Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A new shopping centre, “Ollokulikhon Caravanserai,” is planned for artisans within the Ichan-Kala museum reserve in Khiva.
The project was presented to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 10 September during a presentation on further measures to preserve cultural heritage and develop the museum sector.
The new centre is intended to replace the unregulated placement of retail outlets, which disrupts the visual integrity of historic sites and creates inconvenience for tourists.
The project envisages preserving traditional trading practices, creating better conditions for artisans, and hosting exhibitions and fairs. The facility is expected to become a new tourist attraction within Ichan-Kala.
As part of further work to preserve intangible cultural heritage, the Republican Association “Hunarmand” will cooperate with the Agency for Cultural Heritage.
Another proposal is to establish a commission under the president for the repatriation of cultural property. It will be responsible for the systematic search, legal protection and return to Uzbekistan of historical monuments, archaeological artefacts, rare manuscripts and works of art taken abroad during different historical periods.
The presentation also focused on preserving the Tashkent School of Mosaic. A specialised centre is proposed, where traditional techniques will be combined with modern technologies for design, production and restoration. The centre will also serve as a platform for training specialists and developing a new area of monumental art.
In Samarkand, the conservation and restoration project for the Bibi-Khanym complex is planned to continue in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The work will involve international standards of architectural conservation, scientific examination and research of the monument, archaeological and engineering studies, analysis of materials and structural modelling.
Based on the findings, design solutions will be developed. The project also includes training local specialists. At subsequent stages, the main dome and adjacent structures are to be conserved, the surrounding area improved and a museum exhibition created.
The presentation also considered proposals for a Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035. The document will cover digitalisation, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, repatriation of cultural property, protection of natural heritage and development of restoration.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to refine the proposals presented and ensure their practical implementation.
