Uzbekistan joins ICCROM as its 138th member, boosting cultural heritage preservation efforts

"Uzbekistan is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic centers of Bukhara and Shakhrisabz, known for their remarkable monuments from the Timurid period, the unique urban complexes within the Itchan-Kala of Khiva, and the historic city of Samarkand. The transnational World Heritage sites such as the Zarafshan-Karakum Silk Road corridor and the Turan temperate deserts underscore Uzbekistan's strategic role on ancient trade routes and showcase the diversity and resilience of Central Asia's natural landscapes. Uzbekistan's intangible heritage, expressed through its traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and way of life, also reflects its invaluable historical contribution," the centre's statement said.

"Uzbekistan's rich and diverse tangible and intangible heritage, spanning millennia, highlights the country's internationally recognized historical and cultural significance. Joining ICCROM will enable Uzbekistan to bring in valuable knowledge and experience, which will undoubtedly enhance our collective efforts in fulfilling our mission to preserve cultural heritage," said ICCROM Director-General Aruna Francesca Maria Gujral.

ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage. Its activities focus on improving the quality of heritage preservation methods and raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage. ICCROM operates in five main areas: training, information, research, cooperation, and advocacy.