Society news

The mayor of Tashkent, Shavkat Umurzakov, has made a decision to establish special parks for growing trees and shrubs in each district. This was reported by Upl.uz. In these parks, tree and shrub seedlings will be propagated, mainly using cuttings and seeds. According to the plan, more than 570,000 seedlings are expected to be produced. They will include Indian jasmine, Syrian flower, Japanese quince, and other types of plants. In particular, 300,000 seedlings will be planted in the area of the limited liability company "Scenic Gardening and Floriculture" on Uzor Street in the Sergeli district. Interestingly, this decision was made on July 17, the same day discussions began regarding the moratorium on cutting plants. It should be noted that previously, a deputy in Uzbekistan did not understand the citizens' protests against tree cutting, yet remained silent on the beer festival. This situation sparked various reactions in the public. The establishment of new parks will contribute to increasing the greenery of the city and protecting the environment. This initiative is considered an important step in ensuring ecological sustainability.

Citizens of Uzbekistan will have the opportunity to work on cruise ships in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean. This was reported by Upl.uz. Citizens who speak English can officially apply for jobs on international cruise ships. One of the main advantages of the new partnership is the simplification of visa-related processes. The C1/D tourist transit visa will be issued by the employer for a period ranging from 45 to 90 days, which significantly eases the process of traveling abroad. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Migration Agency of Uzbekistan and Kouzon Corporation of Macedonia to organize labor activities. This collaboration will expand job opportunities for our citizens abroad. A detailed roadmap showing the implementation of the project will be developed in the near future. The working conditions on cruise ships are as follows: - the starting monthly salary begins at $1200 and is determined based on a 6-month contract; - after the contract ends, a two-month vacation is granted, after which a new 6-month contract can be signed; - as work experience increases, the salary can reach up to $4000; - all living expenses are covered by the employer company. Kouzon Corporation has 28 years of experience, operates in 18 countries, and is a reliable partner in training and placing qualified specialists in the cruise industry. The company provides jobs for 20,000 to 25,000 people worldwide each year, demonstrating its high professional level and extensive activities. The cruise ships that Kouzon Corporation collaborates with serve popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Pacific, Scandinavia, Baltic, and Caribbean regions.

According to the press service of the Tashkent city Internal Affairs Department, on July 21, 2024, at around 01:30, a citizen born in 2002 fell from the ninth floor of one of the apartment buildings in the Yunusabad district. This was reported by Upl.uz. He hit the awning above the entrance door and then fell to the ground, sustaining various bodily injuries. As a result of the incident, the citizen was taken to the hospital for emergency medical assistance. During the medical examination, he was diagnosed with various broken bones and physical injuries, as well as second-degree traumatic shock. The citizen is currently under the supervision of doctors. During the investigation, it was revealed that this citizen had experienced changes in his mental state since the end of 2024 and had undergone psychological and medical examination. The internal affairs authorities of the Yunusabad district are conducting preliminary investigative actions to determine all the details of the incident. The causes and circumstances of the incident are being thoroughly investigated

The press service of the Internal Affairs Department of Kashkadarya region has reported that a fraudster has been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. Special operational measures were carried out by the employees of the internal affairs bodies. During the operation, a person living in the Zingiron neighborhood of Shahrisabz city, Kashkadarya region, was caught while receiving 1600 US dollars. In exchange for this money, the fraudster promised to organize an Umrah trip for the next client. However, he is not an employee of a travel agency and does not have permission to organize such trips. The internal affairs officers conducted a "controlled purchase" to gather evidence of the fraudster's crime. A criminal case has been initiated under the article "Fraud" of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding this incident. Currently, investigative actions are underway.

