Uzbekistan Senate Strengthens Cultural Heritage Protection System

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has reviewed and approved a law aimed at improving the system of state governance in the field of cultural heritage.

The document introduces amendments and additions to a number of legislative acts and consolidates institutional reforms carried out in recent years.

During the discussions, it was noted that the system for managing the protection and use of cultural heritage sites has been gradually reformed, including a revision of the functions of authorized bodies. The new law is intended to legally закреп these changes and improve the coherence of the regulatory framework.

A key provision of the document is a clear division of responsibilities between government bodies. The protection and use of tangible cultural heritage objects are assigned to the Agency for Cultural Heritage, while matters related to intangible heritage are placed under the competence of the Ministry of Culture.

The Agency for Cultural Heritage is granted an expanded set of powers, including state oversight of the registration of tangible cultural heritage sites, maintenance of a state cadastre, conducting historical and cultural expertise, as well as ensuring the protection and rational use of such sites.

The law also improves the procedures for handling cultural assets, including their sale through auction mechanisms, which now require approval from authorized bodies. Separate provisions introduce a requirement that archaeological research may only be conducted with appropriate permits.

In addition, regular monitoring of cultural heritage sites is mandated, including scheduled inspections at least once every five years.

Senators emphasized that the adopted changes are aimed at creating a unified and effective system of cultural heritage management, strengthening state oversight, and ensuring the preservation of the country’s historical and cultural assets. The law was approved following the review.