UNESCO World Heritage city

To date, the UNESCO Representative World Heritage list includes four architectural complexes: Khiva's Ichan Kala Museum-reserve (1990), Bukhara's historical center (1993), Samarkand's historical center "Samarkand - crossroads of cultures" (2001), Shakhrisabz's historical center, the Ugam-Chatkal National Park (2016), and nine intangible heritage monuments. Samarkand's beauty and wonder are compelling and addictive. The Registan, a square with three towering madarassas, is one of Central Asia's most recognizable structures. The buildings really come to life at sunset, when the setting sun's colors, along with yellow lights, illuminate the structures.

Since its independence, Uzbekistan has prioritized not only the preservation of cultural assets through monument restoration, but also the strengthening of national consciousness and recognition in global culture. Minarets and ancient domes have become a kind of symbol of many cities, a picturesque silhouette of urban landscapes, their religious and educational institutions-mosques and madrassas-for more than a millennium. These unique creations of ancient architects have acquired a special status as objects of priceless cultural heritage in independent Uzbekistan and are subject to special state protection.