According to the analysis of the information published by the Public Oversight Portal on July 21, 2025, local services in Tashkent city are facing difficulties in reviewing citizens' applications. This was reported by Upl.uz. As of July 18, out of the total unresolved issues, 1771 are in the review process, and the number of overdue applications requiring immediate intervention has reached 4982. In the past week, another 1320 complaints have been received from the capital's residents. There is a significant difference in the efficiency rating of district administrations. The highest result was shown by the Uchtepa district, achieving a score of 8.42 in a 10-point system. In contrast, the lowest score was in the Shaykhontohur district, which was rated at 1.98, indicating systematic problems in processing applications. Overdue applications are mainly concentrated in four district areas. In the anti-rating, the Chilanzar and Yunusabad districts lead, each recording 747 delayed issues. Shaykhontohur has 642, and Mirzo Ulughbek has 627 overdue applications. These four administrative units account for 55.5 percent of all delayed complaints in the city, indicating that the most pressing issues are concentrated in these areas. According to the analysis of the activities of government-affiliated organizations, the most complaints have been directed to the Tashkent city electricity supply joint-stock company. It received 3953 applications, of which 164, or 4.2 percent, were reviewed after the deadline. The Tashkent city ecology department received 1288 applications, of which 128 or 10 percent were not resolved in time. In third place is the Main Landscaping Department with 1186 complaints, of which 139, or 11.7 percent, were not completed on time. Overall, during the reporting period, a total of 25,285 applications were registered, of which 19,935 were resolved, and 58 were rejected. The subject of complaints remains unchanged: the most applications relate to housing and communal services, accounting for 31.2 percent of total applications. Next are complaints related to road infrastructure, which make up 19.9 percent. Complaints about landscaping account for 3.7 percent, and environmental issues account for 3.5 percent. The Public Oversight Portal is a digital platform created to establish direct communication between citizens and government agencies in Uzbekistan, to monitor the status of applications in real-time, and to ensure the transparency of local government activities.

The press service of the Andijan region Department of Internal Affairs' traffic safety department provided information. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 21 of this year, at approximately 19:25, a traffic accident occurred on the D-133 "Quygan-yor – Madaniyat" highway at the 2-kilometer mark, along the road passing through the Quyganyor neighborhood of Izboskan district. The driver of a "Matiz" vehicle, a person born in 1996, was traveling along the Andijan – Madaniyat route, failed to maintain a safe distance, and collided with a "Malibu" vehicle. The driver of the "Malibu" vehicle was attempting to make a turn at the time. As a result of the accident, no one was injured, but the vehicles sustained serious technical damage. The internal affairs authorities are conducting an investigation to determine all the details of the incident. All necessary inspections are ongoing regarding the situation. The importance of adhering to traffic rules and ensuring safety has been emphasized once again.

The rapid development of fast food chains in Uzbekistan's major cities and the recent statements by officials about the need to strengthen the control over street food quality have made the issue of consumer choice highly relevant. This was reported by Upl.uz. Today, hamburgers and hot dogs are at the center of the discussion in the fast food segment from a health perspective, as they are familiar products to Uzbek consumers. A detailed analysis of their composition and nutritional value will help draw clear and reasoned conclusions. The main component of a traditional hamburger is a patty made from beef. This product serves as a source of protein and iron, providing essential nutrients to the body. Filling the patty with fresh vegetables, such as lettuce leaves, tomato, and onion rings, as well as pickled cucumbers, serves as a source of fiber and vitamins for the body. When made from lean meats, whole grain bread, and low-fat sauces, hamburgers combine proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plant elements, making them a balanced meal. On the other hand, the sausages, which are the main ingredient in hot dogs, are often a highly processed meat product. Such products can have high levels of preservatives like sodium, saturated fats, and nitrites. Regular consumption of these substances can pose health risks. The use of regular white bread in hot dogs, which is not enriched with fiber and has almost no vegetables, reduces their nutritional value. Recent sanitary and control inspections have revealed deficiencies in the storage conditions of meat products, raising further questions about product quality. According to Dr. Akmal Saidov, a leading specialist at the Dietology Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, when comparing hamburgers and hot dogs, priority should be given to hamburgers. This is primarily due to the quality of their ingredients. The higher protein content and presence of fiber in hamburgers make them a healthier choice. International studies show that regular consumption of processed meat products, including sausages, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. In Uzbekistan, consumer choice is occurring against the backdrop of global trends. Globally, fast food is often viewed as part of a political image. For example, in the USA, former President Donald Trump places great emphasis on classic American cuisine, particularly burgers, and this issue is discussed more from an economic perspective. In Uzbekistan, however, the main focus is on public health issues. Experts provide a number of recommendations to mitigate the negative effects of fast food. For instance, it is recommended to prefer dining establishments that use chilled rather than frozen meat, and to consider options for plant-based patties. Increasing the proportion of fresh vegetables and replacing mayonnaise sauces with lighter ones, such as mustard or natural yogurt-based sauces, is important. Using whole grain bread increases the fiber content and helps slow the rise in blood sugar levels. Thus, hamburgers have more opportunities from a nutritional standpoint and are considered more adaptable to beneficial changes. The name "hamburger" comes from Germany's second-largest city, Hamburg. In the 19th century, immigrants from this city brought the recipe for "Hamburg steak" made from beef to the Americas. Later, this steak was placed between two pieces of bread, giving rise to the modern hamburger.

