Tashkent’s continued authoritarian habits undermine positive steps.
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March 01, 2021
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Ask any Uzbek or, for that matter, any Central Asian what her favorite holiday is and nine times out of ten you are likely to hear the same answer: Navruz. Literally translated as “new day,” Navruz (also spelled Nowruz), is celebrated annually in Uzbekistan and much of Central Eurasia on or around March 21, the day of the vernal equinox. To prepare for the holiday, Uzbeks traditionally tidy their homes and
mahallas (neighborhoods). Some buy new clothes. Walking around any mahalla you are likely to observe groups of women, but also men, huddled near a
Uzbekistan plans to attract 700,000 pilgrims in 2021 POLITICS 21:10 / 14.12.2020 426
“The most promising source in this regard is, primarily, pilgrimage tourism. There are many religious shrines in our country. Taking advantage of this opportunity, it is possible to attract 700 thousand pilgrims and provide the export of services worth $130 million,” the press service of the Muslims Board of Uzbekistan said.
Therefore, a proposal to simplify the visa regime for tourists interested in Uzbekistan has been put forward. It has been decided to establish an Inter-ministerial Commission headed by deputy prime ministers to coordinate work in this area.
The Commission will systematically manage flights, simplify clearances, expand the geography of flights and improve airport services.