THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
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A SURVEY AND CLASSIFICATION OF SAMARKAND MUSEUMS:
ALIGNING WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, SWOT ANALYSIS,
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Akromova Malika
scientist of "Silk Road" International University of Tourism and Cultural
Heritage under Silk Road International Research Institute
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16810124
Abstract
This article presents an extensive survey and classification of museums in
Samarkand, Uzbekistan, grounded in their collections, scope, and compliance
with international museum standards. Employing both qualitative and
quantitative research methods—including literature review, direct observation,
and structured surveys—the study identifies three main categories: Historical
and Archaeological Museums, Natural History Museums, and Ethnic History
Museums. In addition to categorization, this research undertakes a
comprehensive SWOT analysis to highlight internal strengths and weaknesses,
as well as external opportunities and threats. The alignment of Samarkand
museums with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also
examined to ensure their activities contribute to global sustainability agendas.
Recommendations are provided for strengthening the role of these museums in
heritage preservation, education, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
1. Introduction
Samarkand, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living testament to the rich cultural and
historical legacies of Central Asia. Situated on the Silk Road, the city has for
centuries been a crossroads of cultures, religions, and civilizations. Today,
Samarkand is home to a variety of museums that safeguard priceless artifacts,
artworks, and historical narratives. These museums are not simply storage
spaces for relics of the past—they are dynamic institutions that educate the
public, promote cultural identity, and contribute to the socio-economic
development of the city through tourism.
Despite this cultural wealth, there is a lack of systematic classification of
Samarkand’s museums according to internationally recognized frameworks
such as those proposed by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Without such a framework, it becomes difficult to compare, manage, and
promote museums on a global scale. This study fills that gap by categorizing
museums based on their type of collection, scope, mission, target audience, and
ownership. The research also includes a demographic analysis of visitors,
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
65
strategic evaluation through SWOT analysis, and mapping of museums to
relevant SDGs.
2. Literature Review
The concept of museum classification has evolved significantly over the
past century. According to ICOM (2022), a museum is defined as a non-profit,
permanent institution in the service of society, open to the public, which
acquires, conserves, researches, communicates, and exhibits the tangible and
intangible heritage of humanity for purposes of education, study, and enjoyment.
Museum classification is commonly based on the nature of collections—art,
history, natural history, ethnography—and their scope, whether local, regional,
national, or international.
In the Central Asian context, museums have traditionally been seen as
custodians of national heritage. However, modern approaches emphasize
interactivity, community engagement, and integration into broader cultural
tourism strategies. Studies by Paardekooper (2020) and Novacek & Goldberg
(2013) indicate that effective classification and clear mission statements
improve both visitor experience and institutional sustainability. This suggests
that a rethinking of Samarkand's museum strategies could enhance their role
not only in preserving history but also in promoting sustainable development.
3. Methodology
This research adopts a mixed-methods approach. Primary data were
collected through site visits to ten museums across Samarkand, observation of
exhibition layouts, and structured interviews with museum staff. A
questionnaire was also administered to twenty respondents, including domestic
and international visitors. The survey gathered demographic information as well
as perceptions regarding the classification and effectiveness of local museums.
Secondary data were derived from government reports, academic studies,
and ICOM publications. The data analysis combined descriptive statistics for
quantitative results and thematic analysis for qualitative feedback. The findings
are presented in both tabular and narrative form, and strategic tools such as
SWOT and SDG mapping were applied.
4. Results and Discussion
The demographic profile of respondents reveals a heavy reliance on
international tourism, with half of the participants being foreign visitors. Local
engagement remains relatively low. The age distribution shows significant
participation from both younger (7–19 years) and older (56+) age groups,
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
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International scientific-online conference
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suggesting that museums appeal strongly to school groups and retirees. Gender
representation is skewed slightly towards female visitors.
Table 1. Survey Respondent Demographics
Category
Option
Count
Percentage
Age
7-19
6
30%
Age
20-35
3
15%
Age
36-55
5
25%
Age
56+
6
30%
Gender
Female
12
60%
Gender
Male
8
40%
Residence
Samarkand
4
20%
Residence
Other
Uzbekistan
6
30%
Residence
Foreign
10
50%
5. Museum Classification
The classification of museums was based on five key parameters: type of
collection, scope of collection, mission statement, target audience, and
ownership. The table below presents the detailed classification of ten prominent
museums in Samarkand.
Museum
Type of
Collection
Scope of
Collection
Museum
Mission
Target
Audience
Ownership
Afrasiab
Museum
Historical
artifacts
National
Preserve for
public
Local &
international
tourists
Government
Memorial
Museum of
Mirzo
Ulugbek
Historical
artifacts
National
Preserve for
public and
studies
Local &
international
tourists
Government
Samarkand
State
Museum
Historical
artifacts
and art
galleries
National
Saving for
public and
learning
Local &
international
tourists
Government
Museum of
Winemaking
Wines
National
Collection of
the best
wines
International
tourists
Private
Happy Bird
Art Gallery
Handcrafted
Uzbek
carpets &
clothing
National
Promotion
of Uzbek
folk crafts
and art
International
tourists
Private
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Chorsu Art
Gallery
Painting &
sculpture
National
Organize
exhibitions
of talents
Local &
international
tourists
Government
House
Museum of
Sadriddin
Ayni
Historical
artifacts
National
Preserve for
public and
studies
students
Government
World of
Unique
Migratory
Species Art
Gallery
Art galleries National
Instill love
for nature
and animals
Local &
international
tourists
Government
Uzbekistan
Zarafshan
State
Natural
Reserve
Natur
e, animals,
water
Natio
nal
Preservation
of natural
heritage
Local &
international
tourists
Government
Zoological
Museum of
Samarkand
State
University
Animals &
skeletons
National
Study and
education
Local
students
Government
6. SWOT Analysis of Samarkand Museums
The SWOT analysis provides strategic insight into the current position of
Samarkand's museums in the cultural and tourism sectors.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Rich cultural heritage and
UNESCO status
Limited use of digital
technology
Diverse museum types and
collections
Low local visitor engagement
Government and tourism
sector support
Insufficient staff training
International recognition
Inconsistent classification
standards
7. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Mapping museum activities to SDGs ensures alignment with global cultural
sustainability frameworks.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
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SDG Goal
Relevant
Museum Actions
Expected Impact
SDG 4: Quality
Education
Workshops &
educational programs
Improved
cultural literacy
SDG 8: Decent
Work & Economic
Growth
Tourism job
creation
Economic
benefits for locals
SDG 11:
Sustainable Cities &
Communities
Heritage
preservation
Increased city
resilience
SDG 17:
Partnerships for the
Goals
International
collaborations
Shared expertise
& resources
8. Conclusion and Recommendations
The research underscores the importance of adopting international
classification standards, enhancing digital engagement, and strengthening local
participation in Samarkand's museums. By integrating their operations into the
framework of SDGs, these institutions can secure greater relevance in the 21st
century cultural landscape. Recommendations include capacity building for staff,
increased marketing to local audiences, and partnerships with global
institutions to exchange expertise.
References
Fromm, A.B. (2016). Ethnographic Museums and Intangible Heritage. Museum
International, 68(1–2), 16–29.
International Council of Museums (ICOM). (2022). Museum Definition.
https://icom.museum
Novacek, M.J., & Goldberg, S.L. (2013). Museums, Biodiversity, and Sustainability.
BioScience, 63(10), 823–831.
Paardekooper, R. (2020). Archaeological Site Museums: Interpretation and
Preservation. Journal of Museum Studies, 45(2), 101–118.
Smith, L., & Jones, P. (2020). Museum Management in the 21st Century.
Routledge
