The government of Uzbekistan has unveiled plans for the construction of the ethnographic tourist center "Bokiy Bukhoro" ("Eternal Bukhara") near the historical part and buffer zone of Bukhara. With an estimated cost of $470 mn, the project aims to enhance tourism and promote cultural heritage. However, the endeavor has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing objections from local residents, UNESCO, and governmental authorities, Gazeta.uz reported.
Investment Program and Foreign Investor
A government decree outlined the implementation of the project from 2024 to 2026, with initial investments totaling $14.9 mn in the first quarter of 2024. PTE, a Singapore-based company, has been identified as the foreign investor, with Enter Engineering PTE from Singapore selected as the project's contractor.
In January 2023, residents of Bukhara voiced vehement objections to the construction plans, petitioning President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to intervene. Central to their concerns was the proposed demolition of 29 government facilities, including schools, medical colleges, and the iconic Bukhara Arena stadium.
UNESCO Coordination and Opposition
Recognizing the potential impact on Bukhara's UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the government mandated coordination with UNESCO for the project's concept. However, UNESCO's representative office in Uzbekistan raised significant objections, citing the project's location within the buffer zone of the historical city.
Despite opposition, regional authorities announced plans to proceed with the project at the original site. Khokim (mayor) of Bukhara, Botir Zaripov reassured the public, pledging to construct a new central stadium in place of the demolished Bukhara Arena and allocate additional land for parking facilities.
In early February, UNESCO reiterated its concerns, urging Uzbek authorities to halt construction plans until receiving official permission. The organization emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to UNESCO guidelines in projects affecting historical sites.
Nevertheless, as indicated by the testimonies of residents and reports from media sources on February 21, the process of tearing down the central stadium in Bukhara has allegedly started.
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