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ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
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HISTORY OF MODERN CONSTRUCTION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN
SAMARKAND REGION DURING THE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE
Buronov Olim
Associate Professor of the History Department, University of Information
Technology and Management
Davronov Ulug‘bek
1st-year Master's student, University of Information Technology and Management
Abstract:
This article analyzes the modern construction and urban development projects carried
out in the Samarkand region during the years of independence. Special attention is given to the
processes of urbanization, infrastructure development, and the construction of new residential
complexes, roads, industrial, and social facilities. Additionally, the study examines the attraction
of investments, the application of advanced construction technologies, and measures taken to
preserve cultural heritage. These developments have significantly contributed to the socio-
economic progress of the Samarkand region and the improvement of the quality of life for its
residents.
Keywords:
Independence, Samarkand region, modern construction, urban development,
infrastructure, urbanization, investment, industrial zones, residential complexes, road
construction, cultural heritage, social infrastructure.
During the years of independence, special attention was given to urban planning as one of
the key components of material culture in the process of economic and cultural reforms in
Uzbekistan. The procedure for developing master plans for cities was established using state
budget funds and local government resources.
In the formulation of urban master plans, the necessity of forward-thinking and strategic
planning was particularly emphasized. The President of the Republic, I. A. Karimov, repeatedly
stressed this point, stating: "The master plan of each city must be developed considering its
unique characteristics, distinctive architecture, historical traditions, natural conditions, and, most
importantly, its future so that it serves generations to come."
.
In 1935, architect M. S. Bulatov developed the first master plan for the city of Samarkand,
covering an area of 3.9 hectares and designed to accommodate a population of 139,000
. In 1968,
the second master plan for Samarkand was developed by T. Kalinovskaya, followed by the third
master plan, designed by architects from UzNIIIP between 1981 and 1984. The formulation of
these master plans was highly complex, frequently encountering various challenges. This was
due to the fact that the city center of Samarkand served as a unifying hub connecting both parts
of the city. Additionally, the urban planning process had to account for the aesthetic integrity of
Samarkand’s unique architectural monuments. Given these factors, urban planners bore
significant responsibility in designing the city's master plan.
During the years of independence, Uzbekistan’s first President, I. A. Karimov, held
multiple discussions with architectural scholars to preserve Samarkand’s historical character.
1
Ҳалқ сўзи, 2015 йил 15 сентябрь.
2
Ахмедов М.Қ. Меъморий мерос: Самарқанднома, темурнома. Тошкент: « Fan va texnologiya », 2011.Б.50
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 411
During this period, a decree was issued for the development of the city’s master plan up to the
year 2025. In 2005, local architects, in collaboration with V. A. Akopdzhanyan, the chief
architect of "Tashkentboshloyiha" and an Honored Architect of Uzbekistan, developed a master
plan for Samarkand’s historical district, intended to be implemented by 2020.
According to this plan, the future development of Samarkand was considered to be closely
tied to the preservation of its historical heritage. The restoration projects within the city’s
historical core required an individualized approach. Furthermore, the master plan aimed to
transform the historical district into a tourism hub. It was estimated that if the city’s historical
continuity was maintained, the number of tourists visiting Samarkand would reach 200,000 by
2010 and increase to 500,000 by 2020
It should be noted that during the years of independence, several master plans for the city
of Samarkand were developed by architectural scholars. However, none of these plans were
approved, as they failed to meet the requirements of the city as a major tourism hub.
Currently, the construction and development projects in Samarkand are being carried out
based on the decisions, decrees, and orders of the President of the Republic and the Cabinet of
Ministers. During the years of independence, significant attention has been given to the socio-
economic and cultural-educational development of historical cities in Uzbekistan, as well as to
urban planning and architectural progress.
In particular, the scale of construction and development projects in Samarkand has
expanded year by year, with an increasing allocation of financial resources to the sector. In the
early years of independence, the total funds spent on urban construction amounted to 72.7
million UZS, reaching 14,442.5 million UZS in 2002 and 615,34.5 million UZS in 2008
.
During the preparations and celebrations of Samarkand’s 2750th anniversary, large-scale
construction and development projects were undertaken in the city. All programs outlined in the
long-term development plan for Samarkand were successfully implemented.
During this period, architectural and urban planning activities in Samarkand were carried
out in several key directions:
1.
Urban Aesthetics and Infrastructure:
The first direction focused on
reorganizing the most prestigious streets and squares in accordance with the progress of
independence, the ideology of sovereignty, the lifestyle of the population, and the demands of a
market economy.
2.
New Social and Economic Development:
The second direction involved the
construction and placement of residential and cultural facilities, educational and scientific
institutions, and industrial and production sites across the city, based on modern principles of
social progress.
3.
Historical and Cultural Preservation:
The third direction aimed at preserving
the historical character of Samarkand while considering its global significance. It included
restoration, conservation, and adaptation of architectural monuments for contemporary social
and tourism purposes, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
4.
