The Silk and Spices Festival, held in Bukhara, aimed to promote national crafts, foster connections between artisans, and boost the tourism industry. The event was attended by artisans, both local and foreign, as well as community activists, media representatives, and youth. In his speech at the closing ceremony, Botir Zaripov, the Hokim of the region, welcomed the festival participants and guests, highlighting Bukhara’s status as a popular tourist destination with international hotel chains, modern restaurants, and various forms of tourism. Thanks to the efforts of the Head of State, Bukhara has gained recognition as a cultural capital, a World City of Artisans, and the Youth Capital of the Turkic World. The city is also home to the unique Poyi Kalon Complex, one of the eight wonders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and has been listed by The New York Times as one of the top 52 places to visit in 2025. To further enhance tourism, a new international airport and various recreational facilities are under construction, and restoration work has been completed on 137 cultural heritage sites. The Silk and Spices Festival holds great significance as it celebrates Bukhara’s expertise in sericulture and promotes innovation in this field. The festival also serves as a platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their silk products, with over 100 craftsmen from 10 countries and 1.5 thousand artisans and spice experts from Uzbekistan participating in the event. With over 20 thousand tourists from 70 countries and almost half a million visitors from Uzbekistan in attendance, the festival is gaining global recognition. The festival concluded with a concert featuring local and national artists and a ceremony to honor the participants. Held every two years, the Silk and Spices Festival not only strengthens cultural ties and international cooperation but also contributes to the growth of tourism in the region. [gallery-23808] Photos by Tohir Istatov, UzA.
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