Imam Maturidi complex expansion plans spark property seizures

Social media reports have surfaced about 220 properties being seized for the construction of a pilgrimage center in Samarkand. In response to these claims, the Samarkand Regional Department of the Cultural Heritage Agency has issued an official statement.

According to the report, on February 9, 2021, the President of Uzbekistan issued Decree No. 6165, "On Measures for Further Development of Domestic and Pilgrimage Tourism in the Republic of Uzbekistan." Under this decree, reconstruction of the "Imam Maturidi" memorial complex located at the "Chokardiza" cemetery in Samarkand city was planned. This includes restoring the graves of prominent scholars around the complex, improving the surrounding areas, and enhancing service infrastructure to create a major pilgrimage center.

The decree states that the expansion of the "Imam Maturidi" memorial complex will require the demolition of 217 residential buildings owned by citizens. These buildings are not listed as cultural heritage sites, according to Resolution No. 846 of October 4, 2019, "On Approval of the National Registry of Immovable Cultural Heritage Objects."

Additionally, Clause 4 of Presidential Resolution No. 5150 dated June 19, 2021, emphasizes the need for mandatory coordination with the Cultural Heritage Agency for construction, demolition, and landscaping projects in immovable cultural heritage sites, historically and culturally protected areas, and areas listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and their protected zones. For projects related to World Heritage areas and sites, coordination must be conducted with UNESCO's World Heritage Center through the Uzbekistan National Commission for UNESCO.

On March 6, 2025, the Scientific and Expert Council under the Agency convened its fourth meeting in Tashkent city. During this session, the matter was thoroughly reviewed, and a conclusion was reached. The Council endorsed the proposals for the expansion of the "Imam Maturidi" complex and recommended notifying UNESCO’s World Heritage Center about the project by the requirements of the Convention on the Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage. It also stipulated that all construction and landscaping projects in the area must be coordinated with the Cultural Heritage Agency. Oversight of expansion and landscaping works in the area has been assigned to the Samarkand Regional Cultural Heritage Department.

According to Resolution No. 781 dated June 29, 2022, "On Procedures for Compensation-Based Seizure of Land Plots for Public Needs," residents whose homes will be demolished will receive compensation based on market value as stipulated by law.