Urban Landscaping and Environmental Improvements:
The fourth direction
focused on enhancing the city's climate, ecology, and landscape. This involved beautifying open
public spaces, establishing new parks, gardens, and boulevards.
3
Акопджанян В.А. Концепция генерального плана города Самарканда в аспекте сохранения его
исторического наследия// Ўзбекистон архитектура ва қурилиш. 2005 йил, №1.Б. 24.
4
Ўзбекистон Республикаси Статистика қўмитаси. Тошкент, 2014 йил.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
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page 412
5.
Urban Infrastructure and Public Services:
The fifth direction centered on
improving the city's infrastructure, utilities, and engineering systems to enhance urban livability.
All these aspects were incorporated into the 2015 master plan for Samarkand’s
development, which was drafted during the independence period. In recent years, more than 50
modern residential buildings have been constructed in Samarkand, with renovation work carried
out on 16 others.
Between 2010 and 2014, 741 social infrastructure facilities across Samarkand region
underwent construction and renovation, with total investments amounting to 401.3 billion UZS.
Major projects included capital repairs at the Samarkand State Archive, construction of the
Sakovat House building, the conversion of the former Chamber of Commerce and Industry
building into the Uzbekistan Museum of Culture and History, and the reconstruction of the
Infectious Diseases Hospital on Dahbed Street. Additionally, extensive renovations were
conducted at the Samarkand Medical Institute’s rehabilitation clinic and physiotherapy center, as
well as at the regional television and radio company headquarters, the State Tax Administration
building, and other key public facilities.
The number of modern buildings along Samarkand’s streets has steadily increased over the
years. Between 1991 and 2016, a total of 80 large buildings and structures were constructed
throughout the city, with notable developments along Beruni, Jami, Gagarin, Tashkent, Bedil,
Dahbed, Nurobod, Kuksaroy, Amir Temur, and Panjakent streets. Furthermore, 13,800
residential and non-residential buildings that did not meet architectural standards were
reconstructed or replaced along Mirzo Ulugbek, Beruni, Bustonsaroy, Spitamen Shokh, and
Dahbed streets.
By 2016, 76 buildings around Rudaki Street had been renovated and repurposed for
commercial and public services, while five multi-story residential buildings were newly
constructed. In total, 47 high-rise residential buildings were built in Samarkand that year,
improving living conditions for 11,180 residents. In addition, 13 multi-story apartment
complexes were constructed for young families, providing 332 new homes. By early 2017, 32
additional high-rise buildings, containing 1,060 apartments, were completed
.
Twenty years ago, Tashkent Street, which connects Registan Square and the Bibi-Khanym
Jome Mosque in the old city of Samarkand, was one of the busiest streets. As the only surviving
urban street from the Timurid era, Tashkent Street had become too narrow for modern vehicular
traffic. Additionally, vehicle movement along the street had a detrimental impact on the
preservation of historical monuments, creating further inconveniences for tourists visiting the
city.
During 2014–2015, extensive construction and redevelopment projects were undertaken.
Major landscaping and greening initiatives were carried out in Registan Square. The installation
of colorful fountains in the park transformed the area into one of the most comfortable
recreational spaces for both local residents and visitors
Construction and development projects in Samarkand have also been extensively
implemented in the social sector. In particular, as part of the 2014 Investment Program,
renovation work was carried out in medical treatment and prevention institutions under the
5
Содиков Н. Барча ютуқлар мустақиллик шарофати билан// Ўзбекистон архитектураси ва қурилиши. 2016
йил №4-5.Б. 36-40.
6
Содиков Н. Барча ютуқлар мустақиллик шарофати билан// Ўзбекистон архитектураси ва қурилиши. 2016
йил №4-5.Б. 36-40.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 413
Samarkand City Medical Association. The project for the renovation and reconstruction of the
branch building of the Central Multi-Profile Polyclinic on the Great Silk Road Street (formerly
part of the 4th Children's Polyclinic, located in the Bogishamol district administration building)
was designed by the "Samkishlokhojalikloyiha" LLC with an estimated cost of 475 million
soums and was awarded through a tender to "Samtamirsserviceplus" LLC. The project included
demolition work, installation of electrical networks on different floors, plumbing, and plastering,
as well as full reconstruction in accordance with SanPiN sanitary standards. In 2015, the Central
Multi-Profile Polyclinic and other family clinics on the Great Silk Road Street underwent major
renovations.
By 2016, three new general education schools under the jurisdiction of the Samarkand City
Public Education Department were constructed, providing 1,230 additional student places.
Additionally, 14 schools underwent major reconstruction, adding 7,242 new student places.
Furthermore, 31 schools with a total capacity of 24,850 students were completely renovated,
while 24 schools, accommodating 21,247 students, received routine maintenance. In total, more
than 18 billion 194 million soums were allocated and spent from the state budget for the
construction and renovation of general secondary education institutions
According to the 2016 reports, the total amount of funds spent on construction and
contracting work in social sector facilities in Samarkand throughout the year amounted to 624.9
billion soums, demonstrating a growth rate of 127.5% compared to the previous year.
