Three historic mosques in Samarkand illegally demolished

The demolition of three historic mosques and the illegal renovation of an architectural monument in Samarkand have been revealed, resulting in a total loss of 46.8 billion UZS. Authorities have launched criminal investigations into the incidents.

Photo: Prosecutor General's Office

According to the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office, inspections conducted in cooperation with the Cultural Heritage Agency uncovered significant damage to 19th- and 20th-century historical buildings in the Samarkand region, amounting to 46.8 billion UZS.

Specifically, the Kushok Ota mosque in Kattakurgan district was demolished, resulting in damages of 19.6 billion UZS. In Urgut, the Ahmad Yassavi and Khoji Urinboy mosques were also destroyed, causing losses estimated at 17 billion UZS.

Additionally, unauthorized renovations to the Kulba architectural monument in Samarkand district led to further damage valued at 10.2 billion UZS.

Criminal investigations have been launched, and monitoring efforts are ongoing, the report stated.