(in the context of the message of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon dated 28.12.2024)
The annual Address of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, esteemed Emomali Rahmon to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan invariably becomes the most important strategic planning document, forming long-term guidelines for domestic and foreign tourism of the country. The 2024 Address, presented in the new building of the supreme legislative body, symbolized both the continuity of the political course and the state’s readiness to respond to the global challenges of our time.
At the same time, the Head of State noted that tourism is one of the important areas of employment for the working population, raising the standard of living of the people, and developing other areas of services and production.
The Silk Road was an interconnected network of routes that connected ancient societies in Asia and the Middle East and contributed to the development of many world civilizations. The Silk Road was not only a trade route, but also a bridge for cultural exchange. Different peoples met along the route and shared their knowledge, languages, and traditions. For example, Buddhism, originating in India, spread through Central Asia to China, and Islam came to the East through traders.\
During the Soviet era, the Great Silk Road in Tajikistan lost its significance due to the political, economic and social structure of the Soviet state.
The transition to a socialist economic model led to the decline of traditional small and medium-sized trade that flourished along the Silk Road. State-owned enterprises became the main players in the market, which reduced interest in the historical trade routes. In addition, the Soviet regime pursued a policy of isolating the region and controlling the movement of people and goods, which limited the cultural and economic exchange that was characteristic of the Silk Road, making it less active and in demand. These factors led to changes in transport routes and a decrease in the significance of historical caravan routes, which ultimately made the Great Silk Road insignificant for trade and cultural exchange in Tajikistan during the Soviet era.
The Republic of Tajikistan, located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, has a rich cultural heritage and unique natural resources. The development of tourism along the Silk Road routes is an important strategy for the country, promoting economic growth and preserving cultural heritage.
In the modern world, various countries are trying to preserve and present unique monuments and rich heritage. One of such organizations that works on the revival of the Great Silk Road sites is the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The approach to the construction of the “Heritage Corridors” road was proposed at the initiative of ICOMOS.
Starting from the ancient city of Penjikent in the Sughda region of Tajikistan and ending in the ancient city of Paykent in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, the Penjikent-Samarkand-Paykent corridor was for a long time the main route from China to the West. The corridor stretches for 365 km, passing through two Central Asian countries – Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The monuments and sites located along the Penjikent-Samarkand-Paykent corridor are unique examples of urban, architectural and monumental art and testify to the exceptional cultural traditions of Central Asia.
Nine historical and cultural sites of the Zarafshon-Kairokkum corridor have been officially included in the UNESCO World Tentative List. Among them are such monuments as Ancient Penjikent, Sanjarshoh Town, Hisorak Town, Gardani Hisor, Qalai Mug, Qum, Tali Hamtud, Toksankorez Irrigation System and the Mausoleum of Khoja Muhammad Bashoro.
The inclusion of 9 monuments of Tajikistan in the UNESCO World Heritage List is another serious step towards protecting and preserving the colorful heritage of our ancestors. Almost all of the above monuments are located near the Ayny-Penjikent highway, which is suitable for becoming a tourist attraction.
Currently, in connection with the development of international trade, economic and cultural contacts, the Great Silk Road has become a symbol of friendship, mutual understanding and good relations between the peoples of the countries located along this route. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) and UNESCO, in cooperation with the national tourist administrations of the republic, taking into account the rich cultural and historical heritage of the peoples living along the Great Silk Road, are taking measures to develop the tourist and hotel infrastructure of this region.
Over the years of independence, the Government of the country has implemented significant projects to restore and build new highways of international importance.
Необходимо отметить, что историко-культурные объекты играют ключевую роль в развитии туризма, так как привлекают внимание путешественников благодаря своей уникальности и исторической значимости.
Most of all:
1. Attraction of tourists: UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the ancient city of Sarazm and the National Park of Tajikistan become centers of attraction for tourists from all over the world.
2. Economic impact: Tourism based on cultural heritage contributes to the development of local economies by creating jobs and stimulating small businesses.
3. Preservation of culture: Investments in tourism-related infrastructure and services help preserve historical sites and local traditions.
4. Education and awareness: Visiting heritage sites increases awareness of culture and history, which can lead to greater respect and understanding of different cultures.
5. Sustainable development: Responsible tourism to historical sites contributes to their preservation and reduces negative impacts on the environment.
Today, after gaining state independence and thanks to the constructive policy of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, the socio-economic and political situation in the country has changed radically. An example of this is the commissioning of the Murghab-Kulma highway, which has established friendly cooperation with neighboring China. Today, regular route trips from China and the countries of Southeast Asia to Europe and the Arab states have begun along this line, which makes the territory of GBAO and the entire Republic of Tajikistan a cultural and economic bridge between the East and the West.
The opening of the highway between Tajikistan and China creates real opportunities for exchange and development of tourism. The new road attracts both Chinese tourists and travelers from other countries, and the rich cultural and natural heritage of Tajikistan can become an attractive destination for those wishing to get acquainted with the history and culture of the region.
The development of tourism along the route of the Great Silk Road fits into the framework of social and economic functions, promoting cultural integration and business cooperation. The main goals of this activity are sustainable development, improving the well-being of the population and strengthening friendship between states.
As the analysis of the problems shows, today there are several problems that require attention for the effective development of tourism along the Great Silk Road route in the Pamirs:
1. Infrastructure limitations – The lack of developed infrastructure, including roads, hotels and tourist facilities, makes the region difficult for tourists to access. Many roads are in poor condition, making travel difficult and unsafe.
2. Underdeveloped tourism services – The lack of qualified personnel and a variety of tourism services limits the ability to meet the needs of tourists. This includes a shortage of tour guides and tour organization services.
3. Marketing insufficiency – Insufficient promotion of the Pamirs as a tourist destination in the international arena limits the interest of potential tourists. There is also a lack of information about the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
4. Security issues – Despite the improvement of the situation, security issues may remain relevant for some tourists, including both natural factors and issues of stability in the region.
5. Environmental challenges – Tourism development may have a negative impact on the Pamir ecosystem. Environmental protection and sustainable development measures are needed to preserve unique natural resources for future generations.
Effective development of tourism along the Great Silk Road in the mountainous regions of Tajikistan will contribute to: creation of new jobs; investment in infrastructure; preservation of cultural heritage; sustainable development; cultural interaction; attracting foreign investment; improving the country’s image; improving social ties between various ethnic and cultural groups in the region, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation, thereby having a comprehensive impact on the economic, cultural and social development of the region, ensuring its sustainable growth and well-being.
Rijabekov Nozir Chorshanbievich. Assistant of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality of the International University Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.
Sultonbekova Zubaida Vafobekovna. Assistant of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality of the International University Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan.