Uzbekistan Opinions - The Times Of Central Asia

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Cultural Heritage

Opinion: Off the Grid in Uzbekistan – A Journey to Sarchashma’s Living Heritage

The Uzbek government’s tourism campaign is aiming to attract visitors to the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. These places, embodying Central Asia’s rich shared Persian and Turkic heritage, have been given extensive infrastructural and hospitality investments. Today, a stroll through Samarkand features a display of its luxury hotels and brick-paved shopping alleys boasting assortments of vintage ware and mass-produced souvenirs. Bukhara, also transformed by upgrades and restorations, is now host to the trendy Biennial, marketing the city as a new hub for ‘creatives, thinkers and visitors from all over the world’, in line with its legacy as the historical intellectual center of Central Asia. Finally, Khiva’s clay walls have been leveraged to turn the Itchan Kala into an attraction-cum-shopping-town where its distinct floral ornamentation is eclipsed by the fluorescent parade of cheap goods along and around historic monuments. While tourists who limit themselves to this triad will no doubt find heritage between the cracks of the consumerist-package wrapping, they risk missing out on the stuff that makes Central Asia so lovable – its people, nature, and quiet reverence for culture. That is why, for the more adventurous travelers, I recommend going off-piste, deep into the Gilon Valley two hours east of Shahrisabz: to the green little Tajik village of Sarchashma. [caption id="attachment_34153" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Image: Madina Gazieva[/caption] The picturesque way leading to Sarchashma starts at the Hisorak hydroelectric dam, 30km east of Shakhrisabz, itself a site of historic importance as the birthplace of the famous conqueror Amir Temur. Lasting approximately an hour and a half, the drive from Hisorak to Sarchashma feels like something out of a Kiarostami film: a winding earthen road, towered by the foothills of the Hissor mountain range, bordered by the azure Aksu River that culminates in the Hisorak reserve downstream. One can pause on top of the dam, or at any point, to appreciate the dramatic landscape created by the serpentine Aksu, interrupted by mountains rising from the valley floor. Closer to Sarchashma, two prominent, rounded, equilateral mountains emerge upstream of the river; this is where Sarchashma is cozily nestled amid a sprawling green patch of poplar and walnut trees. As the village’s elders explain, the settlement used to be called ‘Kizilimchak’, denoting ‘red-chested girl’ – the locals’ way of honoring the eminence of their topography. [caption id="attachment_34154" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Sarchashma Museum; image: Madina Gazieva[/caption] A cultural legacy, unadulterated nature, and welcoming people are what make Sarchashma worth visiting. The village is host to a small but packed museum, comprising three rooms in an old mosque, founded by Kundal artist and schoolteacher Aki Furqat. Furqat, who speaks Russian, spent years collecting scattered archaeological items such as pottery, sewing and farming tools found near what the inhabitants say was an ancient settlement called ‘Ochtepa’, now farmland, a few kilometers from Sarchashma. While formal excavations have yet to be carried out, the temporal range of artefacts points to a rich legacy: more recent items include Persian philosophical texts, Soviet-era photographs, and contemporary books written by local...

Education

Opinion: Uzbekistan Shows the World How Distance Education Can Work in a Crisis

A new study from Uzbekistan offers a powerful counter-narrative to the global trend of learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries struggled to maintain academic progress amid widespread school closures, Uzbekistan managed to not only sustain but improve learning outcomes — a feat made possible through swift and innovative education responses. In our latest paper, we draw on unique longitudinal data to evaluate the impact of pandemic-induced school closures. The findings are striking. Key Findings • Grade 5 mathematics scores improved by 0.29 standard deviations during the pandemic. • Students tested in both 2019 and 2021 gained 0.72 standard deviations, indicating continued learning. • Uzbekistan maintained learning continuity despite massive disruptions to traditional schooling. It was with some trepidation that I looked towards distance education done right to alleviate the situation. I am glad I was proven right, but, of course, this is all due to the students, families, teachers, administrators, and the Ministry of Education of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan Model: Distance Learning via TV What made this success possible? We credit Uzbekistan’s rapid deployment of daily televised lessons, taught by the country's best teachers, ensuring nationwide coverage even where internet access was limited. Despite limited internet access in rural areas, 100% digital TV penetration made broadcasting the most viable mass learning platform. By April 2020, over 350 video lessons were airing nationally and uploaded online for supplementary access. Implications for Global Education Policy Uzbekistan’s experience illustrates that learning loss is not inevitable. With well-designed, inclusive, and adaptive policies, countries can maintain — and even accelerate — learning during crises. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on educational resilience and can inform crisis responses worldwide.

