Uzbekistan will strengthen measures to preserve cultural heritage and expand international cooperation

Uzbekistan intends to strengthen measures for the protection of cultural heritage and expand international cooperation

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has familiarized himself with proposals regarding the further preservation of cultural heritage, the development of museum affairs, and the promotion of the country's culture on the international stage.

Special attention was paid to cooperation with UNESCO. At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, Uzbekistan's nomination "Modernist Architecture of Tashkent: Modernity and Traditions of Central Asia" was included in the World Heritage List. It includes 10 iconic sites of the capital. This became Uzbekistan's first national inclusion in the UNESCO list in the last 25 years.

In connection with the new status, the implementation of the State Program for 2026–2030 on the preservation and promotion of the modernist architecture of Tashkent is envisaged. In addition, the preparation of the "Zaamin Mountains" nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List is being considered.

A large volume of work is being carried out directly on the preservation of historical sites. In recent years, 466.4 billion soums have been allocated from the state budget for their restoration. Design and estimate documents have been prepared for 305 sites, work has been completed on 55 sites, and is ongoing on another 152.

The authorities plan to accelerate the digitalization of the sector. It is planned to create a unified digital platform for cultural heritage, digital twins of sites, the Heritage Open Data system, and a situational center that will use satellite data, IoT sensors, video analytics, and artificial intelligence technologies. By 2030, it is planned to digitalize all cultural heritage sites.

To regulate the tourist load, it is proposed to introduce a Visitor Management system, expand the use of digital tickets, and forecast tourist flows. If necessary, limits on the number of visitors may be introduced for individual sites.

Special attention is paid to personnel training. It is proposed to open a specialized higher school of restoration in Bukhara, develop branches of the Institute of Archaeology, and introduce licensing for restorers.

Among the new projects is the creation of a specialized mosaic center to preserve the Tashkent School of Mosaic, train specialists, and develop modern technologies for the restoration and production of monumental art.

It is also planned to create the "Ollokulikhon Karvon Saroyi" shopping center on the territory of the "Ichan-Kala" museum-reserve. The project is designed to organize trade, preserve the traditional appearance of the historical environment, and create new opportunities for artisans, exhibitions, and fairs.

In Samarkand, in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, a project for the conservation and restoration of the Bibi-Khanym complex is being implemented. It provides for a scientific survey of the monument, archaeological and engineering research, material analysis, development of design solutions, and training of local specialists.

In addition, a decision was made to establish a commission under the President for the repatriation of cultural property. It will engage in the search, legal protection, and return to Uzbekistan of historical monuments, archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts, and works of art taken out of the country during various historical periods.

In conclusion, the concept of the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035 was presented. The document provides for the digitalization of the sector, the preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, the return of cultural property, the protection of natural heritage, and the development of restoration work.

The President instructed to refine the presented proposals and ensure their practical implementation.