Global climate change is seriously damaging Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage sites built from wood, adobe, brick and stone, deputy director of the Cultural Heritage Agency Tursunali Kuziyev told correspondent of Gazeta.uz.

“Binding materials — such as clay, cement and others — lose moisture and begin to crumble due to high air temperatures. In response, we established cooperation with specialized research institutes in China and jointly restored two monuments in Ichan-Kala. We are now sending our specialists to China to study their experience and technology,” Kuziyev said.

Architect and heritage restorer Fazliddin Davlatov noted that soil salinization was also one of the key issues threatening historical sites.

“There are high levels of salinization in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well as in Khorezm, Bukhara and Navoi regions. Many of our historic buildings are made from mudbrick, adobe and plant-based materials, which absorb moisture from groundwater. As a result, salty water gradually destroys these structures and shortens their lifespan. To combat this, our scientists are working with foreign experts. Measures such as salt flushing and foundation ventilation are being implemented,” he explained.

Rain and wind also contribute to the destruction. In Karakalpakstan and Surkhandarya region, many archaeological sites are made from adobe and raw brick.

“Because these sites cover vast areas, it would take billions in state funding to fully protect them [with shelters]. [Currently,] only partial conservation is being carried out. Still, over time, earthen walls degrade from rain, snow, wind and heat. They is extremely difficult to prevent. However, the government is allocating funds to help preserve them — at least partially — through conservation and restoration,” Davlatov said.

Earlier reports stated that in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 21 heritage sites suffered damages amounting to 302 billion soums.

https://www.gazeta.uz/en/2025/04/15/cultural-heritage/