The construction of a new shopping center named 'Ollokulikhon Caravanserai' has been planned for the Ichan-Kala museum-reserve in the city of Khiva, Uzbekistan, which will be intended for artisans.
This project was presented to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on September 10 during a presentation of measures for preserving cultural heritage and developing the museum sector.
The new center is designed to replace unregulated placement of trade points, which disrupts the visual integrity of historical sites and creates inconvenience for tourists. The project provides for the preservation of traditional trade methods, improvement of working conditions for masters, as well as the holding of exhibitions and fairs. It is expected that this structure will become a new tourist attraction in Ichan-Kala.
As part of further work on preserving intangible cultural heritage, the Republican Association 'Khunarmand' will cooperate with the Agency for Cultural Heritage.
An idea was also put forward to create a commission under the presidential commission for the repatriation of cultural values. This commission will be responsible for the systematic search, legal protection, and return to Uzbekistan of historical monuments, archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts, and works of art taken abroad during different historical periods.
The presentation was also dedicated to the preservation of the Tashkent mosaic school. A specialized center is proposed where traditional techniques will be combined with modern technologies for design, production, and restoration. This center will also serve as a platform for training specialists and developing a new field of monumental art.
In Samarkand, the project to preserve and restore the Bibi-Khanym complex is planned to continue in cooperation with the Aga Khan Cultural Service. Work will be carried out using international standards of architectural conservation, scientific examination and research of the monument, as well as archaeological and engineering surveys and material analysis and structural modeling.
Based on the data obtained, design solutions will be developed. The project also includes training local specialists. In subsequent stages, the conservation of the main dome and adjacent buildings, landscaping of the surrounding area, and the creation of a museum exhibition are planned.
Proposals for the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for the period 2027–2035 were also discussed at the presentation. This document will cover digitalization, preservation of material and intangible heritage, repatriation of cultural values, protection of natural heritage, and development of restoration.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed officials to refine the presented proposals and ensure their practical implementation.