The Tashkent City Court of Appeals on July 21, 2025, made a new decision regarding the serious case of protecting honor and dignity raised by the famous journalist Anora Sodikova. This was reported by Upl.uz. The court reviewed and annulled the previous ruling of the first instance court. The previous ruling had imposed a significant compensation obligation on the blogger known by the pseudonym "Mufasa," Mirsayid Haydarov. This information was presented to the public by human rights defender Abdurahmon Tashanov. According to the court's decision, Mirsayid Haydarov will pay Anora Sodikova 25 million soums in compensation for moral damages. Additionally, the blogger is also required to pay an extra 5 million soums in compensation related to court expenses. As an important part of the ruling, the blogger was required to publicly apologize and to remove the publications considered in court from the media. Journalist Anora Sodikova confirmed in a statement to the media that she received the court's decision and expressed her satisfaction with the positive outcome of the appeal process. She emphasized that the initial ruling, namely the decision of the Shaykhontohur District Court, had dissatisfied her. This is because, despite the clarity and transparency of the insulting words, the claim had been rejected. According to Sodikova, the term "journalist" is perceived as an insult and creates a false impression of being of lower class when used against professional journalists. She noted that the previous ruling created a dangerous legal precedent in protecting journalists' rights. This could allow representatives of the press to be insulted without consequences. Sodikova described this victory not only as her personal achievement but also as an important event for journalists in Uzbekistan. She also expressed hope that this case would inspire her fellow journalists to defend their rights and professional dignity. It should be noted that on May 28, 2025, the judge of the Shaykhontohur District Civil Court had rejected Anora Sodikova's initial claim. At that time, the journalist stated that the process had been conducted in a closed manner and that the court's decision was directed in favor of the defendant. This situation sparked widespread discussions in society regarding freedom of speech and the protection of journalists' rights.

On July 20, 2024, a strong earthquake occurred in the Kamchatka region of the Russian Federation. This was reported by Upl.uz. According to official data, the magnitude of the earthquake was 7.2. The epicenter of the earthquake was located on the Pacific Ocean coast, which raised the risk of a tsunami. The Consul General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Vladivostok, Yusup Kabuljanov, issued an official statement. He announced that there were no casualties among Uzbeks in the region. Information from the Russian government also indicated that there were no fatalities or serious injuries among the local population. Indeed, although there was no immediate danger, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations issued a warning to the public. They advised avoiding being near the coast and, if necessary, moving to higher ground. Although the tsunami risk was assessed as low, a slight rise in sea level was expected. For example, it was reported that the wave height in the village of Nikolskoye could reach 0.29 meters, while in Ust-Kamchatsk it could reach 0.19 meters. At the same time, the Uzbek Consulate urged its citizens to maintain calm, avoid panic, and strictly follow the instructions of local emergency services. Contact phone numbers were provided for consular assistance in emergencies: +7(423) 260-48-00 and +7(902) 078-70-07. Currently, the situation in the region is stabilizing. The Kamchatka region is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where approximately 90 percent of the world's earthquakes and more than 75 percent of active volcanoes occur.

