Seminar for restoration specialists: topical issues of heritage and cultural monuments preservation

On 5-6 October, Samarkand will host the first workshop for restorers entitled " The Revival of Restoration Art in Uzbekistan: Current Issues of Conservation of Cultural Heritage and Monuments of Culture". The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage and the Agency for Cultural Heritage.

The seminar was aimed at strengthening preservation of the unique cultural heritage reflecting the rich history and culture of the Uzbek people, digitalisation of the industry, innovative development and strengthening of its material and technical base, and consideration of measures for effective application of the best international practices.

The event was opened by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Aziz Abdukhakimov.

According to Deputy Prime Minister, currently 8,210 tangible cultural heritage sites have been taken under protection of the state, including 4,788 archaeological sites, 2,265 architectural sites, 625 works of monumental art and 530 monuments.

It was noted at the seminar that over the past three years more than 250 objects of cultural heritage have been restored and preserved. Some 339 billion sums from the national budget have been spent on these facilities. Today, there are over 400 master restorers in our country.

The two-day seminar will feature presentations by a number of specialists and address the issues of attracting qualified master restorers to work on preservation of cultural heritage sites in Uzbekistan, enhancement of positive image of the country, discussion of achievements and shortcomings in this area, and restoration of traditional restoration methods.