Archeology and Tourism: Identifying Potential and Managing Heritage
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On September 17, 2021, within the framework of
the International Cultural Forum “Central Asia at the Crossroads of World
Civilizations”, an international archaeological conference “Archeology and
Tourism: Identifying Potential and Managing Heritage” was held in Nukus. The
joint effort by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO
and the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS) under the
guidance of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Aziz
Abdukhakimov and with the support of the Council of Ministers of the Republic
of Karakalpakstan became the key to the success of such an important event for
the country and the region.
The conference turned into a platform to
discuss the study, safeguarding, use, promotion and sustainable management of
cultural heritage and, in particular, archaeological sites. The potential of
archaeological sites to act as a catalyst for the development of cultural
tourism at the national, regional and international levels was in the focus.
Over fifty iconic specialists, well-known experts
and practitioners in the field of archeology and heritage were invited to participate
in the events. During the plenary and panel sessions, presentations were made
on both scientific and cultural exchange, the establishment of intercultural
dialogue and cooperation, and the contribution of historical and cultural
heritage to the development of social and humanitarian sciences.
The format of the conference was designed to
ensure direct communication between the participants and the organizers. In
particular, in the course of the plenary session moderated by the Director of
IICAS Dr. Dmitriy Voyakin, the Vice Prime-Minister Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov
answered a number of relevant questions by the participants.
The Central Asian Declaration of the Principles
of Archaeological Heritage Management was anonymously adopted. The Declaration
had become the first strategic document developed in Central Asia and
reflecting the common vision of national governments and the academic community
regarding the safeguarding and promotion of archaeological heritage.
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