A commission will be established in Uzbekistan to return cultural property taken abroad

A commission will be established in Uzbekistan to return cultural property taken abroad

In order to identify unique historical monuments, archaeological finds, rare manuscripts, and works of art taken out of Uzbekistan during various historical periods and to return them to the country, a commission on the repatriation of cultural property will be established under the president.

According to the presentation reviewed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the main task of the commission will consist of systematically searching for cultural property taken abroad, protecting them legally, and returning them to Uzbekistan. At the same time, issues of introducing new mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage were also considered.

Proposals for the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035 were also presented at the meeting. The document provides for programs aimed at preserving tangible and intangible heritage, repatriating cultural property, protecting natural heritage, developing restoration, and digitalizing the sector.

In recent years, 466.4 billion soums have been allocated from the state budget for the restoration of cultural heritage sites. 305 project-estimate documents have been prepared, work on 55 sites has been completed, and restoration is ongoing at another 152 sites.

Additionally, the project for the conservation and restoration of the Bibi-Khanym complex in Samarkand was discussed. It is being implemented in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. Within the framework of the project, documentation and research of the monument, archaeological and engineering surveys, material analysis, and structural modeling will be carried out.

In the subsequent stages, the conservation of the main dome and its adjacent structures, landscaping of the territory, and the creation of a museum exhibition are planned.

Furthermore, a project to establish the "Alakulikhon Caravanserai" shopping center on the territory of the Ichan-Kala museum-reserve was reviewed. It is aimed at regulating unregulated retail outlets around historical sites, creating conditions for artisans, and forming a new tourist spot. The President gave instructions to improve the presented proposals and ensure their practical implementation.