President Shavkat Mirziyoyev studied a presentation dedicated to further measures for protecting the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, developing the museum sector, and promoting the country's culture on the international stage.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation with UNESCO. At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, Uzbekistan's nomination 'Modernist Architecture of Tashkent. Contemporaneity and Traditions of Central Asia' was included in the World Heritage List. This nomination covers 10 iconic sites in the capital.
Uzbekistan became the first country in Central Asia and the CIS whose modernist architectural heritage of the 20th century received World Heritage status. Furthermore, this was the country's first national entry on the list in the last 25 years. Thanks to the work carried out, the Sunny Heliocomplex complex was also included and preserved as part of this site.
A State Program for the period 2026–2030 is planned, aimed at further studying and preserving the modernist architecture of Tashkent, developing cultural tourism, and attracting international experts.
Preparations are also underway to nominate the natural site 'Zaamin Mountains' for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The proposed site includes the Zaamin State Reserve and the Zaamin Nature National Park, forming a single mountain ecosystem with valuable juniper forests and habitats for rare animal and bird species.
The presentation also addressed issues of improving the work of the Secretariat of the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan with UNESCO. It is proposed to expand its coordination functions regarding the country's participation in the organization's sectoral networks, including the Creative Cities Network, Learning Cities Network, Associated Schools Network, UNESCO Chairs, associations and clubs, as well as the Global Geoparks Network.
A significant part of the proposals concerns the restoration and systematization of cultural heritage sites. In recent years, 466.4 billion soums have been allocated from the state budget for their restoration. 305 design and estimate documents have been prepared, with work completed on 55 sites and ongoing on another 152.
Cadastral documents have been prepared for 8183 cultural heritage sites. The short-term lease mechanism for monuments has attracted 4187 enterprises, and 27.9 billion soums have been directed to the corresponding fund. In 2025, 152.9 billion soums in local and foreign investments were attracted for 52 sites.
Uzbekistan is also implementing a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) system. This tool is considered important for protecting the historic cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, and Shahrisabz, as well as the modernist architecture of Tashkent amid active construction and infrastructure development.
Proposed measures include creating a unified digital platform for cultural heritage, digital twins of heritage sites, an open data system on heritage, and a situational center. Monitoring of sites is planned using IoT sensors, satellite data, video analytics, and artificial intelligence. It is expected that all cultural heritage sites will be digitized by 2030.
To manage tourist flows, authorities propose introducing a Visitor Management System, expanding the use of digital tickets, forecasting tourist influx, and imposing access restrictions to individual sites if necessary.
Changes in professional training are also planned. Proposals include creating a specialized training system, opening a specialized higher school of restoration in Bukhara, developing regional branches of the Institute of Archaeology, and introducing licensing for restoration specialists.
Another project involves creating a specialized mosaic center. It will combine traditional methods with modern design, production, and restoration technologies. The center is intended to help preserve the Tashkent School of Mosaic, train specialists, and develop a new direction in monumental art.
For the territory of the Ichon-Qala State Museum-Reserve, a shopping center named 'Ollokulikhon Caravanserai' is proposed. According to presented assessments, the chaotic placement of retail outlets disrupts the visual integrity of historical sites and creates inconvenience for tourists. The new format aims to preserve traditional trade practices, provide opportunities for artisans, serve as a venue for exhibitions and fairs, and become a new tourist attraction.
To ensure coordinated state policy in the field of intangible cultural heritage, the Republican Association 'Xunarvand' will cooperate with the Uzbekistan Cultural Heritage Agency in the future.
In Samarkand, conservation and restoration of the Bibi-Khanym complex are planned in cooperation with the Aga Khan Cultural Service. The project involves applying international standards for architectural conservation, scientific assessment, and organizing restoration work. It will include documentation and research of the monument, archaeological and engineering surveys, material analysis, structural modeling, and development of design solutions. Special attention will be paid to training local specialists. Subsequent stages include the conservation of the main dome and adjacent buildings, landscape design, and the creation of a museum exhibition.
Another area of work is the return to Uzbekistan of cultural property exported from the country during different historical periods. This includes unique historical monuments, archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts, and works of art. A decision has been made to create a commission under the President of Uzbekistan for the systematic search, legal protection, and repatriation of such items.
Proposals for the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035 were also considered. The document provides for programs on sector digitization, preservation of material and intangible heritage, repatriation of cultural property, protection of natural heritage, and development of restoration activities.
After the presentation, the president instructed officials to refine the proposals and ensure their practical implementation.