Uzbekistan’s ambitious tourism initiative has the potential to turn the country’s historical cities into a long-term “Venice in the desert.” Initial plans reported in the local media claim that traditional Uzbek buildings like teahouses will be recreated, but the reality in the area is much different. Three-dimensional drawings attached to high walls surrounding the construction area show modern shopping malls and shimmering pools adorned with abstract art.

The Uzbek government is spearheading a bold tourism push. Yet, historians in the country believe this could have negative long-term consequences. The British broadcaster BBC reported new hotels being built on every street of Bukhara.

“SILK ROAD IS THE ONLY MARKETING TRICK” From the capital, Tashkent, to the historic city of Khiva, it was reported that many areas with cultural heritage are intertwined with hotels. Svetlana Gorshenina from Alerte Heritage, which aims to preserve historical sites in the country, said, “The Silk Road concept is being applied everywhere. Restaurants, shops, tours, tourism companies… This has become our only marketing trick. It’s a kind of self-orientalism.” In the last 5 years, Uzbekistan has climbed from 16 to 78 among 119 countries in the number of tourists visiting the country.

AIMING TO PROMOTE UZBEK CULTURE Intensive efforts are being made to promote the country’s cuisine in restaurants and cafes and introduce Uzbek culture in museums. An entertainment complex named “Eternal Bukhara” will be built on the outskirts of the old city. Initial plans reported in the local media described it as an “ethnographic park” that would recreate traditional Uzbek buildings like teahouses.

HOTELS, SHOPPING, AND ABSTRACT ART However, the three-dimensional drawings attached to the high walls surrounding the construction area show blocky, modern shopping malls and shimmering pools embellished with abstract art instead. Additionally, tourism companies plan to build a series of five-star hotels with up to 700 rooms within the facility.

“AT RISK OF BECOMING VENICE IN THE DESERT” A Uzbek architect pointed out the potential negative outcomes of the tourism boom, stating, “More tourists come every year. I’ve always thought of Bukhara as a living organism. But this organism is becoming weaker and more fragile. It shouldn’t just cater to tourists, residents should also be considered. At risk of becoming Venice in the desert.” Moreover, medical facilities catering to a new type of tourist Uzbekistan is trying to attract will also be built, offering cheap healthcare services ranging from dentistry to plastic surgery for visiting patients.