(Reading the speech of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the grand opening of the Arda Khiva International Tourism Center in Khiva)

   The harmony between national heritage and modern development presents vast opportunities. This is particularly evident in the development of the tourism sector.

   On May 1, 2025 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Khorezm region, specifically the historical city of Khiva, marked a significant milestone in the advancement of tourism, culture, and economic development in Uzbekistan.

  Ancient Khiva stands as a symbol of our country’s history, culture, and civilization. The President’s visit to this city became not only an important political and spiritual event for the local population but also a momentous step in enhancing the tourism potential of the entire nation.

  During his speech at the Arda Khiva International Tourism Center’s grand opening, the President particularly emphasized that Khorezm has made invaluable contributions to global civilization and culture. He acknowledged that this ancient land is the birthplace of renowned scholars, military commanders, sultans, saints, and poets. The President also referred to the famous words of global scholars, acknowledging the genius of Al-Biruni, whose scientific achievements were far ahead of his time by over 500 years. This highlights the immense potential of this region, he noted.

  One of Khorezm’s greatest treasures is its historical monuments. The "Ichan-Qala" complex, an open-air city-museum, is included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, which further attests to its unique value.

   The President's visit has significantly elevated the position of Khiva in the world of tourism. The blending of ancient architecture with modern service facilities within the walls of Ichan-Qala has created a unique "grand flourish of tourism." Khiva is transforming into not just a historical landmark but also a cultural hub for global tourists, a center of handicrafts, hospitality, and warm traditions.

  Plans are underway to build new hotels, provide electronic guide services, install QR-coded information boards, and improve infrastructure for tourists. These initiatives contribute to the region’s development through tourism, which has now been elevated to a key state policy.

   Khorezm boasts over 260 cultural heritage sites, many of which date back several centuries. Without a doubt, these treasures define not only Uzbekistan but also the entire Central Asian region's unparalleled place in world history.

   In his speech, the President also acknowledged the ongoing reforms aimed at promoting peace and friendship through tourism. He emphasized that tourism is not just about travel or leisure but is a powerful means of connecting nations, hearts, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of our hardworking and tolerant people to the world. Efforts are underway to protect and promote historical monuments and cultural heritage, making them an integral part of the global tourism network.

   In parallel, the President stressed the importance of incorporating national architectural solutions to create large-scale tourist complexes that harmonize both history and modernity.

   In the newly established international tourism center, there are 17 hotels and guest houses, 9 restaurants, open and closed water parks capable of serving up to 2,000 tourists per day, an amphitheater with a capacity of 3,000, five cinema and concert halls, exhibition pavilions, 70 shops, 300 sales stalls, 11 craft houses, a bazaar, jewelry center, fountains, and a 4-kilometer promenade along the shore.

   The success of these projects is rooted in labor and entrepreneurship. The President firmly believes that "Arda Khiva" will open a new chapter in the region’s tourism development, becoming Khorezm’s second “business card.”

  Furthermore, news about the development of a 2,400-hectare area in Khiva District for tourism, as well as the construction of the Sahro Yulduzi tourism complex, including hotels, entertainment centers, gastronomic and shopping streets, museums, eco-houses, summer camps, and extreme tourism sites, has created a wave of excitement.

   In addition, 5,000 hectares in the desert area of Tuproqqala will be developed for safari and hunting tourism. The establishment of 80 service and entertainment facilities, valued at $50 million, along the canals of Gazovot, Polvon, and Shovot, as well as tourism villages in Bogot, Gurlan, Yangibozor, and Urganch districts, has also been highlighted.

   The President’s recent decree regarding the establishment of a new university and IT school named after Mukhammad al-Khwarizmi in Urganch also adds a remarkable dimension to this progress.

   Khorezm and Karakalpakstan, located on both banks of the Amu Darya, have a shared destiny, and their history, culture, and traditions are inseparable, the President remarked.

   The development of the Khorezm-Karakalpakstan tourism ring project, which links these regions through key tourist attractions such as Ayozqala and Tuproqqala in Ellikqala District, and the infrastructure for beach tourism in Axchakol, further exemplifies the region's potential. The restoration of the Urganch-Gurlan-Mangit road and the development of tourism infrastructure will connect these treasures more effectively.

  In conclusion, the President shared his deep conviction that anyone who visits Khorezm will be captivated by its beauty and history. He expressed his confidence that visitors would leave with unforgettable impressions of this unique and splendid land.

  This visit was not only a celebration of Khorezm’s heritage but also a hopeful promise for the future, laying the foundation for a new stage of growth and prosperity. It was a moment where the past, present, and future of this beautiful region were united in a spirit of progress and cultural pride.

Rakhimboy Jumaniyozov

                                                                                                                                                               Writers and Journalists of Uzbekistan