Regional Cooperation

Opinion: Regional Power Starts at Home – Central Asia’s Path to Autonomy

The world is once again in a phase of systemic uncertainty. As conflicts proliferate and global governance splits, small and medium states must grapple with the consequences. For Central Asia, these external crises are not distant events; they are transmitted through trade, remittances, energy prices, and diplomatic pressure. But while exposure is unavoidable, dependence is not. The region’s future lies not in aligning with competing hegemons, but in constructing durable institutions of regional cooperation and self-governance. Over the last two decades, Central Asian countries have existed in a delicate balance. Security guarantees from Russia, infrastructure finance from China, and development assistance from the West provided a measure of stability, but they also bred institutional inertia. Today, that equilibrium is breaking down. Russia is preoccupied and sanctioned. China’s external ambitions are increasingly self-serving. The West is distracted. The resulting vacuum could leave Central Asia either exposed or, more optimistically, empowered to shape its own destiny. Uzbekistan's Institutional Recalibration Uzbekistan's pivot after 2016 was more than a diplomatic rebranding. It marked a nascent effort to build regional institutional trust, which was long absent in Central Asia. For the first time since independence, disputes over borders, transit, and trade were addressed not through coercion or isolation, but negotiation. The Khujand Declaration, signed by Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, offered a blueprint for how local capacity, rather than external mediation, can resolve long-standing frictions. This was a decisive shift from extractive bilateralism to inclusive multilateralism. But diplomatic normalization is only a prelude. The deeper question remains: Can Central Asia institutionalize integration? Can it create shared rules and enforcement mechanisms strong enough to withstand both internal and external shocks? If Central Asian countries want to succeed, they should invest in four areas of regional institution-building, which will bring collective autonomy to the region. Mobility without bureaucracy Mobility is not just about tourism or convenience; it is about labor markets, political identity, and state capacity. Central Asia must move toward the full elimination of intra-regional visa and registration requirements. A legally binding regional agreement should guarantee the right of all citizens to live, work, and invest across borders without administrative friction. Strategic alignment through membership discipline Membership in multilateral organizations is not costless. It binds countries to external norms and power hierarchies. Uzbekistan’s exit from the CSTO and its calibrated WTO accession strategy demonstrate the value of selectively aligning with institutions that advance national and regional interests. Central Asian countries should have the political will to reconsider all memberships that harm their prosperity. Instead, a coordinated foreign policy doctrine between countries could increase their authority and bargaining power on the global stage. Energy security through joint investment and governance Energy independence is the main concern in Central Asia. Therefore, a Central Asian Energy Association should be established to coordinate grid connectivity, renewable development, and strategic reserves. Collective energy governance would reduce dependency on Russian and Chinese systems, while enabling scale economies in transition technologies. Investment in Afghanistan as a regional stability mechanism The marginalization of Afghanistan has...

