Cultural Heritage Agency comments on relocation of Babur monument

Earlier reports suggested that the monument to Zakhiriddin Muhammad Babur, located in Andijan city, was set to be relocated to make way for a residential building. The Cultural Heritage Agency has now issued a statement clarifying the situation.

The monument, situated at the intersection of Babur and Amir Temur streets in Andijan, was included in the National List of Immovable Objects of Tangible Cultural Heritage by Resolution No. 846 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan on October 4, 2019.

On November 8, 2023, the Department of State Cadastres of Andijan Region submitted a request to the Cultural Heritage Department regarding the proposed relocation of the Babur monument. The request seeks to move the monument to a site near the Jome Architectural Complex on A. Fitrat Street in Andijan city.

Article 20, Paragraph 5 of Uzbekistan's Law No. 269-P (August 30, 2001), on the Protection and Use of Cultural Heritage Objects, outlines the adaptation of tangible cultural heritage for modern use. It permits scientific and technical research and design work to ensure that repairs maintain the historical and cultural value of the object without altering its artistic or historical significance.

Additionally, Paragraph 9.5 of Appendix 6 of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 265 (March 30, 2019) stipulates that projects involving excavation, land development, construction, or preservation of tangible cultural heritage sites require approval from the Scientific and Expert Council under the Agency for Cultural Heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Department has informed the relevant organizations that the proposal to relocate the Babur monument will be reviewed by the Scientific and Expert Council to ensure it meets all necessary guidelines for preserving the site’s historical integrity.

For context, Clause 4 of Presidential Resolution No. PP-5150, dated June 19, 2021, requires that drafts of regulatory acts, master plans for settlements containing heritage properties, and projects involving construction, demolition, or improvements on heritage sites must be coordinated with the Agency. This also applies to areas under special protection, such as those on the World Heritage List.