Qanqa in Tashkent Region to Become an Open-Air Museum

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Akkurgan district of Tashkent Region, the historic site Qanqa is being prepared to become an “open-air museum.”

According to Presidential Decree No. PK-261 of May 27, 2022, “On Measures to Develop Museum Services,” the archaeological site will be granted museum status as part of a program aimed at improving museum operations and the museification of archaeological monuments.

Funds have been allocated to prepare Qanqa for museification and to conduct scientific research. Since September 2025, specialists from the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan have been carrying out comprehensive work to create the open-air museum.

Qanqa is an ancient site with cultural layers of significant historical importance for the Turan region. Researchers associate the monument with Qang’desh mentioned in the Avesta, as well as with the city of the Turkmen king Alp Er To’ng (Qang’dez) described in the Shahnameh.

The site is currently fully fenced, and work is progressing according to an approved plan. The current phase of research is expected to conclude in 2026, after which the next stage of museification will begin. All work is being carried out gradually, following a scientific approach and in compliance with legislation.