Uzbekistan has been officially recognized as the Asian country with the largest number of Islamic historic cities included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The recognition was confirmed by international rating agency ASIA Records during a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The list features Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz - cities renowned for preserving outstanding ensembles of mosques, madrasahs (a college for Islamic instruction), mausoleums, and an intact historical urban environment.

These cities are considered among the most valuable monuments of Islamic architecture and culture, reflecting centuries of spiritual, scholarly, and artistic development.

The recognition highlights Uzbekistan’s unique role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Islamic civilization in Asia.