Tashkent, August 7, 2026 – The Europe Today: Uzbekistan is planning to establish a new cultural and tourism complex named “Little Turkmenistan” in the historic city of Bukhara, aimed at showcasing Turkmen culture, traditions and traditional crafts to local and international visitors.
Prospects for the project were discussed during a working meeting between the Deputy Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee and representatives of Turkish investment company Finwest Finance Company, the Eurasian Local Governments Union, and Uzbek-Turkmen joint venture SD TURKMEN HALY LLC, which specializes in the production and promotion of traditional Turkmen carpets.
According to Uzbekistan’s National News Agency, UzA, the proposed complex will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the history, cultural heritage, traditions and craftsmanship of the Turkmen people.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of ethnographic and cultural tourism across Central Asia, where countries are increasingly developing permanent cultural destinations to showcase national heritage rather than relying solely on souvenir outlets or temporary exhibitions.
Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among Uzbekistan’s most prominent tourist destinations and has deep historical and geographical links with Turkmenistan. The two regions have been connected for centuries through the ancient Silk Road, shared cultural traditions and longstanding good-neighbourly relations.
The proposed complex is expected to contribute to strengthening cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan while creating an additional attraction for tourists visiting Bukhara.
The project also comes amid strong growth in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. According to the country’s National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan received 11.7 million foreign tourists in 2025, representing a 46.8 percent increase compared with the previous year.
The development of “Little Turkmenistan” is therefore expected to complement Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, promote Central Asian cultural heritage and attract visitors interested in authentic ethnographic experiences.
