Samarkand’s landmark ‘mushroom house’ to be fully torn down after safety concerns

Public discussions earlier suggested preserving part of the structure known locally as the “mushroom house,” but authorities confirmed that the entire building will be demolished. The Samarkand regional office of the Bureau of Compulsory Enforcement told Kun.uz that the process is being carried out in accordance with a ruling issued by the Toyloq interdistrict civil court on July 6, 2022.

Construction of the building began in 2012 without any architectural permits, seismic assessments, or geological studies. Experts concluded that the structure does not comply with construction standards, poses safety risks, and lacks sufficient seismic stability.

A technical inspection conducted in May 2022 determined that the building could not be repaired and must be completely dismantled. Later that July, the court ordered Furqat Khalilov to demolish the structure at his own expense.

In an earlier interview with Kun.uz, Khalilov said he had spent approximately $3 million on the construction, expressing regret that his decade of effort and investment had gone to waste.