Samarkand District to be abolished

The city of Samarkand will be expanded, and Samarkand District will be abolished as a separate administrative-territorial unit. This is outlined in a draft resolution of the Legislative Chamber titled “On abolishing Samarkand District of Samarkand Region and changing the boundaries of Akdarya, Pastdargom and Taylak districts, as well as the city of Samarkand,” which was reviewed today, January 12, at a meeting of the faction of the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businesspeople – the Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party (UzLiDeP) in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

It was noted that the decision to abolish Samarkand District as an independent administrative unit is aimed at transforming Samarkand into a “million-plus city,” constructing modern residential and non-residential buildings, fully meeting the population’s housing demand, developing infrastructure, and creating decent living conditions for residents.

According to UzLiDeP faction member Diyor Husanov, the planned boundary changes will expand the territory of Samarkand city from 11.8 thousand hectares to 28.9 thousand hectares, creating broad opportunities for new investment and construction projects. These include the development of new tourism initiatives, playgrounds, aquaparks, hot air balloon facilities, recreation parks, and other leisure and entertainment destinations, as well as the construction of new green zones, service facilities, and logistics centers.

It is worth noting that plans to turn Samarkand into a “million-plus city” were first announced in 2021. At that time, it was reported that five districts would be established within the metropolitan area for this purpose.

Later, on November 25, 2025, during an extraordinary session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People’s Deputies held in Urgut District with the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, it was announced that 17.5 thousand hectares from Akdarya, Payariq, Pastdargom, Taylak, and Samarkand districts would be incorporated into the city of Samarkand. As a result, the city’s population is expected to increase from 604,000 to 882,000.

In addition, in September 2025, at the tenth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, the issue of changing the boundaries of Kattakurgan city, as well as Kattakurgan and Nurobod districts of Samarkand Region, was discussed. A decision was adopted to expand the territory of Kattakurgan city by 2.9 thousand hectares.