Samarkand city set to expand as district boundaries change

The move is part of a broader plan to transform Samarkand into a “city of one million,” with modern residential and non-residential buildings, fully meeting housing demand, and providing residents with high-quality infrastructure and living conditions. As a result, Samarkand district will cease to exist as a separate administrative-territorial unit.

“Following the boundary changes, the area of Samarkand city will expand from 11,800 hectares to 28,900 hectares, opening up extensive opportunities for new investment and construction projects. This includes tourism initiatives and entertainment facilities such as playgrounds, an aquapark, hot air balloon rides, and recreational parks, along with new green spaces, service facilities, and logistics centers,” said UzLiDeP faction member Diyor Husanov.

The concept of turning Samarkand into a “city of one million” has been under discussion since 2021, initially proposed by then-regional governor Erkinjon Turdimov.

During his visit to the Samarkand region in November 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced large-scale administrative-territorial changes. He stated that 17,500 hectares from Akdarya, Payariq, Pastdargom, Taylak, and Samarkand districts would be incorporated into the city, increasing its population from 604,000 to 882,000.