The mosaic tiling on the domes of Tashkent's famous Blue Domes restaurant has been stripped away without authorization from the relevant authorities. Built in 1970, the building is a landmark example of the Soviet modernist architecture and is officially protected by the state under the National Register of Cultural Heritage Real Estate Objects.
Following an outcry on social media regarding the late-night renovation work, representatives from the Cultural Heritage Agency alongside law enforcement officials rushed to the scene on the night of July 20.
A video released by the agency reveals that the historic mosaic artwork had already been completely stripped from two of the domes, and partially removed from a third. The construction work was halted immediately.
"The site management was given a detailed explanation regarding the legal requirements, emphasizing that any repair, restoration, or structural modifications to cultural heritage sites must only be conducted with an official permit from authorized bodies and in strict compliance with the law," the agency stated. The authorities have not yet specified what penalties or legal actions will be faced by those responsible for the violation.
Stay up to date with all the latest news:
