Translated with AI
The Uzbek government has announced plans to implement a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) system to assess the impact of cultural heritage sites. It will be used to protect the country's historic cities, including Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, and Tashkent. This was reported by Fergana, citing the presidential press service.
The new system is expected to preserve the uniqueness of historical monuments amidst active construction and infrastructure development. Cultural and historical heritage preservation issues were discussed at a meeting chaired by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on September 10.
Representatives from relevant agencies presented projects that envisage the creation of a unified digital platform for unique cultural heritage sites, digital twins of monuments, a Heritage Open Data system, and a cultural heritage situation center.
Monitoring of these sites is planned to be carried out using IoT sensors, satellite data, video analytics, and artificial intelligence tools. Furthermore, the authorities intend to digitalize all cultural heritage sites by 2030.
The meeting also discussed the implementation of the Visitor Management system, which is designed to regulate tourist traffic. Plans call for expanding the use of digital tickets, improving visitor flow forecasting, and, if necessary, imposing restrictions on visits to specific sites.
Particular attention was given to preserving the Tashkent school of mosaics. To this end, it is proposed to create a specialized mosaic center that will combine traditional techniques and modern technologies. The center will also facilitate the training of new specialists in the field of monumental art.
Additionally, the creation of the "Ollokulikhon Karvon Saroyi" shopping center on the grounds of the Ichan-Kala Museum-Reserve was discussed. Currently, as noted at the meeting, the disorganized placement of stores and souvenir shops within the complex disrupts its visual integrity and creates inconvenience for tourists.
A commission for the repatriation of cultural treasures is planned to be established under the President of Uzbekistan. Its task will be to return unique historical monuments, rare manuscripts, other artifacts, and works of art to the country.
Other projects include the restoration of the Bibi-Khanym complex in Samarkand, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The project involves applying international architectural conservation standards, conducting scientific research, and managing restoration work on the site.
According to data presented at the meeting, over 466 billion soums, or approximately $39.5 million, have been allocated from the state budget for the restoration of historical monuments in recent years. Work on 55 sites has already been completed, and work is ongoing on another 152 sites.
Short-term leases of historic buildings have attracted thousands of entrepreneurs. Last year, 52 properties attracted nearly 153 billion soums, or approximately $13 million, in local and foreign investment.
One of the city's significant achievements was the inclusion of the "Modernist Architecture of Tashkent: Modernity and Traditions of Central Asia" category on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It includes 10 historically significant buildings.
A new nomination, "Zaamin Mountains," has now been developed. It includes a state nature reserve and a national nature park, which form a single mountain complex with valuable juniper forests and habitats for rare animal and bird species.
Uzbek authorities are working to include the Zaamin Mountains on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
