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UZBEKISTAN'S COOPERATION WITH UNESCO: SCIENTIFIC AND
PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE
Sharipova Guzal Usmanbekovna
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in historical sciences
department of “History and source studies of islam – IRCICA”,
International islamic academy of Uzbekistan.11, A. Qodiriy,
100011, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
g.sharipova@iiau.uz
Roziqova Barno Razokovna
International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
Faculty of Classical Oriental Philology
Psychology major, 1st year student
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15227179
Abstract:
This article discusses the cooperation of the Republic of
Uzbekistan with UNESCO, its legal framework, accession to international
conventions on the preservation of cultural heritage and its practical results. In
particular, the historical cities of Uzbekistan included in the UNESCO World
Heritage List and elements of intangible cultural heritage are analyzed. Also, the
initiatives implemented within the framework of cooperation in the fields of
restoration, digitization, education and tourism are considered based on an
analytical approach. The article provides in-depth scientific conclusions about
Uzbekistan's cultural policy in the international arena and its role in the
preservation of global heritage.
Keywords:
UNESCO, cultural heritage, intangible cultural heritage, World
Heritage List, historical monuments, archaeological sites, heritage protection,
restoration, digitization, intercultural dialogue, international conventions,
cultural diplomacy.
Annotation.
This article analyzes the scientific foundations of the Republic
of Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO, the legal and regulatory framework,
the processes of accession to international conventions and the practical results
of this cooperation. The study systematically studies the historical cities of
Uzbekistan and elements of intangible cultural heritage included in the UNESCO
World Heritage List. Also, projects implemented in the fields of restoration,
digitization, education and tourism are considered on the basis of an analytical
approach, and their socio-economic impact is assessed. The article scientifically
highlights the role of Uzbekistan in preserving global cultural heritage and its
place in international cultural policy.
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Cultural heritage, as an important component of human civilization, is not
only of historical and aesthetic importance, but also a strategic resource in the
formation of national identity and ensuring global integration. The President of
the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, identified cooperation with
UNESCO as one of the main directions of state policy, emphasizing the following
idea: “Our cultural heritage is the pride of our people, the basis of our national
identity. Its preservation, in-depth study and introduction to the world are our
top priorities. To this end, it is necessary to further strengthen cooperation with
UNESCO, because this cooperation will allow us to demonstrate the rich
historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan on a global scale” (Sh. Mirziyoyev,
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan).
This statement indicates that cooperation with UNESCO is not limited to
listing monuments, but covers a wide range of areas, such as scientific research,
modern restoration technologies, promotion of national heritage in the
education system, and development of international tourism. In recent years,
projects implemented by Uzbekistan - digitization of historical monuments in
Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand, modernization of museum activities,
organization of international cultural forums and preparation of new candidate
sites - serve to strengthen the country's position in the global cultural landscape.
Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO began with its accession to the
organization in 1993 and has today significantly expanded in the cultural,
scientific and educational spheres. This article is devoted to a systematic
analysis of the legal framework, main areas of Uzbekistan-UNESCO cooperation,
the socio-economic impact of projects and the country's place in the
preservation of global cultural heritage. The study examines Uzbekistan's
cultural policy in a global context, based on international and domestic scientific
sources.
The issue of preserving cultural heritage occupies an important place in
modern international discourse. UNESCO documents such as the 1972
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage provide a normative framework for the protection of cultural
heritage on a global scale (UNESCO, 1972; UNESCO, 2003). Researchers, such as
Smith (2006), emphasize that the preservation of cultural heritage is not only a
means of protecting historical monuments and traditions, but also a means of
strengthening national identity, ensuring social stability and developing
international cooperation. The rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan
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is of particular importance in this context, as the country is located at the
crossroads of Central Asian civilizations.
There are a number of important works in the scientific literature on
Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO. Adams (2010) notes that Uzbekistan’s
inclusion of cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva on the World Heritage
List has served to enhance the country’s international cultural recognition.