State Visit

Opinion: Mirziyoyev’s Historic Visit Opens New Era for Uzbekistan-Mongolia Ties

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev embarked on a historic journey to Mongolia on June 24-25, marking a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations. This landmark visit, the first of its kind in over thirty years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, signifies a new era of collaboration and potential growth in Central Asia. Accompanied by his wife, Mirziyoyev was warmly received in Ulaanbaatar by Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg and a host of other dignitaries. Their arrival set the stage for discussions aimed at unlocking vast opportunities for multifaceted cooperation and development, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future. Despite the significant geographical distance that separates Uzbekistan and Mongolia, the two nations are witnessing a remarkable evolution in their bilateral relations. This burgeoning partnership spans several domains, including diplomacy, economics, transportation, culture, and humanitarian efforts. A pivotal moment in this relationship was marked by the recent inauguration of the Mongolian Embassy in Tashkent, which symbolizes a commitment to fostering closer ties. Additionally, the increased frequency of intergovernmental and interparliamentary dialogue reflects a shared ambition to enhance collaboration. The signing of 14 bilateral agreements further underscores a mutual desire to cultivate trust and strengthen the partnership, paving the way for a promising future. In recent years, the partnership between Uzbekistan and Mongolia has experienced a remarkable surge in trade and investment. This dynamic growth is underpinned by a robust and multifaceted cooperation that spans numerous sectors, showcasing the commitment of both nations to strengthening ties. Between 2018 and 2023, trade between Uzbekistan and Mongolia experienced a significant increase, rising by more than 8.8 times. This impressive upward trajectory has continued into the early months of 2025, with preliminary data indicating a sustained expansion. Uzbekistan exports a variety of goods to Mongolia, including vital agricultural and industrial products, while Mongolia has ramped up its livestock exports, enriching the trading landscape. The establishment of numerous joint ventures exemplifies, with many ventures operating in Uzbekistan featuring 100% Mongolian capital, primarily in the realms of trade and services. Both nations are actively identifying and pursuing opportunities for collaborative projects in critical areas, including logistics, agro-processing, and machinery manufacturing. A particular emphasis is placed on joint production initiatives in sectors such as leather, wool, and cashmere processing, as well as the fabrication of electrical equipment, machinery, and construction materials. Agricultural cooperation is also a key focus, with plans for joint clusters and projects aimed at the processing and production of meat, dairy, wool, and leather products. Enhancing transport interconnectivity and developing innovative logistics routes are prioritized, with a direct air service between the capitals anticipated to be in place by the end of the year. Cultural and humanitarian exchanges are being fostered through initiatives such as the Days of Uzbek Culture, which take place in Ulaanbaatar, and the return of Mongolian students to Uzbek universities. The recent meeting between the President of Uzbekistan and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, marked a significant step toward enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both leaders engaged in productive...

Mongolia

Opinion: Beyond the Steppe and the Oasis – Uzbekistan and Mongolia Forge a New Eurasian Axis

When Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Ulaanbaatar on June 24, for the first state visit of its kind in over thirty years of bilateral relations, it marked far more than a ceremonial milestone—it inaugurated a new continental bridge between Central and Northeast Asia. This long-overdue rapprochement, anchored in pragmatism and shared strategic aspirations, signals a transformative shift in Eurasian diplomacy. It is a moment not just of bilateral relevance, but of regional consequence. The significance of this visit rests not only in its unprecedented nature, but also in its scope and timing. Concluding just a year after Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh’s landmark 2024 visit to Tashkent—which laid the groundwork by opening Mongolia’s embassy in Uzbekistan and producing 14 foundational agreements—Mirziyoyev’s trip has formalized the momentum into a ‘Comprehensive Partnership Declaration’. The outcomes include new trade commitments, transport corridors, cultural and academic ties, and a political alignment that subtly redraws the map of Eurasian cooperation. Rediscovering Strategic Geography What makes this partnership compelling is the rediscovery of geography in a post-globalization world. Uzbekistan and Mongolia are both landlocked, Uzbekistan doubly so, and lie at the crossroads of larger powers—Russia, China, and increasingly, the emerging economic spheres of South and West Asia. For years, both nations were seen as peripheral actors in global politics. Today, however, shifting supply chains, energy diversification, and regional infrastructure projects such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have brought new relevance to their geography. This state visit demonstrated a clear strategic calculus of connectivity, resilience, and regional integration. With the rise of multi-vector diplomacy—long a staple of Mongolia’s foreign policy—Uzbekistan is mirroring similar principles to diversify its partnerships and mitigate geopolitical dependence. In Mirziyoyev’s words, both countries “agreed to jointly develop efficient transportation routes,” echoing a growing realization that infrastructure is destiny. The immediate fruit of this understanding is the first direct air link between Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar, to be operated by Hunnu Air and Uzbek partners starting in fall 2025. On the ground, both sides are accelerating the development of a road corridor via Kyrgyzstan and China, creating an East-West axis that could become a vital alternative to congested or politically fraught transit routes. In this regard, the Uzbek-Mongolian corridor aligns with academic assessments that argue for multimodal, decentralized connectivity in post-pandemic Eurasia. Economic Diplomacy in Action Although bilateral trade remains modest in volume—just $14 million in 2023—it is growing rapidly, nearly doubling year-on-year. More importantly, it is underpinned by complementary economies. Uzbekistan exports automobiles, textiles, and agricultural products, while Mongolia offers livestock, wool, leather, and minerals. This isn’t simply a matter of goods exchanged, but of value chains being stitched together. The presence of a Chevrolet dealership in Ulaanbaatar and the arrival of over 1,400 Mongolian sheep in Navoi region of Uzbekistan are not anecdotal oddities—they’re signs of a nascent, multidimensional trade ecosystem. More than 150 companies participated in a bilateral business forum in Ulaanbaatar, resulting in new contracts and a decision to establish a ‘Joint Business Council’. Further, the agreements on investment...

