The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Participants of the press tour learned about the ongoing work in the “Shirin” ethno-tourism village and efforts to attract both domestic and international tourists. Special attention was given to the lifestyle of the local rural population, the guesthouses under construction in the village, and the services provided to visitors.

The village of “Shirin,” officially granted the status of an “ethno-tourism village” in 2024, is located on the ancient bed of the Zarafshan River and has a history of approximately 2,500 years. The villagers have traditionally engaged in agriculture, crafts, and trade. Notably, several cultural heritage sites and traditional customs have been preserved in Shirin to this day.

To develop rural tourism and showcase local life to visitors, the necessary infrastructure has been created. A craftsmen’s center and traditional houses with “sandal” architecture have been built, workshops for making agricultural tools have been established, horse and camel rides are organized, an ancient stone mill has been restored, beekeeping is being developed, and traditional dishes such as shurdanak and nishaldi are demonstrated. An ethno-village reflecting rural life has been created, as well as the “Shirin Ethno House” center, which includes six craft workshops (pottery, gold embroidery, general embroidery, wood carving, mat weaving, miniature and calligraphy) and two traditional teahouses.

Folk ensembles “Navnikhol” have been established to organize lapars, perform folk songs, and conduct other ceremonies reflecting national values.

Participants of the press tour at the “Shirin” ethno-tourism village took part in master classes on preparing shurdanak and nishaldi, baking bread in rural tandyrs, extracting honey, grinding grain on a stone mill, and making halim.