ASIA Records is proud to officially recognise the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for achieving a significant continental milestone as the: Most UNESCO-Listed Islamic Historic Cities (Four UNESCO World Heritage cities: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz).
This recognition affirms Uzbekistan’s unique position as a historic heartland of Islamic civilisation, preserving the highest concentration of UNESCO-recognised Islamic cities in Asia.
A Crossroads of Islamic Civilisation Along the Silk Roads
Located at the very heart of the ancient Silk Roads, Uzbekistan has served as a crossroads of Islamic civilisation for centuries. The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz stand as living records of Islamic scholarship, architecture, urban planning, and spiritual life, reflecting the region’s pivotal role in shaping Islamic history across Central Asia.
These historic cities are home to some of the world’s most significant mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, and historic urban ensembles, preserved within their original city fabric. Their recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites underscores Uzbekistan’s exceptional success in safeguarding Islamic heritage at a city-wide level rather than through isolated monuments.
In addition to its four UNESCO-listed Islamic cities, Uzbekistan is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in total and 16 UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, highlighting the depth, continuity, and authenticity of its cultural and spiritual traditions.
Pilgrimage Tourism and Living Islamic Heritage
Beyond architectural preservation, Uzbekistan remains a vibrant centre for pilgrimage and cultural tourism, where Islamic heritage continues to be practiced and experienced. Major pilgrimage destinations include the Hast-Imam Complex in Tashkent, the Imam al-Bukhari Complex in Samarkand, Bahauddin Naqshband and Chashma Ayub in Bukhara, as well as important sites in Termez associated with early Islamic scholarship.
These destinations reinforce Uzbekistan’s standing not only as a repository of Islamic history, but as a living landscape of faith, learning, and cultural exchange that continues to attract pilgrims and cultural travellers from across Asia and beyond.
A Milestone Moment of Recognition
The ASIA Records certificate was officially presented on 27 January 2026 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur.
The recognition was received on stage by Begzod Murodullaev, Head of the Department of Pilgrimage Tourism Development, together with Mr. Alisher Gafurov, Consul of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Malaysia, representing the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in acknowledgement of the country’s leadership in preserving, promoting, and sustaining UNESCO-recognised Islamic historic cities of outstanding universal value.
About Tourism in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan lies at the geographical and cultural heart of the Silk Roads, offering a rare concentration of Islamic historic cities, pilgrimage sites, and preserved urban heritage. With centuries-old traditions, rich architectural legacies, and deep-rooted cultural practices, the country continues to position itself as a leading destination for Islamic heritage, pilgrimage tourism, and cultural exploration in Asia.
