Uzbekistan: A cultural and architectural renaissance

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Thursday, January 9th, 2025

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TASHKENT, January 9. /Dunyo IA/ – CNN has spotlighted Uzbekistan’s unique architectural heritage in a recent feature, highlighting the nation’s progressive building ideas amid its ongoing construction boom, reports Dunyo IA.
The article revisits Tashkent’s transformation following the 1966 earthquake, which turned the city into a hub for urban innovation. Architects from across the Soviet Union reconstructed public spaces, incorporating diverse architectural styles such as Soviet brutalism, orientalist, modernist, futurist, and neoclassical.
“Driving through Tashkent feels like flipping through an architectural picture book,” CNN noted, describing the city as a “carousel for design lovers” due to its striking architectural diversity.
The report also emphasizes Uzbekistan’s ancient cities—Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva—renowned for their historic buildings that once captivated traders along the Great Silk Road.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s government is prioritizing the preservation of this rich architectural legacy. According to the article, conservation efforts for historic sites are a major focus, showcasing Uzbekistan as a premier global cultural destination.
Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art & Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), told CNN, “By preserving and restoring these architectural treasures, we position Uzbekistan as a hub for cultural tourism.” She added that these investments will yield economic and social benefits, including increased tourism, job creation, and urban revitalization, while reimagining the nation’s heritage for a new era.
The article underscores Uzbekistan’s dual commitment to modernization and heritage preservation, positioning the country as an architectural and cultural beacon.