commitment to the principles of good-neighborliness, and its efforts to strengthen cooperation with international and regional organizations. Particular emphasis is placed on the country's role in promoting peace, stability and regional cooperation in Central Asia.
In conclusion, article emphasizes that Uzbekistan's 35 years of independent development demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the path of renewal, constructive development and sustainable progress. It notes that, by harmoniously combining its rich historical and cultural heritage with modern development principles, the country is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for coming generations.