Bukhara hosted the closing ceremony of the Silk and Spices Festival, which was aimed at popularizing national crafts, strengthening ties between artisans, and developing the tourism industry.
Artisans, domestic and foreign specialists, community activists, media representatives, and youth attended the event.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Hokim of the region, Botir Zaripov, welcomed the festival participants and guests of Bukhara. As the head of the region noted, ancient Bukhara, famous worldwide, is one of Uzbekistan’s most visited tourist centers.
Representative offices of international hotel chains such as Wyndham, Mercure, Ramada, and Sahid have started operating in Bukhara. There is an increase in the popularity of modern restaurants and the development of gastronomic and rural tourism. As a result of the purposeful efforts of the Head of State, Bukhara acquires the status of a recognized international center.
In particular, the city was recognized as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. Bukhara was awarded the status of a World City of Artisans. Bukhara has been declared the Youth Capital of the Turkic World. The unique Poyi Kalon Complex is recognized as one of the eight wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. In addition, The New York Times included the city of Bukhara in the list of the 52 best places to visit in 2025.
A new modern international airport with a capacity three times higher than the current one is under construction. Practical work on creating an aquapark, beach areas, and parks along the Tudakul reservoir has been accelerated. Restoration work has been completed on 137 cultural heritage sites currently functioning as tourist attractions.
The Silk and Spices Festival in Bukhara has a deep symbolic meaning. Over the centuries, the region has accumulated considerable experience in sericulture, including cocoon cultivation and silk production, as well as in weaving, dyeing silk fabrics, and embroidery. The traditional festival stimulates scientific research and promotes innovation in this field.
Creating new patterns of clothing, household items, and souvenirs made of silk fabrics has become an essential part of the activities of craftsmen and artisans.
This year, about 100 well-known craftsmen from more than 10 countries and more than 1.5 thousand artisans and spice experts from the regions of Uzbekistan participated in the festival with their products.
Over 20 thousand tourists from 70 countries and almost half a million people from the regions of Uzbekistan visited the event during the three days. This indicates that the festival is becoming more famous in the world.
The theatrical, historical, and artistic composition screening continued with a concert program with the participation of artists and folklore groups of the region and the country. After that, a solemn awarding ceremony was held for the festival participants.
It should be noted that this festival, which is held every two years, not only helps to strengthen cultural ties and international cooperation, but also plays a significant role in the development of tourism in the region.
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Zarif Komilov, photos by Tohir Istatov, UzA