UNESCO (2020) reports highly appreciate Uzbekistan’s active participation in
the protection of intangible cultural heritage, in particular, the inclusion of
elements such as Navruz, Shoshmakom and Palov on the global list,
demonstrating the country’s success in cultural diplomacy. Local scholars, such
as Khudoyberganov (2021), analyze Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO as a
factor of economic and social development, studying the impact of tourism and
education projects on local communities. Research shows that UNESCO projects
play an important role in creating jobs, developing the local economy and
attracting international investment. At the same time, projects on the
introduction of new technologies such as digitization and virtual museums are
expanding the possibilities for promoting Uzbek heritage to a global audience.
The literature review shows that Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO is
multifaceted and, in addition to cultural heritage preservation, affects economic,
social and scientific spheres. However, issues of long-term impacts and
integration of modern technologies require additional research.
The study is based on a qualitative methodology and relies on secondary
data analysis methods. Official UNESCO reports, legislative documents of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, international and domestic scientific publications, as
well as documents of state programs and projects were used as sources of
information. The analysis was carried out based on a deductive approach and
was based on theories of cultural heritage preservation, international
cooperation and sustainable development (Smith, 2006; UNESCO, 2020). The
study systematically examined four main areas of Uzbekistan’s cooperation with
UNESCO – cultural heritage preservation and restoration, digitization and
scientific research, education and training, and tourism development. Projects in
each area, their socio-economic impact and future prospects were analyzed. To
ensure the reliability of the data, the triangulation method was used, that is,
information from different sources was compared and confirmed.
Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO officially began with its accession to
the organization on October 26, 1993. In 1994, the National Commission of the
Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO Affairs was established, strengthening the
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institutional foundations of cooperation. The visit of UNESCO Director-General
Federico Mayor to Uzbekistan in 1995 and the official visit of the First President
Islam Karimov to the UNESCO headquarters in 1996 were important milestones
in the development of relations. In 1996, a UNESCO office was opened in
Tashkent and the International Institute for Central Asian Studies was
established, which served to expand Uzbekistan's international activities in the
scientific and cultural spheres.
Uzbekistan has acceded to the following important UNESCO conventions:
1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage: This convention has enabled the international protection and
promotion of Uzbekistan’s historical cities and natural monuments (UNESCO,
1972). 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage:
Elements of Uzbekistan’s intangible cultural heritage, such as Navruz,
Shoshmakom, and Palov, have been inscribed on the global register (UNESCO,
2003). 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the
Event of Armed Conflict: This convention serves to protect cultural heritage in
emergency situations. At the local level, the Law on the Protection and Use of
Cultural Heritage Sites (2001) serves as the main regulatory legal document.
This law regulates the registration, preservation and use of cultural heritage
sites and ensures compliance with international standards.
Uzbekistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect the global significance of
the country's historical and cultural heritage: Samarkand - Crossroads of
Cultures (2001): As an important center on the Great Silk Road, Samarkand
represents a synthesis of Eastern and Western cultures. Registan Square, Gur-
Amir Mausoleum and the Shahi Zinda Complex are key elements of this heritage;
Bukhara - Historical Center (1993): Recognized as an important center of
medieval Islamic architecture, Bukhara is distinguished by monuments such as
Lyabi Khovuz, Poyi Kalon and Ark Castle; Khiva - Ichan Qala (1990): Ichan Qala
in the Khorezm region is unique in the world for its intact medieval urban
structure; Shahrisabz - Historical Center (2000): Shahrisabz, home to important
examples of architecture from the era of Amir Temur, was included in the List of
Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 due to infrastructure development.
Elements included in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage reflect the
spiritual wealth of the people of Uzbekistan: Boysun Cultural Heritage (2008):
The folklore, music and traditions of the Boysun region are recognized as an
important part of the global heritage; Navruz (2009): Has gained international
recognition as a holiday widespread among the peoples of Central Asia;
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Shoshmaqom (2008): Inscribed as a common musical heritage of the Uzbek and
Tajik peoples; Pilaf preparation and culture (2016): Uzbek pilaf is globally
valued as a social and cultural tradition; Bakhshi art (2019): The oral traditions
of Khorezm and Karakalpakstan have achieved international recognition. In
addition, the city of Kokand, the archaeological sites of Termez, the Sarmishsay
rock paintings, the Buddhist center of Kurgan-tepa, and the Nurata mountain-
steppe ecosystem are in the nomination stage.
