Authorities uncover massive heritage destruction in Tashkent region

Authorities have uncovered severe damage to 13 archaeological sites across the Tashkent region, with losses estimated at 342 billion UZS, according to the General Prosecutor's Office.

Investigations revealed that several historically significant landmarks suffered destruction due to unauthorized excavation, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. Some notable cases include:

• "Zokirtepa" (V-VII centuries) in Akkorgan—1,400 cubic meters destroyed for tree planting (44.6 billion UZS loss)
• "Sanchtepa"—129 cubic meters flattened for road expansion (2.2 billion UZS loss)
• "Koravultepa" & "Yertepa" in Parkent—964 cubic meters destroyed (16.4 billion UZS loss)
• "Mingtepa" (5th century BCE) in Piskent—7,000 cubic meters damaged (231 billion UZS loss)
• "Dumgalaktepa" (V-VI centuries) in Ohangaron—658 cubic meters excavated (21 billion UZS loss)
• "Khojakaytepa" (V-VII centuries) in Yukorichirchik—43 cubic meters flattened (1.3 billion UZS loss)
• "Tuyabogiztepa" in O‘rtachirchiq—54 cubic meters destroyed (1.7 billion UZS loss)
• "Chordaratepa" (III-VIII centuries) in Nurafshon—38 cubic meters damaged (1.2 billion UZS loss)

A criminal case has been launched, and preliminary investigations are underway to hold the responsible parties accountable. Authorities have committed to strengthening preservation efforts and enhancing monument protection measures.

Earlier, authorities reported that three historical mosques in Samarkand from the 19th and 20th centuries were illegally demolished, with another being renovated without proper authorization, causing a total loss of 46.8 billion UZS.