Measures to preserve cultural heritage and expand international cultural cooperation considered

In recent years, Uzbekistan has consistently increased its focus on preserving historical heritage, restoring monuments, modernizing museums, and expanding international cultural cooperation. This work has become an important area of humanitarian policy, strengthening national identity and enhancing Uzbekistan’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Particular attention was given to the results achieved through cooperation with UNESCO. At the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, Uzbekistan’s national nomination, “Modernism: Modernity and Traditions in Central Asia,” was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Uzbekistan became the first country in Central Asia and the CIS whose architectural heritage of 20th-century modernism received this status. The nomination included 10 iconic sites in Tashkent. This marked Uzbekistan’s first national inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 25 years.

As a result of active political and diplomatic efforts, the “Sun” heliocomplex was preserved as part of the World Heritage site.

The new international status opens up additional opportunities to preserve and study Tashkent’s architectural heritage, develop cultural tourism, and attract researchers, architects, and international experts. In this regard, a State Program for 2026–2030 is planned to preserve and promote the capital’s modernist architecture.

The preparation of the Zaamin Mountains natural site for nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List was also considered. The territory includes the Zaamin State Reserve and Zaamin National Nature Park, which form a single mountain ecosystem with valuable juniper forests and habitats for rare species of animals and birds.

During the presentation, measures to improve the activities of the Secretariat of the National Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan for UNESCO were also considered. It was proposed to expand its coordinating functions for the country’s participation in UNESCO sectoral networks, including the Creative Cities Network, the Global Network of Learning Cities, the Associated Schools Network, UNESCO Chairs, associations and clubs, and the Global Geoparks Network.

Particular attention was paid to practical work in the field of cultural heritage. In recent years, 466.4 billion soums have been allocated from the state budget for the restoration of cultural heritage sites. Project and cost-estimate documentation has been prepared for 305 sites, work has been completed at 55 sites, and is ongoing at another 152.

To systematize these efforts, cadastral documentation has been prepared for 8,183 cultural heritage sites. Short-term leases of monuments have attracted 4,187 business entities and generated 27.9 billion soums for the relevant fund. In 2025, 152.9 billion soums in domestic and foreign investment was attracted to 52 sites.

The introduction of a fundamentally new Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) system in Uzbekistan is becoming a key measure to protect the country’s unique historic cities, Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz  as well as Tashkent’s modernist architecture amid rapid construction and infrastructure development.

Officials proposed to create a unified digital cultural heritage platform, digital twins of cultural heritage sites, a Heritage Open Data system, and a cultural heritage situation center. This will enable monitoring through IoT sensors, satellite data, video analytics, and artificial intelligence tools. By 2030, all cultural heritage sites are planned to be digitized.

To manage visitor flows, plans include introducing a Visitor Management system, expanding digital ticketing, forecasting tourist flows, and, where necessary, setting limits on visits to individual sites. In terms of human resources, it is planned to establish a system for training specialists, open a specialized higher education institution for restoration in Bukhara, develop regional branches of the Institute of Archaeology, and introduce licensing for restorers.

New projects combining historical heritage with modern infrastructure were also considered. In particular, it was proposed to establish a specialized mosaic center combining traditional techniques with modern technologies for design, production, and restoration. The center will serve as a platform for preserving the Tashkent school of mosaic art, training specialists, and developing a new direction in monumental art.

The project to establish the Ollokulikhon Karvon Saroyi shopping center within the Ichan-Kala museum-reserve was considered separately. It was noted that the unorganized placement of retail outlets disrupts the visual integrity of historical sites and creates inconvenience for tourists. The new project aims to preserve the spirit of traditional trade, create conditions for artisans, host exhibitions and fairs, and establish a new tourist attraction.

Furthermore, to ensure consistency in state policy on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, the Republican Hunarmand Association will coordinate its activities with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Particular attention was given to the conservation and restoration project for the Bibi-Khanym complex in Samarkand, being implemented in cooperation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The project provides for the introduction of international standards for architectural conservation, scientific surveys, and the management of restoration work at cultural heritage sites.

As part of the project, documentation and research of the monument, archaeological and engineering surveys, material analysis, structural modeling, and the development of design solutions will be carried out. Particular attention is paid to training local specialists. Subsequent stages will include conservation of the main dome and adjacent structures, landscaping of the site, and creation of a museum exhibition.

To systematically identify, legally protect, and repatriate unique historical monuments, archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts, and works of art removed from the country during different historical periods, a decision was made to establish a commission under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the repatriation of cultural property.

In conclusion, proposals for the Cultural Heritage Development Strategy for 2027–2035 were reviewed. The strategy provides for programs on the digitalization of cultural heritage, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage, repatriation of cultural property, protection of natural heritage, and development of restoration.

The President instructed responsible officials to finalize the proposals and ensure their practical implementation.