A recently circulated video depicting women as if they are being sold in a marketplace evokes not laughter, but deep hatred. This was reported by Upl.uz. This is not a simple joke or satire, but an open promotion of discrimination against women and gender inequality. If content of this nature is accepted in our society, it will lead to a decline in social values. The authors of this video attempted to justify it as a joke and satire. However, the comments made about the video do not support this claim. It is evident from the video's duration and content that a group of people participated in its preparation, and their scope of thinking is very limited. Such videos not only demonstrate a low level of culture and humanity but also serve to shape negative behavior, especially among young people. Promoting gender discrimination and insults against women in public places can lead to serious social problems. This, in turn, exacerbates gender inequality and causes the emergence of incorrect stereotypes. To prevent such negative situations in our society, it is essential to strengthen the principles of culture and respect.

Investigations are underway regarding the death of two citizens of Uzbekistan due to an unfortunate incident that occurred at a construction site in the Leningrad region of the Russian Federation. This was reported by Upl.uz. Another compatriot has been hospitalized with serious injuries. It has been reported that the incident occurred on July 19, 2024, Saturday, in the village of Vartemyagi, within the Vsevolozhsk district. In the private house construction in the South microdistrict, the bodies of two men, aged 43 and 61, were found under collapsed concrete slabs. Medical personnel who arrived at the scene confirmed their deaths. The third worker, a 37-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan, was rescued alive from under the construction structure and urgently taken to a medical facility in the region with severe injuries. Investigative authorities have determined that all three victims were citizens of Uzbekistan and were not officially registered in Russia. According to preliminary information, they were working informally without official work contracts. The project manager present at the construction site stated in the initial inquiry that the construction work was carried out based on a verbal agreement with the property owner. The main cause of the incident is reported to be the sudden collapse of a concrete slab installed on the second floor of the building. The construction client is said to be an acquaintance of the project manager, who is currently outside the territory of Russia, which may complicate the investigation. The Vsevolozhsk city investigation department has initiated a criminal case under part 3 of article 109 of the Russian Criminal Code regarding the crime of causing the death of two or more persons due to negligence. During the investigation process, construction-technical expertise and other forensic examinations have been appointed. The investigative actions are aimed at determining all circumstances of the incident and identifying those responsible for ensuring safety at the construction site.

The Deputy Chairperson of the National Revival Party, Firuza Muhamedjanova, expressed her dissatisfaction with the hypocrisy in society. This was reported by Upl.uz. She criticized the difference between the beer festival held in Tashkent and the mass protests against tree cutting. According to Muhamedjanova, such events are considered contrary to national identity and traditions. The deputy emphasized that mainly young people participated in the beer festival held from June 27 to 29 in Tashkent. She noted that Russian-language media actively covered this event, while Uzbek-language media and the intellectual environment remained silent. She particularly pointed out that the presence of the Center for Islamic Civilization in the area where the festival was held creates a contradiction. Muhamedjanova noted that such events have now become a part of city life and expressed concern about the increasing number of alcohol festivals in society. Some groups consider such events necessary for developing tourism and modernizing the city. However, the deputy emphasized that such openness could lead to the loss of national identity. She recalled that in 1886, the "Alcohol Market" opened in the new part of Tashkent, which was an attempt to corrupt the morals of the local population. A question arose about who and why supports such events today. Muhamedjanova stated that Uzbekistan is not Germany, and it is incorrect to compare the annual billions of euros in revenue from events there. She said that offering alcoholic beverages at low prices for young people is completely unfounded. The deputy referred to Tashkent as the heart of the country, emphasizing the formation of culture, politics, tourism, and media here. Therefore, any event held in the capital should serve as an example for the entire republic. If this trend continues, such festivals may also appear in Bukhara, Samarkand, and Kokand, she believes. She called the beer festival an insult to national traditions and identity. Muhamedjanova expressed concern that transitioning from a beer festival to wine and other bars could gradually change society. Although the choice of drinks is a personal matter for each individual, she emphasized that its public display and promotion could lead to negative consequences. She stated that confusing freedom with uncivilized behavior and lawlessness is a sign of losing national identity. The deputy observed with surprise the lack of protest against such mass promotion in the context of mental health and youth issues in society, including the existence of 12-year-old drug addicts in Uzbekistan. She emphasized that the activism shown in protecting trees should also manifest in protecting national identity. Muhamedjanova concluded her remarks with the opinion of Alisher Qodirov: even if a tree is dead, it is decaying, thus highlighting the need to save water, land, energy, food, and time, and to unite to preserve identity. She also posed the question: if Uzbekistan is a secular state, why are pilaf festivals customary and supported, while beer festivals are sharply criticized? This issue is more related to the content of the events, as pilaf festivals promote national culture, while alcohol festivals negatively impact youth morals. According to Muhamedjanova, this situation reflects the limitations in fully understanding the principles of a secular state, as freedom and personal choice must align with societal morals, but should not be subject to outdated views. She stated in her statement that no

