Tashkent Reports Violations at Heritage Sites

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Cultural Heritage Agency of Uzbekistan has identified cases of improper treatment of the historical and architectural appearance of several sites in Tashkent, according to the agency’s press service.

On the first day of inspections conducted on April 21, a working group led by First Deputy Director Elmurod Najimov examined 28 sites located on Navoi Street. As a result, facade contamination caused by external factors was recorded on three buildings.

In addition, violations were identified at four other sites, including renovation work carried out without proper authorization, installation of advertising structures, and unauthorized alterations to architectural facades.

In particular, at the building of the Alisher Navoi Palace of Arts at 15 Navoi Street, formerly known as the Panorama Cinema, authorities ordered the removal of advertising banners installed without permits. Similar violations were also recorded at the Palace of Friendship of Peoples.

At the Central Telegraph building, unauthorized excavation works were discovered, which the agency classified as a serious interference with a cultural heritage site. The works were immediately suspended, and responsible organizations were issued orders to restore the area to its original condition.

At the building located at 30 Navoi Street, formerly housing the Information and Mass Communications Agency, renovation works were also carried out without approval, prompting legal measures.

At the “Uzkhimiyosanoat” building, air conditioning units were installed without coordination. The working group ordered either their removal or adjustment to comply with established requirements.

According to the agency, the facade color scheme of the Committee for Religious Affairs building in the Shaykhontohur district does not correspond to the architectural concept of Navoi Street and the historic urban environment. It was also noted that a required protective heritage sign was missing, despite an instruction issued by the Tashkent City Cultural Heritage Department on April 8.

The agency instructed that the building facade be brought into compliance with the approved street concept, that restoration work be carried out while preserving historical and architectural features, and that all color and decorative solutions be agreed based on archival and historical data.