Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, has described Uzbekistan as «remarkably undersold as a stunningly attractive and safe destination» following his journey along the Silk Road.
In his travel feature, Greig explored key historic cities including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent, highlighting the country’s unique blend of ancient heritage and modern development. He described Uzbekistan as a place that «effortlessly blends the modern and ancient,» attracting growing interest from international travellers.
Greig singled out Samarkand as a city that has long captured the imagination of writers and visitors alike, calling it an «exotic, magical and mystical» destination at the heart of Central Asia. The city’s iconic Registan, with its grand madrasahs and intricate tilework, remains one of the most striking architectural ensembles along the Silk Road.
In Bukhara, the tone shifts to what Greig described as «lived-in history,» where centuries-old streets, trading domes and courtyards appear largely unchanged. The city’s slower rhythm and preserved traditions offer visitors a more intimate experience of the Silk Road legacy.
Further west, Khiva impressed the journalist as a «living open-air museum,» where historic architecture coexists with daily life. Within its walled inner city, monuments, mosques and madrasahs create an immersive sense of history.
Meanwhile, Tashkent was described as a modern and rapidly developing capital, with «wide boulevards, tree-lined avenues and verdant parks,» giving it a distinctly European feel. Greig also noted the emergence of luxury hotels, cultural institutions and contemporary art spaces as signs of the city’s transformation.
Beyond architecture and history, the journalist praised Uzbekistan’s hospitality and cuisine. Meals, he wrote, often turn into generous feasts, where «a table mysteriously fills with bread, salads, tea» and multiple dishes, reflecting a culture of warmth and abundance.
Overall, Greig concluded that Uzbekistan is emerging as a compelling travel destination — combining rich history, cultural depth and modern comfort — yet still remains underappreciated on the global tourism map.
