Research Workshop Highlights Launch of Heritage Information Repository in Khatlon and GBAO

On 6 May 2025, the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) in Khorog hosted a research workshop to mark the successful conclusion of the project Creation of an Information Repository for the Natural, Historical, and Cultural Sites and the Preparation of Content for Information Boards (Interpretive Signage) in Khatlon and GBAO, Tajikistan.

The project was led by Dr Sultonbek Aksakolov and brought together a multidisciplinary team of researchers from universities and institutions, as well as experts from the Ministry of Culture, the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan and the Tourism Development Committee. Funded by the International Development Association of the World Bank Group, the initiative was implemented as part of the Tajikistan Rural Economy Development Project (REDP).

Dr Aksakolov stated that the database, website, reports and guidebooks developed under the Repository project are available in three languages: Tajik, English and Russian. They provide access to rare information about the attractive features of each of the sites and reveal previously unknown details about the history, culture, environment, people’s activities, markets, and events surrounding the sites. These resources are a strong asset to promote tourism and research on heritage in Tajikistan.

During the seminar, scholars from the University of Central Asia and other institutions engaged in debates and discussions and presented the findings of their research on using cultural and heritage sites to promote tourism in Tajikistan.

The workshop was attended by Mr Komron Qosimi, Project Coordinator of the REDP at the State Institution Project Implementation Unit for Access to Green and Rural Development Finance under the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan; Ms Mahina Dodikhudoeva, Project Coordinator for GBAO; and Mr Sinbod Amonbekov, Head of the Tourism Unit of the GBAO Government.

Representatives from the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) praised the University of Central Asia’s research team for their contribution in creating a comprehensive database, guidebooks and a website featuring the historical, cultural and natural heritage sites in Khatlon and GBAO.