The Tashkent administration intends to gradually implement book corners in all 585 mahallas of the capital. Additionally, the construction of modern interactive libraries is planned in each of the city's 12 districts, as well as the opening of bookstores in major new shopping centers.
Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov announced these measures in an interview with UzA. These initiatives are provided for by a presidential decree from July 27, concerning additional measures for the socio-economic development of Tashkent for the period 2026–2027. Within this document, the development of book infrastructure is considered an integral part of the urban environment.
According to Umurzakov, book corners will be installed in all mahallas gradually. Furthermore, a large modern interactive library is planned for each of the 12 districts of Tashkent, and their locations have already been determined by the authorities.
The authorities aim to create not just places for storing books, but also public spaces that meet the educational and spiritual needs of residents. The Mayor noted that these libraries should become some of the most attractive and comfortable public areas in the city.
Specific measures have been developed for large shopping centers, where a bookstore of a size corresponding to the scale of the mall itself will be required. It is also planned to place bookstores and cafes on busy and tourist streets of the capital under preferential conditions. The goal is to make books accessible to residents regardless of whether they are in a mahalla, district, on the street, or in a shopping center.
One of the key projects will be the creation of a 'Book Street' in the Blue Domes Park on Sharif Rashidov Avenue in the Yakkasarai district of Tashkent. According to the presidential decree, this area will operate around the clock. The project implementation includes landscaping, organizing business activity, and holding various outdoor events, with completion scheduled for December 2026.
Umurzakov called the Blue Domes area a central project in efforts to promote reading culture. He emphasized that this place was historically a center of book trade and is therefore planned to be transformed into a public space focused on reading. In July, the authorities also announced plans for the complete restoration of the complex's historical appearance, which will be carried out taking into account the opinions of readers and the public.
In addition to developing book infrastructure, Tashkent intends to hold a city-wide contest for the 'Best Reader.' Umurzakov stated that this will continue initiatives aimed at popularizing reading in the capital.