The State Security Service reports that illegal religious education activities have been identified in Tashkent region. This was reported by Upl.uz. Special operational measures were carried out in cooperation with the employees of the National Security Service and internal affairs agencies. During the events, it was revealed that two unemployed citizens aged 21 and 43 had involved minors in illegal religious education. In particular, the 21-year-old individual taught 31 children in the Zangiota district, while the 43-year-old taught 12 minors in the Tashkent district. Individuals accused of these violations, as well as parents who sent their children to such illegal educational institutions, were held administratively liable. The responsibility of each citizen before the law is significant, and religious education must be conducted only in officially registered and state-controlled institutions. Thus, measures to prevent illegal educational activities and ensure public safety are ongoing.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reports that rescuers provided assistance to a driver who found himself in a difficult situation at the Kamchik pass. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 20, around 14:30, a traffic accident occurred at the Kamchik pass. During movement, a wagon from a MAN truck fell off, causing the wagon to overturn and nearly halting traffic. A special search and rescue team was notified about this incident and rescuers quickly arrived at the scene. With the help of special equipment and tools, the overturned wagon was righted and the truck was removed from the roadside. No one was injured as a result of the incident. The ministry is urging drivers to be cautious when passing through the Kamchik pass, as this road area is considered dangerous. It is important for drivers to strictly adhere to traffic rules.

Last night, residents of Uzumbog Street in the Olmazor district of Tashkent noticed a strong odor. This was reported by Upl.uz. The press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations announced this. It was revealed that a leak of hydrogen peroxide occurred in a warehouse located on Uzumbog Street in the Olmazor district. The leak was completely eliminated by 4:00 AM. The capital's Department of Emergency Situations involved its radiation, chemical, and medical-biological protection units in addressing the leak. Currently, a thorough investigation is underway to determine the causes of the incident. Representatives of the ministry are not yet providing detailed information about the volume of the leak and its impact on the environment and human health. Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless chemical compound with strong oxidizing properties. It is used in medicine as an antiseptic, for bleaching and disinfecting at home, and in industry for cleaning and bleaching materials. At high concentrations, contaminated hydrogen peroxide can pose an explosion hazard.

The press service of the Tashkent region customs department reported that an attempt to illegally export cultural valuables was thwarted. This was reported by Upl.uz. Employees of the "Keles" border railway customs post located in the Tashkent region inspected the luggage of a passenger on the "Tashkent-Almaty" train. During the inspection, a carpet that raised suspicions among customs officials was found in the citizen's luggage. This carpet was sent for artistic expertise to the cultural heritage agency. According to the expert conclusion, the carpet was recognized as a cultural asset of artistic and historical significance and is prohibited from being exported from Uzbekistan. The value of the carpet was estimated at five million soums. Relevant documents were formalized regarding this case, and the matter was sent to court for legal resolution. Customs officials have been effectively fulfilling their duties in protecting the country's cultural heritage.

