Uzbekistan and unesco

UNESCO Sites in Uzbekistan: Samarkand

Samarkand was founded in the 7th century BC and since then was considered to be the pearl of Central Asia. Like Bukhara, Samarkand was one of the most important cities in the region thanks to being situated on the Grand Silk Way. Samarkand was most developed and flourished during the reign of Amir Temur and the Timurids dynasty. The main attractions of Samarkand are the Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum and the Gur-Emir complex. The historic centre of Samarkand was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 2001.

Along with fantastic architectural and magnificent historical sights, there are numerous places to see and to experience including noisy souvenir workshops of artisans and craftsmen who produce fine fabrics or different national-flavored souvenirs.

UNESCO Sites in Uzbekistan: Western Tien-Shan Mountains

The Western Tien Shan Mountain range, located at the junction of three neighbouring countries - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. The World Heritage Committee unanimously acknowledged the uniqueness of this region’s nature, which is characterized by a high level of endemism which means that some animals and plants inhabit only in this certain geographical area. Moreover, the mountain range was included in the UNESCO as a precious natural sight due to being a home for numerous endangered species of flora and fauna, among which the Menzbir marmot, the snow leopard, the Karatau mountain sheep, and many others can be distinguished. The Western Tien-Shan includes 11 sites that are part of seven natural protected territories of three countries.