In the early morning of April 26, 1966, a powerful earthquake struck Tashkent. The epicenter of the tremors, estimated at around 8 on the Richter scale, was located almost in the city center, leading to the destruction of many old-type single-story houses, administrative and public buildings. Over 300,000 people were left homeless, making it one of the most severe natural disasters in the city's history.
The elimination of the disaster's consequences involved active participation from builders across Uzbekistan's regions and the former Soviet republics. As noted by Kobuljon Sobirov, Director of the SCO Center for People's Diplomacy in Uzbekistan, the post-earthquake recovery period largely shaped Tashkent's modern appearance, and the aid provided by the allied republics served as an example of interethnic cooperation.
An exhibition titled "Tashkent Earthquake – A Point of International Solidarity" has opened at the Tashkent History Museum to mark the 60th anniversary of the tragedy. Organized by the SCO Center for People's Diplomacy in Uzbekistan and the "Uzarchive" Agency under the Ministry of Justice, the exhibition features documents on the earthquake's damage and recovery measures, issues of the "Tashkentskaya Pravda" newspaper, and photographs from the National Archive of Film and Photo Documents of Uzbekistan.
The exhibition consists of two parts: the first narrates the aftermath of the destruction and the population's efforts in recovery, while the second depicts the city's reconstruction process, including the development of the master plan, arrival of construction brigades, and erection of new buildings. As emphasized by Ulugbek Yusupov, Director of the "Uzarchive" Agency, the exposition allows viewers to see the events through the eyes of witnesses and appreciate the value of peaceful life preserved through joint efforts.
The exhibition is open until April 26 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, offering residents of Tashkent and visitors an opportunity to commemorate the historical event and celebrate international solidarity.
Source: www.gazeta.uz