Development of kitschy Bukhara continues, facing mounting opposition in Uzbekistan
In the heart of Bukhara afternoons, the rhythm of demolition echoes, as crews dismantle a 23,000-seater soccer stadium. This is merely the first domino to fall in the contentious "Eternal Bukhara" project, designed by Uzbekistan's government.
The sledgehammer swings on, as buildings across an area spanning 326,000 square meters – tough enough to accommodate 60 football fields – will soon make way for a tourist center. The push for mass tourism has fueled this drive to install infrastructure necessary for handling swarms of visitors.
Yet, this project has stirred up a hornet’s nest of ire. The targeted area lies within a so-called buffer zone around the historical heart of the city. Critics argue the project has been hastily conceived, resulting in a tacky facsimile standing next to the real deal.
Alisherqué, a non-governmental organization championing Central Asia’s architectural heritage, was among the earliest to voice their concerns. In a poignant Facebook statement, they proclaimed the project as “a disaster in every aspect,” with the potential to scare away tourists who seek authenticity.
UNESCO, which added Bukhara’s historic center to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1993, expressed reservations about the project. Surprisingly firm for UNESCO’s usually passive stance, their spokesperson urged the government to pause the buffer zone project to facilitate further consultations.
However, Bukhara city authorities seem unmoved by the criticism, insisting there was “no harmony” between the historic center and the buffer zone. They argue that the project aims to cater to the increased flow of domestic and foreign tourists and improve living conditions in the old city.
Public opinion in Bukhara is divided. Renowned photographer Anzor Bukharsky laments the demolition, likening it to the last days of Pompeii. On the other hand, some residents embrace the modernization and reimagining of the city.
Despite the authorities’ vague vision, the redeveloped zone will include high-end hotels, a "multifunctional" cultural center, and a musical fountain. Construction is set to last until 2026, with a hefty price tag of $470 million.
Like a veil of mystery shrouding the project, the identity of the company building it remains unclear. Enter Engineering, a company with links to Russian business interests, has been tipped to handle the project, according to an investigation by RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service.
The listed buildings slated for demolition include the regional government's headquarters, a stadium, the prosecutor’s office, and a local art school. City authorities had initially promised to relocate some municipal buildings to the site of another grandiose project, Bukhara-City.
Yet, little progress has been made on Bukhara-City since its planned construction in 2022. This leaves the art school's students in a disused factory dormitory, their classes compromised by bad conditions.
In summary, the "Eternal Bukhara" project in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, raises various concerns, including potential violations of UNESCO guidelines, cultural preservation, and economic implications. The outcome of the project remains uncertain as the authorities proceed without much transparency, leaving the people of Bukhara to navigate the crosscurrents of progress and tradition.
- The push for mass tourism has not only fueled the need for infrastructure but also stimulated debates about the controversial "Eternal Bukhara" project in Uzbekistan.
- The project, which includes the construction of high-end hotels, a cultural center, and a musical fountain, has been criticized for its potential impact on the historic heart of Bukhara.
- Alisherqué, a non-governmental organization, has expressed concern that the project could harm Central Asia’s architectural heritage and deter tourists seeking authenticity.
- UNESCO, which added Bukhara’s historic center to its list of World Heritage Sites in 1993, has urged the government to pause the project for further consultations.
- The identity of the company building the "Eternal Bukhara" project remains unclear, with Enter Engineering, a company with links to Russian business interests, being tipped to handle the project.
- The project's outcomes are uncertain as the authorities proceed without much transparency, leaving the people of Bukhara to navigate the crosscurrents of progress and tradition.
- The listed buildings slated for demolition include the regional government's headquarters, a stadium, the prosecutor’s office, and a local art school, which leaves the art school's students in a disused factory dormitory, compromising their classes due to bad conditions.
