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.