Babur City to become new center of education and culture in Uzbekistan

A large educational cluster will be established in Andijan, consisting of a specialized kindergarten and school named after Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, a university, a library, and an IT park. This was announced on April 15 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a solemn ceremony held in the newly established city of Babur in the Andijan region.

“Greetings, dear compatriots, dear people of Andijan!

First of all, I am very pleased to meet you, dear ones, during these blessed spring days when the breath of green is flowing across our country. I express my high respect and admiration to all of you.

As you all know, glorifying human dignity, ensuring the rights and interests of our people, and, on this basis, making people happy with life are the main goals of the reforms being carried out in New Uzbekistan.

Today, seeing what practical results this great and noble goal is yielding in all regions, villages, and hamlets of our beloved Motherland, we are all deeply pleased. This is visible in the beautiful and unique land of Andijan. The region is developing industry, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, parks and gardens are being created, streets and neighborhoods are being improved, decent work is being established, and many commendable efforts are being made to create better living conditions.

If only I could visit this peaceful land more often and have a sincere conversation with you, dear ones. It is no secret that I always receive incomparable spiritual strength and inspiration from meeting and communicating with people like you—brave and talented individuals whose hearts are with God and whose hands are committed to hard work.

It can be said with confidence that in Andijan, the idea and spirit of New Uzbekistan are reaching every neighborhood and every household and are inspiring our people to strive for new heights.

It would be fair to say that this is the greatest and most important outcome of our reforms that our people have long awaited,” the President said.

Mirziyoyev proudly acknowledged that Andijan is now one of the modern, large cities of the country and the Central Asian region, calling it the pearl of the valley. He reminded the audience that many scientists and thinkers, famous poets and writers, statesmen and public figures, and representatives of culture and art have come from this ancient land.

“Andijan is the blessed land where our great thinker and creator, Shah Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, was born—a fact that fills us all with pride and honor.

Today, all sectors and industries are developing rapidly in Andijan. At present, there is great potential here. To take full advantage of these opportunities and further develop the region, we agreed with you two years ago to build the city of New Andijan and the ‘New Uzbekistan’ park,” the President said.

It was noted that during this time, the people of Andijan not only witnessed but also actively participated in the realization of this grand project. In a short period, this beautiful and admirable town was built, along with the “New Uzbekistan” park.

“I sincerely congratulate you, dear ones, and through you, all our people on this great victory of labor. May this generous, magnificent place bring blessings to all of us—especially the hardworking and noble people of Andijan!

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Andijan, who carry on our nation’s creative traditions and demonstrate dedication and initiative in their practical efforts, and to all those who contributed to this work.

At this point, I would like to share with you an idea I have long held in my heart.

In order to immortalize the memory of our great ancestor, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, who glorified our nation throughout the world with his scientific and creative legacy, what would you think about naming the city of New Andijan after Babur?

Thank you for your support. I am confident that this initiative will be dear to the hearts of our people.

After all, Hazrat Babur is such a unique and great figure—rare even in world history—that it would be appropriate not only to name streets, squares, parks, and gardens after him but also to establish an entire city in his honor.

Why? Babur Mirzo is a worthy successor of the Timurid Renaissance, a great personality who was a patron of science, culture, art, literature, and talent.

His efforts from a young age to establish peace and justice, and the courage and bravery he demonstrated on this path, are a school of patriotism and selflessness,” the President said.

It was noted that even for the encyclopedic knowledge and thought found in the “Baburnama” alone, it is well worth establishing such a beautiful city in his honor. We must never forget that world-renowned ancestors like Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur are children of Uzbekistan.

“If we understand our identity, teach our children and younger generations about our glorious history, develop science and education, and live lives worthy of our great ancestors, we will build both New Uzbekistan and the Third Renaissance. That goal will be ours. 

Dear friends!

Our grandfather Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur lived only 47 years. But in that short time, he accomplished remarkable feats—building architectural monuments, gardens, and palaces, and leaving behind a name that will never fade, which serves as a shining example to us all,” the President said.

In this regard, it is an important duty for respected scholars and writers, and for all of us, to restore the glory and dignity of Hazrat Babur, to introduce his invaluable heritage more broadly to our people, and to promote it across the world.

“I believe that the region’s intellectuals, our educated youth, and all the people of Andijan will be even more active in this work.

We know that the people of Andijan have always held the memory of their great son in their hearts—even during the most difficult, repressive times. We highly value the outstanding work being carried out by dozens of enlightened people, such as our respected elder Zakirjon aka Mashrabov, the International Babur Foundation, and the scientific expedition, with the close support of our state.

In this regard, we must pay special attention to one truth: the legacy of Babur Mirzo is like an ocean. And the depths of the ocean cannot be fully measured,” said Mirziyoyev.

Therefore, research and activity in the field of Babur studies in the country and the region must not stop—it must continue and rise to a new level, led by a new generation of young people who are determined and ambitious. The President emphasized that he is always ready to provide all-around support in this direction.

“Dear friends!

We would not be wrong to say that all the reforms we are carrying out in our country are aligned with the dreams, aspirations, and great deeds of our glorious ancestors like Babur Mirzo.

Today, together with you, we are taking part in another historic event toward realizing the dreams left in the heart of our grandfather Babur, in the very land where he was born and raised,” the President said.

It was announced that from today, turning the city of Babur into the most beautiful and modern city of our dreams would be set as a real goal. To raise a generation of true Baburians in this city, a specialized kindergarten and school named after him, a university, a library, and a large educational cluster with an IT park will be built. A modern sports complex meeting high standards will also be included.

In a word, the city of Babur will become a spiritual center reflecting national values, a city of education and science, a source of inspiration and example for youth, not just a valley but a vibrant center of tourism and culture—a modern "smart city" based on green infrastructure.

“This city, like the city named after the great poet and thinker Mir Alisher Navoi, will serve as a spiritual bridge connecting our glorious past with our future and will hold an honorable place in our modern history.

We will also erect a new, majestic statue of our grandfather, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, at the highest point of this park.

The city of Babur must become a unique mirror reflecting our national culture and art, Uzbek hospitality, tolerance, and a spirit of cooperation.

To achieve these noble goals, we will adopt a comprehensive development program and establish a special fund with an initial capital of $250 million,” said Mirziyoyev.

It was noted that Deputy Prime Ministers and heads of relevant ministries and agencies were present at the event, and they were given clear instructions: the implementation of this megaproject must begin within a month.

“Dear compatriots!

Dear people of Andijan!

In this modern amphitheater, in this beautiful park, the rarest art forms of our people will always be showcased, the poetry of our great poets will be heard—this is what the future holds.

It would be fair to say that the concert program to be held this evening in this new cultural center, with the participation of outstanding artists and talented youth, will mark the beginning of a noble tradition.

I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate all workers in the field of culture and art in our country on today’s professional holiday, on behalf of our entire people and myself.

I am confident that this magnificent park, with its unique appearance, green environment, and modern recreational infrastructure, will become a beloved and blessed place for the people of Andijan, for all our compatriots, and for our children.

We all know that no matter where he lived, Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur carried a longing for his homeland in his heart. Today, the dreams of our great ancestors have come true—he has returned to his homeland in spirit, and I believe you will agree with this.

May this historic day bring blessings to all of us!

I wish you—and through you, all the people of Andijan—peace, security, good health, new achievements, and the best of luck,” the President concluded.