Uzbekistan’s activities in the preservation and restoration of historical
monuments are being carried out with the technical and financial assistance of
UNESCO: Ancient fortresses in Khorezm: Toprak-Tash, Oyoz Kala and Katta Bag
are being preserved using modern restoration technologies; Registan and Shahi
Zinda in Samarkand: These complexes are being restored in accordance with
international standards and returned to their original appearance; Monitoring
systems in Bukhara and Khiva: Systems for constant monitoring of the condition
of monuments have been introduced, which ensures their long-term
preservation.
Restoration projects allow local specialists to familiarize themselves with
international experience and improve their skills, which increases Uzbekistan’s
capacity to manage cultural heritage.
Cooperation with UNESCO in the field of education is aimed at educating the
younger generation in the spirit of respect for cultural heritage and improving
the skills of specialists: Internships and seminars: Uzbek specialists participate
in international restoration and museology trainings; Scientific projects: Grants
are being provided for young scientists through the International Institute for
Central Asian Studies; School programs: Special textbooks on the study of
cultural heritage are being integrated into school curricula. These programs are
important in strengthening national identity and instilling respect for global
cultural heritage.
Tourism has become one of the important sectors of the economy of
Uzbekistan, and cooperation with UNESCO is helping to achieve significant
results in this area: Tourist flow: The number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan has
doubled over the past decade due to the sites on the UNESCO list. Local
economy: Tourism is driving the development of crafts, services, and
infrastructure. International forums: Forums such as “Central Asia – at the
Crossroads of World Civilizations” are promoting Uzbekistan as a global tourism
hub. Tourism projects, while bringing economic benefits, serve to promote
Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage internationally.
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Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO has the following social and
economic impacts: Job creation: Restoration and tourism projects have created
thousands of new jobs, especially in rural areas; Local economic development:
Tourism and crafts provide a sustainable source of income for local
communities; Improving the quality of education: Through UNESCO programs,
young people have access to education that meets international standards;
Strengthening cultural identity: Promoting cultural heritage increases national
pride and sense of identity.
Uzbekistan’s cooperation with UNESCO is based on multifaceted and long-
term strategies. This cooperation serves the economic, social and scientific
development of the country, while preserving cultural heritage. However, there
are a number of limitations: Financial constraints: Restoration and digitization
projects require significant funding, which increases dependence on
international assistance; Lack of qualified personnel: It is necessary to train
specialists to introduce modern technologies; Infrastructure problems: In some
regions, tourism infrastructure is not yet fully developed. To solve these
problems, it is necessary to expand public-private partnerships, attract
international grants, and increase investments in training local specialists.
Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO plays an important role in preserving
the country's cultural heritage, developing scientific research, improving the
quality of education, and promoting tourism. Objects and elements of intangible
heritage included in the UNESCO list promote the historical and cultural wealth
of Uzbekistan on a global scale. In the future, expanding elements of intangible
heritage, preserving ecological heritage, and fostering respect for historical
heritage among young people will remain priority areas. Uzbekistan's
international cultural policy is based on strengthening national identity and
balancing global integration. Cooperation with UNESCO is an important
component of this strategy, strengthening the country's position in the world
community.
Literature:
1.
Smith, L. (2006). Uses of Heritage. Routledge.
2.
Adams, L. (2010). The Spectacular State: Culture and National Identity in
Uzbekistan. Duke University Press.
3.
UNESCO. (1972). Convention Concerning the Protection of the World
Cultural and Natural Heritage.
4.
UNESCO. (2003). Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage.
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5.
UNESCO. (2020). Periodic Report on the Implementation of the World
Heritage Convention: Uzbekistan.
6.
Khudoyberganov, S. (2021). Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO and
its socio-economic impact. Tashkent: Science and Technology.
