THE SPECIFIC FEATURES OF PILGRIMAGE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUKHARA REGION

Аннотация

Tourism is rapidly developing as a major source of income in many countries around the world. From this perspective, it is important to study the potential, current state, development, and prospects of this sector in our country, particularly in the southwestern part of Uzbekistan — the Bukhara region. The development of tourism serves not only as a source of income but also plays a significant role in employment. The region’s numerous tangible cultural heritage sites, landmarks, favorable natural and climatic conditions, exceptional hospitality, national traditions, and values are clear indicators of its vast potential for international tourism. This article explores the specific features, development trends, and prospects of one of the most importantbranches oftourism in theBukhararegion —pilgrimage tourism. Keywords: Tourism, pilgrimage tourism, sacred sites, "Sharif shahar", "Yetti Pir","Golden chain", “Pearl of theAncient East”,“Tabarruk Ziyorat” . Introduction: Tourism plays a critical role in economic growth and development for every country and is among the most important contributors to overall progress and prosperity. The growing significance of tourism each year highlights the urgency of its further development. Uzbekistan possesses great potential for the development of its tourism industry. In recent years, the country has implemented a series of intensive measures to promote tourism. Today, Uzbekistan is recognized globally as a safe, steadily developing country offering new opportunities for pilgrimage and travel. Efficient use of theexisting pilgrimage tourism potential, presenting Uzbekistan as one of the key centers of world civilization, earning international recognition, diversifying pilgrimage services, and increasing tourism exports are among the strategicdirections fortourism development inthecountry. There are over 200 types of tourism in the world, with pilgrimage tourism being one of the fastest-growing and promising areas. Recognized as the cradle of Islamic civilization and a center of enlightenment and culture, Uzbekistan has given rise to many scholars, intellectuals, scientists, and great saints who have contributed to the development of Islam and global knowledge. Around the world, there is a strong desire to visit their sacred shrines and blessed sites[4]. Object of Research and Methodology: In addition to favorable conditions and resource opportunities, it is crucial to establish a legal framework for tourism development. To ensure the implementation of Presidential Decree No. PF-6165 of February 9, 2021, "On further development measures for domestic and pilgrimage tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan", and to organize effective promotion and provide scientifically grounded information about 214 Volume 4, issue 6, 2025 pilgrimage sites, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 100 on February 24, 2021, titled "On additional measures to develop domestic and pilgrimage tourism". In accordance with this resolution, a Council for the Coordination of Pilgrimage Tourism Development was established, and itskey tasks were defined as follows [3]: Comprehensive study and systematization of Uzbekistan’s pilgrimage tourism potential, as well as the development of scientifically grounded information about sacred sites, religious scholars, and their spiritual legacy. Centralized analysis of tourism market needs. Effective and high-quality organization of promotional efforts. Review and approval of scientifically based content for media products, audio-visual materials, articles, and brochures. Creation and coordination of high-quality informational materials for cultural heritage sites, guides, and tour leaders. Development ofpilgrimage etiquetteguidelines for sitesofdifferent religious denominations. To ensure the implementation of the"New Uzbekistan Development Strategy for2022–2026", as approved by Presidential Decree No. PF-60 on January 28, 2022, within the framework of the “Year of Honoring Human Dignity and Active Neighborhoods,” as well as to intensify tourism development in the Bukhara region, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 543 on September 28, 2022, "On further measures to develop the tourism sector in Bukhara region for 2022–2026"[1]. Moreover, based on Presidential Decree No. PQ-338 of July 29, 2022, the implementation of the “Tabarruk Ziyorat” (Blessed Pilgrimage) tourism concept played a significant rolein thedevelopment of pilgrimage tourism [2]. Results and Their Analysis: As a result of these reforms, the tourism sector has grown fivefold in the last three years. While nearly 1 million tourists visited Uzbekistan in 2016, the figure increased to 2.7 million in 2017 and surpassed 5.3 million in 2018. It is projected that by 2025, the number of foreign tourists will reach 7 million, with an annual foreign exchange revenue of 2 billion USD[5]. Currently, Uzbekistan is focusing on increasing the number of pilgrims from countries with high pilgrimage