Tashkent to Create Book Corners in All 585 Mahallas

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Tashkent plans to gradually create book corners in all 585 mahallas of the capital, build a modern interactive library in each of the city’s 12 districts and open bookstores in major new shopping centers. Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov said this in an interview with UzA.

The measures are provided for by a presidential resolution dated 27 July on additional measures for the socio-economic development of Tashkent in 2026–2027. Under the document, the development of book infrastructure is considered part of the urban environment.

According to Umurzakov, book corners will be established in all mahallas of the capital in stages. In addition, a large modern interactive library is planned in each of Tashkent’s 12 districts. The mayor said locations for the libraries have already been identified.

The authorities plan to create not only spaces for storing books, but also public venues designed to meet residents’ educational and spiritual needs. Umurzakov said the libraries should become some of the city’s most attractive and comfortable public spaces.

Separate measures are planned for major shopping centers. New facilities of this type will be required to open a bookstore, with its floor space corresponding to the scale of the shopping center.

Bookstores and book cafes are also planned on tourist and busy streets of the capital on preferential terms. According to the mayor, the aim is to make books accessible to residents regardless of whether they are in a mahalla, district, street or shopping center.

One of the key projects will be the creation of a “Book Street” in the Blue Domes park on Sharof Rashidov Avenue in Tashkent’s Yakkasaray district. Under the presidential resolution, it is to operate around the clock.

The project includes landscaping the area, organizing business activities and holding various events in open-air spaces. Its implementation is scheduled to be completed by December 2026.

Umurzakov called the Blue Domes area the central project in efforts to promote a reading culture. He said the site had historically been one of the centers of the book trade and is therefore planned to be transformed into a public space focused on reading culture.

In July, the authorities also announced plans to fully restore the complex’s historical appearance. According to the mayor, the project will be implemented with consultations involving readers and the public.

In addition to developing book infrastructure, Tashkent plans to hold a citywide “Best Reader” competition. Umurzakov said it would continue initiatives aimed at promoting reading in the capital.