September 26 marked a landmark moment for the Central Asian region with the inauguration of the first-ever Central Asian Urban Forum in Uzbekistan's Tashkent, bringing together experts from around the globe to deliberate on the future of urban development. The forum provided a platform for discussions on the pressing challenges of urbanization, sustainability, and cultural preservation in rapidly evolving cities.
Outside, the rain fell steadily, almost as if nature mourned the transformation of Tashkent, a city that has undergone drastic changes in just 15 years. Once a green oasis with approximately 20-30% of its area covered in trees, Tashkent now finds itself with a mere 10-18% of greenery remaining. The rapid urban development has replaced lush parks and vibrant ecosystems with concrete and asphalt, fundamentally altering the character of the city.
Losing Uzbekistan's cultural heritage in favour of residential and office developments?
Every new square meter of concrete signifies not just urban expansion but also the irrevocable loss of a part of our ecosystem. In Daryo's journalist conversation with Dr. Harriet Harris, an award-winning educator, writer, qualified architect and professor at Pratt Institut, it became clear that our obsession with modernity pushed the region into this environmental crisis.
The consequences of this rapid urbanization extend beyond the loss of greenery. As residential and office complexes continue to dominate the skyline, the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is also at risk. In 2023, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Culture reported that approximately 40% of Tashkent's historical buildings have been demolished or altered beyond recognition in the past decade.
Furthermore, cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, renowned for their Islamic architecture, have not been spared either. In Samarkand, the demolition of several traditional residential neighbourhoods has raised alarms, as these areas were integral to the city’s cultural fabric. The UN World Heritage Centre has flagged this as a critical issue, warning that if such trends continue, these cities may lose their UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
I believe that modern Uzbekistan doesn’t fully embrace its own cultural identity. When an average Japanese or American visits Uzbekistan, they come to see places like Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. Why can't we promote this cultural code in architecture? It will be a great addition, it will be a successor to the generation, and it will be an opportunity for new and modern architects to discover Uzbekistan. This is a brand, we have something to be proud of and we have something to show,Andrey Sadikov, Regional Head Realting.com in Central Asia said in a conversation with Daryo's correspondent Sabina Aliyeva.
Has urbanization left disabled сitizens behind in Uzbekistan?
Urban growth in Central Asia has also exposed gaps in infrastructure, particularly concerning accessibility for disabled individuals. In Uzbekistan, the rapid urbanization process has largely overlooked the need for inclusive public spaces and transportation. According to a report by the World Bank, less than 10% of public buildings and spaces in Tashkent are fully accessible to disabled individuals. This lack of inclusivity is a significant barrier in a country where approximately 1mn people live with disabilities.
The public transportation system fares no better. While Uzbekistan has made strides in developing its metro and bus networks, these systems remain largely inaccessible to those with mobility impairments. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), fewer than 5% of buses in Tashkent are equipped with ramps or other necessary accommodations. In comparison, Kazakhstan's capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), boasts a 25% accessibility rate for public transportation, highlighting Uzbekistan's lag in providing equitable urban mobility.
Until recently, progress in this area was not particularly successful. However, things started to change just a few years ago—social accessibility and inclusiveness became more prominent. In many projects, especially in architectural requirements, this issue began to be addressed.
It was always there, it was acknowledged. But we all know that what should be in a project and what is implemented often differ due to various circumstances,
Zaur Mansurov, co-founder of art and design school Masdar in Tashkent said.
Gender equality in architecture
Gender equality in architecture was another key point of discussion. Tahmina Turdialieva, head of the Association of Young Architects of Uzbekistan, and Tom Ravenscroft, professor at Pratt Institute, emphasized the need to support women architects, who are still underrepresented in the field, particularly in Central Asia.
Some might think this topic is not relevant—until their daughter, wife, or sister expresses a desire to become an architect. Our professional environment still faces discrimination and stigmatization. That’s why we invited talented women architects, whose names can be found in global rankings. They are challenging stereotypes. I am 33 years old, 15 of which I have dedicated to architecture—half of my life. Throughout this time, I have been thinking about how to make Tashkent better, not only in terms of people, but also in architectural solutions, so that the city is convenient, beautiful, and balanced. Every capital city undergoing a construction boom has experienced the pain of felled trees, traffic congestion, and construction dust. Every capital knows that change is inevitable, but it is in our power to stop wasting time and energy on disputes and instead achieve consensus. The foundation for constructive dialogue has been laid at this forum,
Tahmina Turdialieva, Chairman of the Association of Young Architects in Uzbekistan. Founder of the architecture studio "TATALAB" said.
Prioritizing cars over people
The lack of accessible urban planning is a regional issue, but Uzbekistan faces specific challenges. Despite promises to upgrade infrastructure, many projects have prioritized aesthetics over functionality. In cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, there are few pedestrian-friendly areas, and most sidewalks are uneven or blocked by construction. As a result, Uzbekistan's urban spaces feel more designed for cars than for people.
The rise of car-centric urban planning in Uzbekistan has further alienated its citizens, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Tashkent. Streets are being expanded to accommodate increasing traffic but at the cost of green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and traditional markets. The number of registered cars in Uzbekistan grew by 35% between 2017 and 2022, while pedestrian fatalities also increased during this period.
We are seeing a noticeable shift in the development of Uzbekistan, particularly in its larger cities, toward cars. This is a fact, as every city develops in this way. It is a stage that Uzbekistan must go through before it can become more comfortable. Unfortunately, no city in the world has gone straight to a comfortable city. Everyone goes through uncomfortable stages, and this is one of them,
Aleksey Letunovskiy, Head of the Analytical group at CMWP, said to Daryo's correspondent.
Cities like Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan have also seen a sharp rise in car ownership, but they have taken more steps to maintain pedestrian spaces. Bishkek has invested in expanding parks and bicycle lanes, unlike Tashkent, which is focusing heavily on road expansion. The result? Uzbekistan, despite being the most populous country in Central Asia, is increasingly becoming a country where cars take precedence over people.
Prioritizing cars over people
Public spaces are becoming less accessible, especially for those who do not drive. Data from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reveals that Tashkent has fewer green spaces per capita than most other Central Asian capitals. In contrast, Kazakhstan's Astana has been more forward-thinking, with recent urban projects emphasizing pedestrian zones and public parks.
Urbanization is not unique to Uzbekistan; however, the approach varies significantly across Central Asia. While Uzbekistan grapples with balancing cultural heritage and modern development, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are taking different paths.
Kazakhstan's Astana, for instance, is renowned for its futuristic skyline, but urban planners have made efforts to retain Kazakh traditions through architecture and design, blending the modern with the cultural. Kazakhstan's President Tokayev has recently launched an initiative to preserve historical Kazakh settlements and incorporate them into urban landscapes. Moreover, Kazakhstan leads the region in creating public spaces designed for pedestrians and cyclists, setting an example for sustainable urban growth.
In comparison, Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek has maintained a more modest urban expansion, with a stronger emphasis on maintaining green spaces and public parks. World Bank data shows that Bishkek has a better balance between urban density and green areas than Tashkent. This prioritization has helped mitigate some of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, though the city's infrastructure still lags.
The forum concluded with a commitment to green initiatives and smart city solutions, aiming to build resilient cities that can face these challenges head-on discussed during the forum.
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