Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on further measures to preserve Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage, develop the museum sector and promote the country’s culture internationally.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation with UNESCO. At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, Uzbekistan’s nomination “Modernist Architecture of Tashkent. Modernity and Traditions of Central Asia” was added to the World Heritage List. The nomination includes 10 landmark sites in the capital.
Uzbekistan became the first country in Central Asia and the CIS whose 20th-century modernist architectural heritage received World Heritage status. It was also the country’s first national inscription on the list in 25 years. As a result of the work carried out, the Sun Heliocomplex was also included and preserved as part of the site.
A State Programme for 2026–2030 is planned to further preserve and study Tashkent’s modernist architecture, develop cultural tourism and attract international specialists.
At the same time, preparations are underway for the nomination of the natural site “Zaamin Mountains” for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The proposed site includes the Zaamin State Reserve and Zaamin National Nature Park, forming a single mountain ecosystem with valuable juniper forests and habitats of rare animal and bird species.
The presentation also addressed improvements to the work of the Secretariat of the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO. It is proposed to expand its coordinating functions regarding the country’s participation in the organization’s sectoral networks, including the Creative Cities Network, Learning Cities Network, Associated Schools Network, UNESCO Chairs, associations and clubs, as well as the Global Geoparks Network.
A major part of the proposals concerns the restoration and systematization of cultural heritage sites. In recent years, 466.4 billion soums has been allocated from the state budget for their restoration. A total of 305 design and cost-estimate documents have been prepared, with work completed at 55 sites and continuing at another 152.
Cadastral documents have been prepared for 8,183 cultural heritage sites. A short-term monument leasing mechanism has attracted 4,187 businesses, while 27.9 billion soums has been directed to the relevant fund. In 2025, 152.9 billion soums in local and foreign investment was attracted for 52 sites.
Uzbekistan is also introducing a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) system. It is viewed as an important tool for protecting the historic cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva and Shahrisabz, as well as Tashkent’s modernist architecture amid active construction and infrastructure development.
Proposed measures include creating a unified digital cultural heritage platform, digital twins of heritage sites, a Heritage Open Data system and a situation centre. Monitoring of sites is planned using IoT sensors, satellite data, video analytics and artificial intelligence. All cultural heritage sites are expected to be digitized by 2030.
To manage tourist flows, the authorities propose introducing a Visitor Management system, expanding the use of digital tickets, forecasting visitor flows and, where necessary, imposing restrictions on access to individual sites.
Changes are also planned in professional training. The proposals include establishing a specialist training system, opening a specialized higher school of restoration in Bukhara, developing regional branches of the Institute of Archaeology and introducing licensing for restoration specialists.
Another project envisages the creation of a specialized mosaic centre. It would combine traditional techniques with modern design, production and restoration technologies. The centre is intended to help preserve the Tashkent School of Mosaic, train specialists and develop a new field of monumental art.
A shopping centre called “Ollokulikhon Caravanserai” is proposed for the territory of the Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve. According to the estimates presented, the disorderly placement of retail outlets is disrupting the visual integrity of historic sites and creating inconvenience for tourists. The new format is intended to preserve traditional trading practices, provide opportunities for artisans, serve as a venue for exhibitions and fairs, and become a new tourist attraction.
To ensure a coordinated state policy on intangible cultural heritage, the Republican Association “Hunarmand” will in future cooperate with the Agency for Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan.
In Samarkand, the Bibi-Khanym complex is planned to undergo conservation and restoration in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The project envisages the use of international standards for architectural conservation, scientific assessment and the organization of restoration work.
The project will include documentation and research of the monument, archaeological and engineering surveys, materials analysis, structural modelling and the development of design solutions. Particular attention will be paid to training local specialists. Subsequent stages will include conservation of the main dome and adjacent structures, landscaping and the creation of a museum exhibition.
Another area of work will be the return to Uzbekistan of cultural property taken out of the country during different historical periods. This includes unique historical monuments, archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts and works of art. A decision has been made to establish a commission under the President of Uzbekistan to systematically search for, provide legal protection for and repatriate such items.
Proposals for the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035 were also reviewed. The document envisages programmes for digitalizing the sector, preserving tangible and intangible heritage, repatriating cultural property, protecting natural heritage and developing restoration activities.
Following the presentation, the president instructed officials to further refine the proposals and ensure their practical implementation.
