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New Eurasian Corridor Links Istanbul to the Silk Road
The Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Uzbekistan have formalized a comprehensive partnership to synchronize their travel markets and stimulate global tourism along the Eurasian corridor. During a summit in Istanbul, Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, and Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, ratified the Joint Action Plan on Cooperation in Tourism for 2026–2028.
This three-year roadmap moves beyond diplomatic formality to establish commercial levers that will increase mutual visitor arrivals. By leveraging shared linguistic roots and spiritual history, the two nations aim to replace fragmented marketing with integrated, multi-destination itineraries.
Aviation Strategy: Decentralizing Uzbek Air Traffic
A primary objective of the agreement is the optimization of air connectivity. While Istanbul serves as a global megahub with Turkish Airlines reaching over 130 countries, the new strategy focuses on diversifying arrival points within Uzbekistan.
Rather than funneling all international passengers through Tashkent, the plan prioritizes direct access to provincial capitals. Key aviation initiatives include:
- Regional Hub Expansion: Establishing and growing scheduled flight paths from Turkish gateways directly to Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench (the gateway to Khiva), and the Fergana Valley.
- Carrier Integration: Collaborating with major airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, to provide point-to-point connectivity.
- Dual-Destination Packaging: Creating long-haul itineraries that allow travelers from the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East to combine Anatolian sites with Silk Road tours on a single ticket.
- Infrastructure Optimization: Enhancing ground connectivity and route management at Uzbekistan’s regional airport nodes.
Scaling Ziyarat and Spiritual Tourism
The partnership places significant emphasis on Ziyarat (pilgrimage) and Muslim-friendly travel. By aligning their sacred landmarks, the two countries are creating a unified spiritual circuit.
This collaboration involves connecting the mosques and shrines of Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya with the sacred complexes of Bahauddin Naqshband and Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan. To support this, both nations will harmonize Halal hospitality standards and food certification to better serve high-value travelers from Southeast Asia and the Gulf.
Additionally, the agreement includes a commitment to academic exchange regarding the digital restoration and preservation of Islamic civilization landmarks to ensure historic sites can handle increased tourist volumes.
Strategic Implementation Framework (2026–2028)
The following table outlines the core pillars and operational objectives of the Joint Action Plan:
| No. | Strategic Pillar | Primary Implementation Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aviation and Connectivity | Expand direct regional air routes through Turkish aviation hubs to strengthen bilateral tourism access. |
| 2 | Spiritual and Cultural Heritage | Promote shared Ziyarat tourism, Islamic civilisation, religious landmarks and cultural heritage experiences. |
| 3 | Hospitality and Professional Standards | Strengthen hotelier training, hospitality skills, service quality and destination management protocols. |
| 4 | Modern Tourism Sector Development | Encourage cross-border MICE tourism, business events, culinary experiences and tourism product diversification. |
| 5 | International Media and Destination Promotion | Develop global multi-channel marketing campaigns, familiarisation (FAM) trips and joint destination branding initiatives. |
Operational Milestones and Deliverables
To ensure the 2026–2028 window meets its goals, the authorities have set specific targets across several sectors:
| Sector Focus | Strategic Objective | Target Deliverables & Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation & Transit | Expand foreign transit into regional Uzbek airports | Direct routes to Bukhara & Urgench; joint marketing with Turkish Airlines & Pegasus. |
| Ziyarat & Pilgrimage | Position the Turkic Silk Road as a premier spiritual route | Curated sacred circuits, synchronized Halal certification, and shared Islamic heritage guides. |
| Hospitality Standards | Professionalize hotel operations and site management | Technical training academies, service exchange internships, and hotelier masterclasses. |
| MICE & Corporate | Secure international conferences, expos, and summits | Joint bids for international congresses; reciprocal business forum hosting. |
| Gastronomy & Culture | Promote world-renowned culinary and craft heritage | Dual culinary festivals, master chef exchanges, and artisan craft expos. |
| Media & PR Outreach | Amplify international traveler awareness | Co-sponsored mega-FAM tours for travel writers, digital creators, and major broadcasters. |
Key Takeaways
- Direct Regional Access: The plan shifts focus from Tashkent to regional hubs like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench.
- Aviation Synergy: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are central to the strategy of connecting the West to Central Asia.
- Spiritual Corridor: A unified Ziyarat route will link Turkey's and Uzbekistan's most sacred Islamic sites.
- Standardization: Both nations will align Halal certifications and hospitality training to attract high-yield global tourists.
- Diversified Growth: The agreement expands beyond leisure to include MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and gastronomic tourism.
FAQ
Which Uzbek cities will see increased direct flights from Türkiye? The plan prioritizes direct connections to Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench (Khiva), and the Fergana Valley.
What is Ziyarat tourism? Ziyarat refers to pilgrimage travel to sacred sites, shrines, and mosques. The agreement creates a combined spiritual circuit between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
Which airlines are involved in this partnership? Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines are specifically mentioned as key carriers in expanding these air corridors.
