WHEN TOURISM MEETS TRADITION: UZBEKISTAN’S SOCIAL BALANCING ACT
Keywords:
tourism, cultural heritage, silk road, sustainable tourism, social tourism, cultural preservation, community-based tourism, gentrificationAbstract
This article explores how Uzbekistan is navigating the complex intersection of rapid tourism growth and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. As the country repositions itself as a major destination on the modern Silk Road, it faces a social balancing act—ensuring economic development and global engagement while safeguarding historical authenticity, community well-being, and sustainable practices. The piece highlights key issues including cultural commodification, urban redevelopment, inclusive tourism, and the role of festivals and local traditions in shaping a responsible future for Uzbekistan’s tourism industry..
References
1. Mustafakulova, S., Boynazarov, S., Mustafakulov, I., & Djurayeva, Z. (Year). The role of cultural heritage in tourism development in Uzbekistan. American Journal of Education and Learning. Retrieved from https://advancedscienti.com/index.php/AJEL/article/view/1781
2. Saidova, A., & Mujitdinov, H. (2024). The influence of leisure tourism on the well-being of citizens of Uzbekistan. Web of Humanities: Journal of Social Science and Humanitarian Research, (9). Retrieved from https://webofjournals.com/index.php/9/article/view/2620
3. Tokhirovich, F. S. (2024). The perspectives of cultural heritage tourism in Uzbekistan. Central Asian Journal of Innovations on Tourism Management and Finance. Retrieved from https://cajitmf.centralasianstudies.org/index.php/CAJITMF/article/view/721
4. Umarova, F. R., & O’rinboyeva, X. S. (2025). Issues in the development of social tourism in Uzbekistan. American Journal of Education and Evaluation Studies. Retrieved from https://semantjournals.org/index.php/AJEES/article/view/2064
5. MDPI Sustainability. (2024). Agritourism as an emerging sustainable tourism industry in Uzbekistan. Sustainability, 16(17), 7519. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177519
6. MDPI Sustainability. (2023). Evaluating culturalization strategies for sustainable tourism development in Uzbekistan. Sustainability, 15(9), 7727. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097727
7. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Asrlar Sadosi Festival of Traditional Culture. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asrlar_Sadosi_Festival_of_Traditional_Culture
8. Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia. Wikipedia. Retrieved September 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aga_Khan_Music_Initiative_in_Central_Asia