By: Adkhamjon Janobiddinov
Uzbekistan and The Gambia established diplomatic relations on March 14, 2024. Representatives from both countries expressed their interest to collaborate and support each other within international organizations like the United Nations. This article aims to introduce Uzbekistan to Gambians, highlighting unique aspects of this country.
Located in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a nation with over more than 3000-year history and played a key role in the ancient Silk Road. Uzbekistan is a great destination for history enthusiasts, boasting seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousands of historical wonders throughout the country. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent, each with a history dating back over 2,500 years.
The country is composed of 12 regions, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the capital Tashkent city. Each region of the country has its own beauty and unique history. Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and is home to many architectural wonders, from Soviet buildings to modern skyscrapers. The city is also home to one of the oldest and most traditional bazaars in Central Asia, the Chorsu bazaar. Samarkand is another fascinating city that has been compared to Athens, Cairo, and Damascus. Samarkand is over 2,750 years old and is home to several architectural wonders such as Registan Square, the Shakhi-Zinda Complex, and many more. Khiva and Bukhara are over 2,500 years old and are known as open-air museums. The city of Kokand is located in the Ferghana Valley and is known as the capital of crafts. The city is home to many artists who have been creating handmade goods since the days of the ancient Silk Road.
Uzbekistan is also home to one of the most influential Islamic legacies in the world. It is the birthplace of two of the greatest Islamic scholars—Imam al-Bukhari and Imam al-Tirmizi—whose collections of Hadith are revered across the Muslim world. Cities like Bukhara and Samarkand are adorned with beautiful Islamic architecture, including majestic madrasas, mosques, and minarets that reflect centuries of devotion, learning, and spiritual tradition. The Islamic heritage of Uzbekistan offers deep opportunities for cultural and religious exchange with The Gambia, a country with a strong Islamic identity. Strengthening ties between these two Muslim-majority nations can lead to enhanced cooperation in education, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
It is also important to highlight historical figures born in modern-day Uzbekistan, who contributed to the development of the world we live in today. Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi, a famous mathematician, was born in ancient Khorezm. Al-Khwarizmi invented algebra, a fundamental math concept that is taught all over the world today, with the name “algebra” originating from the name of his book “al-jabr” (al jabr w’al muqabala). He also invented algorithms, which would later lead to the invention of the computer and other modern technologies.
Another famous historical figure from the land of Uzbekistan is Ibn Sina. Ibn Sina is better known as Avicenna, and he is considered one of the founders of early medicine. He wrote “The Canon of Medicine,” a book that became a standard medical text in both the East and West for over a thousand years. Furthermore, he was one of the first to provide the correct explanation of pulsation. Al-Biruni is another important scientist born in Beruni, Uzbekistan. Biruni used trigonometry to calculate the radius of the Earth using measurements of the height of a hill and measurement of the dip in the horizon from the top of that hill. He also predicted the existence of the American continent more than 500 years before the visit of Columbus.
Despite the geographical distance between these two countries, there are also similarities between Uzbekistan and The Gambia. Firstly, both countries have a huge youth population which is a sign of high economical potential. In both countries, the family is seen as the fundamental unit of society, serving as a reproductive, socio-cultural, and spiritual/moral base. Furthermore, Uzbekistan and The Gambia have their authentic culture that has been polished for centuries. These similarities serve as a tool to strengthen and expand ties between these nations and contribute to a harmonious world.
