EU-UNESCO project: Silk Roads Heritage Corridors in Central Asia

The results of the large-scale regional project «Silk Roads Heritage Corridors in Central Asia – International Dimension of the European Year of Cultural Heritage» were presented in Astana. The project aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Silk Roads, as well as attract tourists to the region. Significant work has been carried out by the European Union and UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, including extensive training for tourist guides, restorers, archaeologists, and craftspeople. Notably, the project’s primary focus is on restoring ancient cultural and natural monuments across four countries of the region.

«These include the ancient settlement of Kulan in Kazakhstan and the town of Krasnaya Rechka in the Kyrgyz Republic. In Tajikistan, it is the natural heritage site, Tajik National Park, located in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. In Uzbekistan, it is the Bogbonli Mosque in Khiva. Efforts are underway to develop favorable tourism infrastructure for these sites, ensuring they become sustainable components of modern tourism along the Silk Road in our region,» said Majer Massanov, Project Coordinator at the UNESCO Almaty Regional Office.

According to the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kestutis Jankauskas, work is being conducted in other areas as well. The implementation of the projects demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening multilateral ties with the Central Asian countries.

«Millions of euros have already been invested in numerous initiatives we are involved in, including projects related to the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, aviation, and support for small and medium-sized businesses. Many of these initiatives are interconnected and share the goal of fostering better relations for business development, cultural advancement, and exchange between the European Union and Central Asia,» said Jankauskas.

A unique exhibition featuring 60 historical museum showpieces from the Silk Road era has also been unveiled. The exhibits were provided by the national museums of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.