Yesterday on December 26th Muslim Board of Uzbekistan received Sheykh Salikh Salim Bahvayniy, the managing director of “al-Hidoya” company. The guest was welcomed by Ortikbek Yusupov, the Chairman of Committee on religious affairs under Cabinet Ministers of Uzbekistan and Usmankhan Alimov, Muftiy, Chairman of Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.
In his speech Usmankhan Alimov commented that with partnership of “al-Hidoya” company haj and umrah visits have been continuing successfully. However, it was suggested to improve the quality of services in hotels, transportation, meals, providing additional spaces in Mina and Musdalifa, creating more favorable conditions for the coordinating group of organizers, chefs and medical staff for the next year.
During the talks Ortikbek Yusupov underlined to book new hotels in Madina, to pay attention to organize general dining hall, to allocate separate room for organizers.
In his turn Sheyh Salih Salim Bahvaniy noted that serving to pilgrims was a great honor for him and his company, as a result Sheyh Salih stressed that his company serving pilgrims as for their family. Also, he noted to take into account all the comments and improve them in the coming pilgrimage. Sheyh also expressed his gratitude for the partnership.
At the end of the meeting agreement on “Umra-2018” was signed. According to the document 8500 pilgrims in spring season and 1500 pilgrims in Ramadan season will perform umrah. “Umra-2018” campaign is going to start on February 1st, 2018.
Press Service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan



Turkish art historian and researcher Şeyda Sağlam published an article on the popular website “61 Saat” about the potential of Uzbekistan in the sphere of pilgrimage tourism, in which she shared her impressions of a trip through the historical cities of the country, reports Dunyo IA.
In the article “The Polish of Samarkand, The Prayer of Bukhara: The Spiritual Route of the Journey to Uzbekistan”, author noted that the journey through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva became for her not just a visit to cities, but an acquaintance with the historical and spiritual centers of the region.
According to the researcher, Samarkand impresses with its architectural heritage, Registan Square, Amir Temur Mausoleum, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda complex and the heritage of the scholar Imam Maturidi. She emphasized that the city reflects the grandeur of ancient civilizations and the role of science in the history of Central Asia.
Şeyda Sağlam paid special attention to Bukhara, noting its spiritual atmosphere and significance as one of the centers of Islamic culture. Among the places that made an impression on her, she named the Kalyan Minaret, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, the Bahauddin Naqshband complex and the Ark Citadel.
“Samarkand is a city of outward grandeur, while Bukhara speaks to the human spirit”, the researcher noted.
Article became another publication in the Turkish media aimed at promoting the tourism potential of Uzbekistan, in particular, its opportunities in the sphere of cultural and pilgrimage tourism.