CURRENT STATUS OF CULTURAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS IN BUKHARA
Keywords:
cultural tourism, intangible and tangible assets, heritage conservation, sustainable development, creative industries, community-based tourism, contemporary art, Silk Road.Abstract
This study examines the current state and emerging dynamics of cultural tourism development in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The study examines how traditional festivals, contemporary art initiatives, and community engagement shape Bukhara’s tourism landscape through the analysis of three hypotheses. The study’s findings suggest that cultural tourism has been a key driver of socio-economic growth and heritage preservation, exemplified by events such as the Silk and Spice Festival and the newly established Bukhara Biennale. These initiatives successfully combine traditional crafts with contemporary artistic expression, increasing Bukhara’s global visibility and cultural vitality. However, challenges remain, such as limited infrastructure, insufficient professional training, and fragmented policy coordination. Overall, the Bukhara experience demonstrates how integrating innovation with heritage can transform a historic Silk Road city into a model of sustainable cultural tourism and cultural sustainability.
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