The 'Tashkent Modernism. Contemporaneity and Traditions in Central Asia' site has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. According to UNESCO, such structures, built within the framework of Soviet general plans, contributed to the transformation of Tashkent into a modern socialist metropolis.
The decision was made at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, which took place in Busan, South Korea. The nomination included buildings and architectural complexes constructed between the 1960s and the early 1990s.
The list includes sites such as the 'Pearl' residential building, the 'Cosmonauts' metro station, the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, the State Historical Museum of Uzbekistan, the Palace of Peoples' Friendship, the Tashkent State Circus, the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts, the Alisher Navoi Cinema Palace, and the 'Chorsu' market.
In the opinion of UNESCO, these sites reflect the process of reconstruction and development of Tashkent after the 1966 earthquake. They demonstrate how the functional solutions of Soviet modernism harmoniously combine with local features, such as courtyards and aiwans, the climate of Central Asia, and seismic-resistant construction technologies.
Inclusion in the list does not mean transferring the objects to UNESCO's management. However, Uzbekistan undertakes the obligation to preserve their universal value, as well as their original architectural appearance and connection to the environment. Construction work on these sites must not damage their historical appearance and main architectural characteristics.
UNESCO documents emphasize the importance of preserving the landscape around the sites, green spaces, urban silhouette, and visual connection between buildings. It is proposed to expand buffer zones for protection and include their boundaries in the state cadastre and general plan of Tashkent. It is also recommended to introduce a temporary moratorium on new construction in visually sensitive areas until appropriate rules are approved, requiring separate assessment of the impact of new projects on the heritage.
Currently, these sites have the opportunity to attract technical or financial assistance from the UNESCO World Heritage Fund, international organizations, and partners.
At the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, the national nomination 'Architecture of Tashkent Modernism. Contemporaneity and Traditions in Central Asia' was submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This decision recognized internationally ten outstanding architectural structures of Tashkent dating back to the second half of the 20th century. Delegations at the session included the Fund for Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan, as well as the National Commission for UNESCO.
This success is the result of state policy aimed at preserving, studying, and widely promoting the national cultural heritage, initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The following buildings were included in the list: the 'Marvarid' residential building, the State Historical Museum of Uzbekistan, the 'People's Friendship' Palace, the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent State Circus, the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, the Palace of Uzbek Cinema Art, the 'Eski Zhuva' (Chorsu) market, the 'Cosmonauts' metro station, and the 'Quyosh' geo-complex.
These architectural monuments are important because they embody the harmony between the ideas of modernism and the national architectural traditions of Central Asia. Their inclusion in the UNESCO list enhances the international prestige of Uzbekistan's architectural heritage, placing a new responsibility on its preservation and transmission to future generations.
According to Gayane Umerova, Chairwoman of the Fund for Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan and Chairwoman of the National Commission for UNESCO, this resolution obligates not only to return the country's contemporary architectural heritage into the context of global modernism but also to ensure its preservation at the highest professional level.
A meeting was held at the Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of Legal Personnel with representatives of the UNESCO Resident Representative Office in Uzbekistan. UNESCO is a UN organization concerned with education, science, and culture.
During the meeting, the parties discussed current areas of interaction between them. Issues such as the development of legal education, support for research activities, the introduction of international experience into the educational process, and prospects for further cooperation in the field of professional development were addressed.
Furthermore, proposals were discussed to improve the quality of legal education, organize joint scientific and practical events, seminars, and training sessions, as well as expand international partnerships.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties stated their readiness to consistently develop mutually beneficial cooperation and implement future joint projects.