Currency

Opinion: The U.S. Dollar Loses Its Luster as the Uzbek Som Shines

From May 20, 2025, to June 19, 2025, the U.S. dollar declined from 12,885 Uzbek som to 12,625 som, reaching its lowest level since early December 2023. This trend is anticipated to persist. Over the past 30 days, the dollar has depreciated by 2.08% against the som. The Central Bank of Uzbekistan adheres to a flexible exchange rate mechanism, commonly referred to as a floating exchange rate. This approach allows the value of the Uzbek som to be primarily influenced by market forces of supply and demand, rather than being fixed or pegged to another currency. In the context of Uzbekistan, the Central Bank defines the market-determined exchange rate, permitting the som to fluctuate freely based on the interactions between buyers and sellers in the foreign exchange market. In 2017, Uzbekistan transitioned to a flexible exchange rate regime, aligning the som with market conditions and narrowing the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates. This move is expected to enhance export competitiveness, as noted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). While the market predominantly determines the exchange rate, the Central Bank reserves the right to intervene in the foreign exchange market to mitigate excessive fluctuations or address significant imbalances. However, it does not maintain a fixed exchange rate. The primary objective of the Central Bank is to uphold price stability, ensuring low and stable inflation. The flexible exchange rate regime empowers the Central Bank to utilize interest rates as a tool to influence inflation and manage the overall economy. Since 2020, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan has been implementing an inflation targeting framework that guides its monetary policy decisions, including those related to the exchange rate. Uzbekistan has recently achieved a remarkable milestone, with its international reserves soaring to an unprecedented $49.6 billion, primarily driven by a substantial increase in gold prices. This significant figure, recorded at the end of last week, represents the highest level of international reserves since the Central Bank of Uzbekistan began tracking this data in 2013. Uzbekistan has been on a remarkable journey of financial growth, marked by a sustained increase in its reserves over the past five months. Since the beginning of the year, the country's reserves have increased by an impressive $8.48 billion, reaching a new historic high of $49.66 billion. In May alone, the reserves saw a substantial boost of $410.2 million, translating to a 0.8% increase compared to April. This consistent upward momentum not only highlights the resilience of Uzbekistan's economy but also demonstrates its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic global landscape. Central to this financial ascent has been the role of gold, which has enjoyed significant demand due to its elevated prices in international markets. Over the last month, gold prices surged by 3.27%, rising from $3,280 to $3,390.07 per ounce. When examining the broader trends, it is evident that gold has significantly appreciated, with a striking 25.5% increase since the start of this year and an even more impressive 41.3% surge over...