july/2025

Forced Evictions in Samarkand: Heritage Preservation vs. Displacement of Residents

Samarkand, often described as the crown jewel of Uzbekistan, is known for its majestic mosques, intricate tilework, and centuries-old monuments. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is undergoing significant urban redevelopment projects aimed at preserving its architectural heritage and promoting tourism. However, these developments have sparked considerable controversy, particularly concerning forced evictions of residents from historic neighborhoods. While the government promotes these actions as part of a broader vision to transform Samarkand into a modern tourist destination, many local families are being displaced, often without fair compensation or transparent legal recourse.

The conflict between cultural preservation and human rights lies at the core of this issue. On one hand, restoring ancient landmarks and boosting tourism can bring economic prosperity. On the other, the involuntary displacement of vulnerable communities undermines the social fabric of the city and raises urgent questions about justice, equity, and sustainability. This article delves into the forced evictions in Samarkand, examining the motivations, consequences, and possible pathways to balance heritage protection with the well-being of its people.

Urban Renewal and the Drive for Tourism

The Government’s Vision for Samarkand

In recent years, Uzbekistan has prioritized urban renewal projects to attract international tourists, with Samarkand at the forefront of this campaign. Large-scale investments have poured into revitalizing ancient monuments such as Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Shah-i-Zinda. These initiatives aim to recreate a historical ambiance, free from the visual clutter of modern residential neighborhoods, thereby enhancing the city’s image as a pristine and authentic Silk Road destination.

Tourism as an Economic Engine

The tourism sector is a vital part of Uzbekistan's economy, providing jobs and stimulating local businesses. According to official statistics, tourism revenues have significantly increased since the country opened up to international visitors. The authorities believe that improving tourist infrastructure and aesthetics—by clearing residential zones around heritage sites—will draw more visitors and international recognition.

Beautification vs. Displacement

Unfortunately, this process often involves razing residential buildings, some of which are informal or lack legal registration but have housed families for generations. These demolitions are justified under the banner of beautification, despite the human cost. Entire neighborhoods have been cleared to make way for hotels, museums, pedestrian zones, and upscale eateries, fundamentally altering the urban landscape and displacing long-time residents.

Lack of Fair Compensation and Transparency

Undervalued Compensation Offers

One of the most pressing grievances voiced by displaced residents is the issue of inadequate compensation. Many report receiving offers significantly below the market value of their properties. In some instances, families are coerced into accepting the first offer presented to them, under threat of forced eviction.

Delayed and Unequal Payments

Compensation is frequently delayed, leaving families without financial support as they search for alternative housing. There are also claims of unequal treatment, where residents with better connections or legal documentation receive more favorable compensation packages than others.

Lack of Public Consultation

Another major concern is the absence of meaningful public consultation. Residents often learn about their impending eviction with little notice and no opportunity to challenge the decision or propose alternatives. These evictions occur in a legal vacuum, where property rights are vaguely defined, and administrative decisions can override individual claims with little accountability.

Cultural and Social Disintegration

Breaking Generational Ties

For many Samarkand residents, their homes are more than just physical spaces—they are repositories of family history, cultural identity, and community bonds. Generations of families have lived in historic districts, creating a unique social fabric built on trust, shared traditions, and local customs. Forced relocation shatters these networks.

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

Small businesses such as tea houses, guesthouses, handicraft workshops, and corner stores—many of which rely on tourist traffic or local community support—are particularly vulnerable. When moved to distant suburbs or hastily built settlements, these enterprises lose their clientele and struggle to survive.

Education and Health Service Disruption

Relocated families often face additional challenges, including lack of access to schools, healthcare, and public transportation in their new neighborhoods. This relocation can lead to a sharp decline in quality of life and future prospects for children and elderly family members.

