Khiva’s “Melon Festival” Has Been Entered the Guinness World Records
The traditional three-day “Melon Festival” in Khorezm has made history: the event has officially been entered into the Guinness World Records. The main global achievement was the tasting of around 250 unique melon varieties. More than one million visitors from around the world attended the large-scale celebration.
The festival took place along the tourist promenade stretching from the railway station to the historic Itchan Kala complex. The area was decorated with themed pavilions showcasing agricultural products and works by local artisans, bringing together national traditions, culture and modern technologies.
The event became an important platform not only for farmers but also for the scientific community. Scientists from Urgench State University presented more than 50 varieties, including promising varieties intended for export, and demonstrated waste-free technologies for processing melon flesh, seeds and rinds into confectionery products, oils, pharmaceuticals and animal feed. In addition, a trilingual book titled “Khorezm Melons” was published for the occasion. Using QR codes in the book, readers can take a virtual tour of melon-growing fields.
The international celebration concluded with a spectacular gala concert featuring artists. The establishment of the world record not only strengthened Khiva’s status as a tourist destination but also opened up new prospects for the export of Uzbek agricultural products.
ORIENT
