“We must preserve the Old City with care and develop it in line with modern requirements” — Shavkat Mirziyoyev

“We must preserve the Old City with care and develop it in line with modern requirements” — Shavkat Mirziyoyev

On January 23, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed tourism and service projects implemented on Zarqaynar Street, located in the “Hastimom” mahalla of Almazar district in Tashkent.

According to the Presidential Press Service, a major tourism project covering 447 hectares is being implemented step by step in Almazar district. Within the project, tourism and service facilities are being developed on six district-level streets connecting 15 mahallas. Zarqaynar Street is an important part of this initiative.

This area stands out for its historical appearance formed over centuries, national architectural traditions, and artisan environment. Using 150 billion soums allocated from the state budget, 576 houses were renovated in a national style, bringing the mahalla in line with its historical setting. Additionally, investments totaling 166 billion soums by 100 entrepreneurs led to the establishment of 7 hotels, 8 restaurants, 5 handicraft centers, 1 shopping complex, and 125 service facilities, providing permanent employment to 1,500 citizens.

The Head of State walked along the renovated street, familiarized himself with restored houses, improved infrastructure, and the comfortable conditions created for residents. He also spoke with mahalla residents, artisans, and tourists.

— We want to create convenience for tourists, but this must be built on a solid foundation. Handicrafts are one of the key areas expressing our national identity. Therefore, it is important to create necessary conditions for artisans and train qualified personnel. In this regard, establishing a university of handicrafts would be appropriate. From now on, we will hold separate meetings not only with entrepreneurs but also with artisans, — the President said.

Officials were given specific instructions to further develop tourism and services, increase economic activity in mahallas while preserving the historical environment, and form a sustainable system that benefits the population.

The President was also presented with a master plan for the development of the “Almazar” innovation growth zone. It includes the spatial development concept, needs assessment, and functional zoning solutions.

According to the master plan, “development corridors” covering education and innovation, tourism and trade, cultural heritage, business, and IT services will be formed. Around the Old City, a Student Town, universities, technoparks, healthcare institutions, and tourism routes linking the Center of Islamic Civilization, Hazrati Imam complex, Chorsu, and the historic city center will be created. In the northern area, offices, an IT park, and business centers are planned.

— Recently in Davos, Switzerland, I saw how the urban environment is being developed while preserving historical buildings. We too must carefully preserve the Old City and develop it in line with modern requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a separate “Old City” program, — the President said.

The Head of State emphasized the need to develop at least five-year master plans for each street. These plans aim to develop modern infrastructure while preserving historical heritage and to bring the economic potential of the areas and the urban environment to a qualitatively new level.