Additionally, the total funds allocated for the reconstruction of social facilities reached 9,596.4
million soums, while capital repair works accounted for 5,057.0 million soums
During the years of independence, the infrastructure of Samarkand has undergone rapid
development. As a result of the consistent implementation of special resolutions and state
programs, favorable living conditions have been ensured for both local residents and visitors. In
1997, the total residential housing stock in Samarkand covered an area of 5.2 million square
meters, which had decreased to 4.9 million square meters by 2006. This reduction in total
housing stock was directly linked to the demolition of numerous individual residential houses
that no longer met urban planning requirements and the subsequent construction of new
facilities
.
In terms of per capita housing provision in Samarkand, the total residential area per person
increased from 11.1 square meters in 1997 to 12.0 square meters in 2006. This growth was
primarily driven by the construction of modern multi-story residential buildings connected to
centralized utility networks, which met contemporary urban housing demands
.
In 2017, under the directive of the President of the Republic, Sh. M. Mirziyoyev, the
construction of a new tourist town fully compliant with modern urban planning standards
commenced on the site of the former "Alpomish" factory and its surrounding unutilized land
7
Ўзбекистон Республикаси, биринчи Президентининг « 2004-2009 йилларда мактаб таълимини
ривожлантириш Давлат умуммиллий дастури тўғрисида » ги 2004 йил 21 майдаги ПФ3431сонли Фармони
ҳамда Ўзбекистон Республикаси Вазирлар Маҳкамасининг 2004 йил 9 июлдаги « 2004-2009 йилларда давлат
умуммиллий дастурини амалга ошириш чоратадбирлари тўғрисида » ги 321сонли қарори асосида
8
Ўзбекистон Республикаси Давлат Архитектура ва Қурилиш Қўмитаси материаллари – Самарқандда амалга
оширилган қурилиш лойиҳалари ҳақидаги маълумотлар.
9
Мустафаев А. “Ўзбекистонда урбанизация жараёнлари” – Тошкент, “Фан” нашриёти, 2019.
10
Самарқанд вилояти Статистика бошқармаси. Самарқанд шаҳар паспорт маълумотлари асосида. Самарқанд,
2017 йил.Б. 5-11.
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ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 02,2025
Journal:
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page 414
along Amir Temur Street in Samarkand. This tourism project is being implemented by engineers
and architects from the Republic of South Korea.
The construction and urban development carried out in the Samarkand region during the
years of independence have played a significant role in the economic and social progress of the
region. The construction of new roads, residential areas, industrial complexes, and social
infrastructure has improved the well-being of the population and created favorable conditions for
the development of tourism. These reforms in the construction sector have turned Samarkand
into one of the key centers not only of Uzbekistan but of the entire Central Asian region. In the
future, construction projects based on innovative technologies are expected to continue, further
enhancing the quality of life for residents.
List of References:
1. Ҳалқ сўзи, 2015 йил 15 сентябрь.
2. Ахмедов М.Қ. Меъморий мерос: Самарқанднома, темурнома. Тошкент: « Fan va
texnologiya », 2011.Б.50
3. Акопджанян В.А. Концепция генерального плана города Самарканда в аспекте
сохранения его исторического наследия// Ўзбекистон архитектура ва қурилиш. 2005
йил, №1.Б. 24.
4. Ўзбекистон Республикаси Статистика қўмитаси. Тошкент, 2014 йил.
5. Содиков Н. Барча ютуқлар мустақиллик шарофати билан// Ўзбекистон архитектураси
ва қурилиши. 2016 йил №4-5.Б. 36-40.
6. Содиков Н. Барча ютуқлар мустақиллик шарофати билан// Ўзбекистон архитектураси
ва қурилиши. 2016 йил №4-5.Б. 36-40.
7. Ўзбекистон Республикаси, биринчи Президентининг « 2004-2009 йилларда мактаб
таълимини ривожлантириш Давлат умуммиллий дастури тўғрисида » ги 2004 йил 21
майдаги ПФ3431сонли Фармони ҳамда Ўзбекистон Республикаси Вазирлар
Маҳкамасининг 2004 йил 9 июлдаги « 2004-2009 йилларда давлат умуммиллий
дастурини амалга ошириш чоратадбирлари тўғрисида » ги 321сонли қарори асосида
8. Ўзбекистон Республикаси Давлат Архитектура ва Қурилиш Қўмитаси материаллари –
Самарқандда амалга оширилган қурилиш лойиҳалари ҳақидаги маълумотлар.
9. Мустафаев А. “Ўзбекистонда урбанизация жараёнлари
”
– Тошкент, “Фан” нашриёти,
2019.
10. Самарқанд вилояти Статистика бошқармаси. Самарқанд шаҳар паспорт маълумотлари
асосида. Самарқанд, 2017 йил.Б. 5-11.
