Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUM) of the Russian Federation and the Council of Muftis of Russia (CMR) are intensifying negotiations with Muslim centers of Uzbekistan on the development of ziyorat tourism (tourism to historically significant places for the followers of Islam).

“The Spiritual Muslim Board of the Russian Federation activates a tourism project with Muslim centers of Uzbekistan, connected with the Muslim history and culture of this country. Ziyorat tourism to Uzbekistan is a visit by Muslims of the Russian Federation to ancient mosques, the world-famous Miri-Arab madrasah, the memorial of Imam Al-Bukhari, Bahautdin Naqshbandi and other significant places, including historical and cultural monuments,” Rushan Abbyasov, deputy chairman of the Russian Spiritual Muslim Board, told RIA Novosti.

In his opinion, the project was supposed to take place several years ago, but the pandemic interfered with the implementation plans.

“In 2020, Tashkent was also to host the Fifth Anniversary International Scientific and Theological Conference “Spiritual Silk Road” organized by the Spiritual Muslim Board of the Russian Federation. But quarantine restrictions did not allow this. Despite this, we did not stop the dialogue with the Uzbek side on the development of ziyorat tourism and the holding of the forum. Now there is a real opportunity to implement all this. It is gratifying that the Government of Russia appreciates the tourism potential of Uzbekistan and is taking various measures to increase the flow of tourists to this wonderful country,” said the deputy chairman of the Spiritual Muslim Board of the Russian Federation.

Earlier, the press service of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko announced that the Russian government would increase the flow of tourists to Uzbekistan and the corresponding action plan had already been approved.

The joint project includes 20 events. Within its framework, it is planned to hold the Year of Tourism in Russia and Uzbekistan, develop and launch a cross-border route for travelers "The Great Silk Road", create special offers for festival, gastronomic, wine, extreme, winter and other types of tourism. In addition, it is planned to organize study trips for students from Russia and Uzbekistan.