A New Building for Uzbekistan’s National Archive to Be Constructed

Recently, during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to the United Arab Emirates, a series of mutually beneficial bilateral agreements were signed to strengthen the friendly relations and elevate international cooperation between the two nations.

One of these agreements, titled “Agreement Between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Attracting Grant Funds,” aims to enhance the preservation of archival documents that reflect the material and spiritual life of the Uzbek people. These documents hold historical, scientific, social, economic, political, and cultural significance.

What Is the Core Focus of the Agreement?

According to the agreement, the parties will collaborate to attract a grant of approximately $20 million from the Government of the UAE to construct, equip, and commission a new building for the Uzbekistan National Archive in Tashkent.

Significant preparatory work has already been carried out. Notably, the State Program on Construction of Archive Buildings and Storage Facilities for 2020–2025 was approved by the Presidential Decree No. PQ-4463 on September 20, 2019. This program outlines the construction of archive buildings across Uzbekistan and their provision with necessary equipment and facilities.

On March 25, 2019, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Uzarchiv Agency and the National Archives of the UAE. Since then, UAE representatives and specialists have visited Uzbekistan’s National Archive several times. Naturally, the archival materials, with records dating back to the 9th century and possessing immense historical, cultural, and scientific value, have garnered considerable interest.

What Valuable Documents Are Stored in Uzbekistan’s State Archives?

The archives currently house over 16 million storage units, of which 9.3 million belong to the State Archival Fund. The archival system includes 3 national archives, 14 regional branches, and 101 provincial, city, and district archives, along with 116 personal document archives.

Documents dating from the 9th century to the present day are preserved here. The oldest document is from the 9th century and is a waqf (endowment) deed written in 868 CE (254 AH) by Ismail Samani (ruler from 892 to 907) regarding his mausoleum and endowments for his descendants. The “Waqf Document Collection” consists of 1,597 compiled volumes, with most originating from Bukhara, while others are from Khiva, Tashkent, Samarkand, Herat, Balkh, and even sacred cities such as Mecca and Medina.

The archives also preserve collections related to prominent historical figures, political parties, and cultural and scientific institutions. For instance:

• The Waqf Document Collection (9th century–early 20th century)

• The Chancellery of Khiva Khans (early 17th century–early 20th century)

• The Divan of the Bukhara Amir’s Kushbegi (early 14th century–early 20th century)

• The Archives of Kokand Khans (early 18th century–late 19th century)

These collections are of exceptional interest due to their rarity and serve as fundamental sources for historical research.

Of particular note is the “Khiva Khanate Archive” (Fund I-125), recognized for its authenticity and international significance. This collection provides unique insights into state administration, military conditions, and civilian life during the late 17th to early 19th centuries. The collection was inscribed on UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program in 2017.

Another noteworthy collection is the “Bukhara Amir’s Kushbegi Office” (Fund I-126), containing 9,441 compiled volumes from 1718 to 1920. It includes documents on Bukhara’s foreign policy, military affairs, communications, logistics, administrative structure, and public health. This collection is also included in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program.

Is Uzbekistan Ready for the Implementation of the Grant Project?

In conclusion, the UAE’s provision of technical assistance and grant funds has laid the foundation for implementing the construction project for Uzbekistan’s new National Archive building. In May 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan issued a relevant decree, allocating 3.2 hectares of land on Yangi Uzbekistan Street in Tashkent for the project.

The project is also included in the Cabinet of Ministers-approved “Targeted Program for Attracting External Assistance and Collaborating with Donors in 2024.”

The Importance of Archives

An archive is a treasure where the past, present, and future converge. Through archives, the connection between eras, as well as the cultural and social history of a nation, is preserved. As a source of historical and cultural information, archives are invaluable. They provide a sense of pride in the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, with their unique ethnic traditions.

The Grant Agreement between the governments of Uzbekistan and the UAE establishes a legal framework for these ambitious projects. The new National Archive building, with a capacity of 4 million storage units, is expected to serve as a vital hub for preserving the historical documents of Uzbekistan and Central Asia for future generations.