Cases of destruction of archaeological sites dating back to the 5th century BC have been recorded in Tashkent region. This was reported by Upl.uz.
According to the information from the Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan, 13 historical monuments were damaged as a result of economic activities. The total damage to cultural heritage amounts to more than 342 billion soums.
The destructions were identified in several districts of the region, where valuable historical layers were damaged under the guise of construction and agricultural works. According to the Prosecutor General's report, various activities have caused damage to archaeological sites, which were presented as economic activities.
In many cases, these activities are considered as landscaping, tree planting, and road construction. These actions have compromised the integrity of historical layers, which is an important part of Uzbekistan's cultural heritage.
Widespread destruction occurred because such activities were carried out without considering the necessity of preserving archaeological monuments. In Piskent district, the archaeological layer of the Mingtepa monument, dating back to the 5th century BC, was completely destroyed.
The volume of the damaged soil amounted to 7,000 cubic meters, with damage estimated at 231 billion soums. In Akkurgan district, the area of the Zokirtepa monument, dating from the 5th to 7th centuries, was damaged.
Here, 1,400 cubic meters of soil were removed, with damage amounting to 44.6 billion soums. In Ahangaran district, the Dumgalaktepa monument, dating from the 5th to 6th centuries, was damaged.
The volume of the destroyed archaeological layer was 658 cubic meters, with damage amounting to 21 billion soums. In Parkent district, the Koravultepa and Ertepa sites were damaged, with total damage reaching 16.4 billion soums.
In Yuqorichirchiq district, the area of the Khojakaytepa monument was damaged over 1.3 million square meters, and 43 cubic meters of soil were harmed. In Nurafshon city, the Chordaratepa monument, dating from the 3rd to 8th centuries, suffered damage of 38 cubic meters of soil, estimated at 1.2 billion soums.
A criminal case has been initiated regarding the destruction of archaeological monuments. Law enforcement agencies are conducting preliminary investigations to identify those responsible for the damage.
The Prosecutor General's Office emphasizes that such actions are unacceptable and calls on all individuals involved in economic activities to comply with legislation aimed at protecting Uzbekistan's cultural heritage. Measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Mingtepa monument in Piskent district, which was completely destroyed as a result of the work carried out there, is considered part of an ancient city, believed by scholars to be related to the trade routes of the Great Silk Road.