Legal and Human Rights Concerns

Vague Legal Framework

Uzbekistan's laws governing property rights and land acquisition contain ambiguous clauses that enable authorities to label evictions as being in the "public interest." This lack of legal clarity has allowed for a broad interpretation of what constitutes a valid eviction, frequently to the detriment of ordinary citizens.

International Human Rights Criticism

Organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and local advocacy groups have documented numerous cases of forced, non-consensual evictions. These organizations argue that the government is violating basic human rights, including the right to housing, due process, and fair compensation.

Lack of Legal Recourse

Citizens often have no effective legal avenues to challenge evictions. Courts are reluctant to hear such cases, and lawyers who attempt to represent displaced residents may face pressure or restrictions. This absence of justice fosters a climate of fear and helplessness among the affected communities.

Gentrification and Socioeconomic Inequality

The Rise of Luxury Developments

Once residents are removed, historic neighborhoods are transformed into zones of commercial activity, featuring luxury hotels, art galleries, and high-end cafes. These establishments cater to international tourists and affluent locals, far removed from the economic realities of the displaced families.

Marginalization of the Poor

Evicted families are typically relocated to remote outskirts of Samarkand, where housing is cheaper but lacks adequate infrastructure. These areas often lack proper sanitation, reliable electricity, and public services. The social divide between the city's center and its outskirts becomes more pronounced, fostering resentment and marginalization.

Erosion of Traditional Identity

Gentrification in Samarkand does not merely alter physical spaces—it also erodes cultural identity. Traditional architectural styles, local crafts, and everyday life rhythms are replaced with a sanitized version of history designed for commercial consumption, reducing the city’s authenticity over time.

Case Studies

2019-2020 Registan Square Demolitions

In the years 2019 and 2020, hundreds of homes were demolished near Registan Square, one of Central Asia’s most iconic landmarks. The official justification was to create an open buffer zone to highlight the architectural grandeur of the square. Families were forcibly relocated to Yangier or Dustlik, areas far removed from the city center. Many of these new settlements lacked proper infrastructure and employment opportunities, leaving residents struggling.

2023 Shah-i-Zinda Evictions

In 2023, families living near the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis were ordered to vacate their homes under the pretext of preservation and restoration. However, shortly after demolitions, construction of new commercial buildings began on the cleared land, raising questions about the true motives behind the project.

Sustainable and Inclusive Solutions

Community Participation in Planning

Urban development should not be a top-down process. Residents must be included in decision-making through community hearings, public consultations, and participatory planning. Involving locals ensures transparency and promotes solutions that respect both heritage and human needs.

Legally Binding Compensation Laws

Clear, enforceable laws should govern compensation, with payment matching market value and covering full relocation costs, including emotional and economic loss. Compensation packages should also include a timeline guarantee and legal support. Affordable Housing within City Limits Authorities should prioritize the construction of affordable, quality housing in central Samarkand or nearby locations to maintain social cohesion. Urban planning must avoid segregating the poor into peripheral zones with limited opportunities. R

evenue Sharing Mechanisms

A portion of tourism revenue—collected through taxes on hotels, tours, and cultural events—should be earmarked for community development funds. These funds can support displaced residents with housing, education, and healthcare.

Independent Monitoring and Legal Reform

Independent commissions, with participation from civil society, legal experts, and international observers, should oversee eviction processes. Additionally, reforms in property law are necessary to protect citizens against arbitrary displacement.

Samarkand stands at a crossroads. It can become a global model for cultural preservation with community inclusion, or a cautionary tale of how development can marginalize the very people who give the city its soul. While the desire to preserve historic sites and attract tourists is legitimate, it should not override the rights and dignity of local residents.

A balanced, rights-based approach to urban renewal is not only ethically necessary—it is also economically and culturally sustainable. When heritage conservation includes the voices and livelihoods of those most affected, it becomes a genuine celebration of history, humanity, and hope.

For Samarkand to truly shine as a beacon of Silk Road heritage, it must honor not just its glorious past but also the people who carry its living traditions forward.