ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OASIS SHRINES AND THE CHANGES OCCURRING IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Keywords:
oasis landscapes, pilgrimage sites, ecological characteristics, environmental changes, water resources, soil degradation, vegetation, sustainable tourism.Abstract
This thesis examines the ecological characteristics of pilgrimage sites located within the oasis landscapes of Uzbekistan and analyses the environmental changes affecting their natural surroundings. Particular attention is given to the relationship between sacred places, water resources, soil conditions, vegetation, climatic factors, and human activities. Oasis shrines represent not only historical and religious heritage but also important elements of the cultural landscape, whose preservation is closely connected with environmental sustainability. The research considers the ecological conditions of the Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Samarkand oases and identifies the major natural and anthropogenic factors influencing their transformation. The findings emphasise the need to integrate environmental protection principles into the management and sustainable development of pilgrimage destinations.
References
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