According to the press service of the Samarkand region's Department of Internal Affairs, a person holding narcotic substances has been identified. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 20 of this year, at approximately 15:30, a "Malibu" brand vehicle was stopped at the permanent post of "Omonquton" located in the Urgut district of Samarkand region. While checking the driver's documents, the behavior of a passenger in the vehicle appeared suspicious. Subsequently, a personal search of this individual was conducted in the presence of witnesses. As a result, one package wrapped in paper was found, which was determined to contain a narcotic substance known as "marijuana." Relevant documents were formalized regarding this incident. The individual was detained and taken to the Urgut district Department of Internal Affairs for the initiation of investigative actions.

According to the press service of the Seismological Monitoring Republican Center, underground tremors have been recorded. This was reported by Upl.uz. On July 21 of this year, at approximately 10:40, an earthquake occurred in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The epicenter of the earthquake is located in the city of Osh, at a depth of 10 kilometers from the surface. The magnitude at the epicenter was 3.7, and the strength of the earthquake was 4. In Uzbekistan, underground tremors were felt in two districts of Andijan region. In the Khonobod district, this strength was estimated at 2-3, while in the Qurgontepa district it was 2. The distance between the epicenter of the earthquake and the city of Tashkent is 348 kilometers. Thus, the earthquake that occurred in Kyrgyzstan was also felt in some areas of Uzbekistan. Specialists are urging the population to remain calm and take precautions.

The press service of the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported that individuals involved in illegal foreign currency exchange have been detained. This was reported by Upl.uz. In particular, in the Chust district of Namangan region, a citizen suspected of illegal currency exchange was detained in cooperation with law enforcement officers. This individual was caught while trying to buy 4000 US dollars for 50.8 million soums. Additionally, in the Sherobod district of Surxondaryo region, a citizen was detained with evidence while selling 3900 US dollars for 330,000 Russian rubles. A similar incident occurred in Samarkand city, where another citizen was detained while selling 2300 US dollars and 90,000 Russian rubles for 44 million soums. Criminal cases have been initiated under the article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding "Illegal purchase or sale of currency values" for all these cases. Such incidents are under strict control to ensure the legality of the currency market and maintain financial security in our country. Law enforcement agencies continue to take measures against illegal currency exchange.

The series "The Great Century" has led many to imagine the harem as a place of unparalleled luxury, complex intrigues, and romantic encounters with the sultan. This was reported by Upl.uz. However, in real life, the daily lives of many women in the household were completely different and differed significantly from the bright images on the screens. Behind the beauty of Eastern garments and delicate dances lay strict discipline and hard work, especially for those at the lower levels of the harem hierarchy. In the harem, the day would begin long before dawn, starting with the call to the morning prayer by the muezzin. After the prayer, the women of the household would begin to carry out the many tasks assigned to them. Their daily schedule was planned down to the minute. Every day, tasks such as cleaning the floors, washing heavy carpets, and airing all the rooms of the household were carried out. Additionally, every day, approximately four hundred kilograms of laundry were done by hand. This included personal clothing, bed linens, and towels. In the kitchen, assistance was required in preparing thousands of dishes. These dishes ranged from simple meals intended for the ordinary servants to exquisite dishes presented to the sultan and his close ones. No mistakes could be made in any task, as this could lead to serious consequences. The workday often stretched to twelve to fourteen hours, and minor errors could be punished severely. After long hours of hard work, special attention was given to hygiene. The large bathhouse of the harem occupied approximately 150 square meters and could accommodate fifty women at a time. Each woman was required to go to the bathhouse at least twice a week. Here, lengthy and often painful procedures were carried out. For example, the skin was cleaned using harsh gloves and fragrant scrubs, massages were performed to relieve muscle pain, body hair was removed, and various oils and perfumes were applied to the skin and hair. These procedures were not in vain but were accepted as strict requirements, as cleanliness and order were considered important in the harem. Thus, the harem was characterized not only by jewelry and intrigues but also by hard work, strict discipline, and constant hygiene rituals. While the struggle continued among women trying to gain the sultan's attention, the others simply awaited the opportunity to finish their work faster and rest. Their lives were filled with monotonous tasks, and dreams of luxury and influence were merely dreams. The world of the harem was based on labor and obedience, not love and intrigues as portrayed on screens.