Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As is known, on the eve of the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, artists, sculptors, motorists from the SCO member countries visited Samarkand. The next project initiated by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage on the eve of the summit is dedicated to photo artists from the SCO countries.

Photographers from the SCO countries talked with Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Aziz Abdukhakimov during his creative tour at the Shakhi-Zinda complex in Samarkand. The minister thanked the foreign guests for their visit and noted that their role in reflecting the spirit of Samarkand as the capital of the SCO summit is very important.

In turn, the photographers noted that they really liked Uzbekistan, that they were surprised by the positive changes and admired the work done on the eve of the SCO summit.

“I really liked Uzbekistan, especially Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. I captured my delight in photographs,” said Bunyod Saraev, an artist from Tajikistan. - Tourism in Uzbekistan is developing very quickly. It can be seen that preparations for the SCO summit are also being carried out at an excellent level. I want to emphasize that tourists love Uzbekistan very much. My photographs will also be presented at an international exhibition. I hope that the Uzbek people will like them. I am very glad that I became a participant in the photosymposium of the SCO countries.”

Iranian photographer Reza Golchin shared that he wants to come to Uzbekistan again:

“A trip to Uzbekistan gives me unforgettable emotions. The people here are wonderful, they always have a smile on their face. They are very polite with tourists. Of course, I reflected these impressions in my photographs. I would like to come to Uzbekistan again,” he said.

“Uzbekistan can be called the heart of Central Asia not only economically, but also in terms of tourism. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev pays special attention to the development of this sector,” Pakistani photographer Muhammad Ramzan shared his impressions. “Of course, Uzbekistan, such cities as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are very beautiful. This land is the birthplace of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur and Amir Temur. It is certainly interesting for guests to get acquainted with the life of the country where these figures of the past worked, to get acquainted with the historical places associated with them.

Another important aspect is that the presence of halal tourism facilities in Uzbekistan attracts representatives of many Muslim countries. Wherever you go, you can taste delicious halal food. Uzbek pilaf and samsa are especially delicious!

In addition, pilgrimage tourism is developed in Uzbekistan. In Samarkand itself there are several objects of pilgrimage tourism, they are located close to each other. Very convenient for Muslim tourists. I visited Hazrat Daud, Hazrat Daniyar, the birthplace of Imam Bukhari and other sacred places.

Uzbekistan is a truly charming place, you want to explore it again and again. I came on an official visit at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan, and your country made a great impression on me. Now I plan to come here with my family and friends. I would like to express my gratitude to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage for the opportunity to discover such a beautiful country.”

Selected photographs by foreign photographers will be exhibited at an international exhibition held within the framework of the SCO summit. This exhibition is designed to reflect the spirit of Samarkand through the eyes of foreigners.

We remind you that shortly in Samarkand, as part of the preparations for the summit, an exhibition of artists from the SCO countries was held.