Today, Ashgabat hosted a significant regional meeting of international experts to discuss the nomination of the Caspian Corridor of the Great Silk Road for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The event brought together government representatives, UNESCO officials, and scholars from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and international organizations like the International Institute for Central Asian Studies (IICAS) and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

The Great Silk Road, a remarkable transcontinental trade route connecting East and West, historically passed through Turkmenistan. Its importance is evidenced by archaeological finds and preserved cultural landmarks, as highlighted in the work of Turkmenistan’s National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, “Turkmenistan – The Heart of the Great Silk Road.”

Speakers emphasized the need to preserve this unique heritage as part of a broader effort to foster international cooperation. National initiatives, such as Turkmenistan’s state programs to protect and promote historical and cultural heritage, align with these goals. Currently, the “2022–2028 State Program for the Careful Preservation of National Historical and Cultural Heritage” is underway, aiming to safeguard historical sites and boost tourism.

During the meeting, experts reviewed progress on protecting the Caspian-Volga Corridor’s heritage components, integrating modern technologies for documentation and management, and developing a roadmap for UNESCO nomination. Field visits to key landmarks, like the UNESCO-recognized Old Nisa, further underscored the region’s rich cultural significance.

This initiative highlights Turkmenistan’s dedication to global cultural preservation and its pivotal role in the historical Silk Road network.