Sadik Bejko: Lirikat poetike të Deniz (Xhoga) Çupit
Ngjarje më vete është kur publikon librin e parë, siç ka ndodhur me gazetaren e njohur në shtypin shqiptar dhe profesoren e universitetit të Vlorës, Deniz (Xhoga) Çupi. Dhjetra poezi, të shkruar në kohë të ndryshme, mbase qysh nga vitet gjimnaziste e deri te më të vonat, ishin një befasi për larminë e motiveve dhe sidomos për realizimin estetik.
Deniz (Xhoga) Çupi parapëlqen poezinë që lë mbrapa një mesazh, një kumt, një amanet, një dëshirë dhe këtë e bën në mënyrë të natyrshme, pa sforcime, siç mund të bëhet një bisedë intime me miqtë më të ngushtë apo të njohurit e hershëm. Libri i parë poetik, i konceptuar në formë triptiku, që ka brenda tij edhe pak proza, është një ogur i mirë për autoren dhe një ndihmesë për kulturën shqiptare.
Siç ndodh zakonisht edhe në letërsitë e tjera, gjeneratat e krijuesve kanë anë të përbashkëta, por edhe të veçantat e tyre; në këtë kuptim poezia e Deniz (Xhoga) Çupit përfshihet në grupimin e letrarëve të post-diktaturës, që s’kanë konvencione e tabu, s’preferojnë kufizime e censurë, janë më të drejtpërdrejtë në komunikimin me lexuesit dhe kjo është padyshim një cilësi e çmueshme. Deniz Çupi ka një fillim të mbarë me librin e parë, por ne shpresojmë se ajo do të vijë sërish me botime të tjera në kërkim të formimit të individuelitetit të vet, çka është sfida e çdo krijuesi.
The latest figures suggest that Uzbekistan is no longer attracting visitors solely because of its ancient monuments. Improved transport infrastructure, expanded international connectivity, new cultural attractions and government-backed tourism reforms are reshaping the country’s image and making it increasingly accessible to travelers from across Asia, Europe and North America.
The first eight months of 2026 have become a defining period for Uzbekistan’s tourism industry, with record visitor numbers and unprecedented growth in tourism revenue signaling that the sector has entered a new phase of development.
Record-breaking visitor arrivals
Between January and August 2026, Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million international tourists, representing a 21.1% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The pace of growth accelerated throughout the summer. During the first seven months of the year, the country had already received 7.7 million visitors, while August alone brought another 1.4 million international travelers, underscoring Uzbekistan’s growing popularity during the peak travel season.
These numbers reflect more than seasonal travel patterns. They indicate that Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly recognizable destination on the global tourism map, attracting visitors interested not only in history but also in culture, architecture, gastronomy and spiritual heritage.
Asian markets are leading the surge
One of the most striking trends behind the latest growth is the rapid expansion of visitor numbers from Asian countries. Arrivals from China increased by 2.3 times, making it the fastest-growing source market. Malaysia doubled its visitor numbers, while arrivals from Japan grew by 50 percent.
The momentum extends beyond Asia. Visitors from the United States increased by 40 percent, while European markets also posted steady gains. Tourist arrivals from Germany rose by 25 percent, France and the United Kingdom each recorded 21 percent growth, and Turkey increased by 15 percent. Meanwhile, Russia, traditionally one of Uzbekistan’s largest tourism markets, recorded a 30 percent increase in visitor arrivals.
The diversity of these markets suggests that Uzbekistan is broadening its international appeal rather than relying solely on neighboring countries. Increased awareness, simplified travel procedures and stronger international connectivity have helped introduce the country to a much wider audience.
Tourism is becoming a major economic engine
The growth in arrivals has been matched by a dramatic increase in tourism revenue. During the first eight months of 2026, tourism service exports reached $4.6 billion, representing a 53.5 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
The figures demonstrate tourism’s growing contribution to Uzbekistan’s economy. Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, tour operators and local artisans have all benefited from higher visitor spending, while regional economies have gained new opportunities through expanding tourism services.
For many communities, tourism has become more than a seasonal industry. It is increasingly creating long-term employment opportunities while encouraging investment in hospitality, infrastructure and cultural preservation.
High-speed rail is transforming the travel experience
One of the key reasons behind Uzbekistan’s growing tourism appeal is the country’s investment in domestic transport.
The Afrosiyob high-speed rail network has fundamentally changed how visitors explore the country. Modern trains connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Karshi, allowing travelers to move between some of Uzbekistan’s most famous historical cities within a matter of hours. Authorities continue expanding high-speed rail services and introducing additional routes, making multi-city itineraries considerably easier for international visitors.
Unlike many destinations where long-distance road travel consumes valuable vacation time, Uzbekistan’s rail network enables tourists to experience several UNESCO-listed cities during a single journey while enjoying modern, comfortable transportation. The railway system has also encouraged domestic tourism, making weekend travel and cultural exploration more accessible for local residents.
Beyond the famous Silk Road cities
Although Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva remain Uzbekistan’s best-known attractions, the country has been actively expanding its tourism portfolio. Tashkent has emerged as a destination in its own right, offering visitors a combination of Soviet-era modernist architecture, historic neighborhoods and new cultural institutions. The recently opened Center of Islamic Civilization, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to Islamic civilization, has added another significant attraction to the capital.
Pilgrimage tourism is also gaining greater international attention. Historic religious sites such as the Hazrati Imam Complex in Tashkent, the Imam al-Bukhari Complex near Samarkand and the Bahauddin Naqshband Complex in Bukhara continue attracting visitors interested in both history and spiritual heritage.
At the same time, culinary tourism has become an increasingly important part of the visitor experience. Traditional Uzbek dishes such as plov (palov), somsa, shashlik and handmade bread have become cultural attractions in their own right, while local markets offer opportunities to experience regional crafts and everyday life.
A destination with growing global recognition
Uzbekistan’s international profile has grown considerably in recent years. The country’s UNESCO World Heritage cities continue attracting global attention, while new cultural initiatives and international events have strengthened its reputation as both a historical and contemporary destination.
For many travelers, Uzbekistan now offers a rare combination: the opportunity to walk through centuries-old Silk Road streets in the morning, travel comfortably by high-speed train in the afternoon and experience modern museums, restaurants and cultural venues by evening. This balance between preservation and modernization has become one of the country’s strongest competitive advantages.
Looking ahead
The results achieved during the first eight months of 2026 suggest that Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is entering a new era. With 9.1 million international arrivals, rapidly expanding tourism revenue and continued investment in infrastructure, the country is building a stronger position in the global travel market.
The continued expansion of high-speed rail, improved visitor services and growing international interest from both Asian and Western markets indicate that this momentum is unlikely to be temporary.
Once known primarily as a stop along the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan is increasingly becoming a destination where history, culture and modern infrastructure work together to create a richer travel experience—one that continues to attract millions of visitors from around the world.
