Studying the architecture of Tashkent, I noticed a residential complex consisting of several multi-story buildings, referred to here as "Moscow houses." I invite you to learn about the history of this interesting landmark.
How to Get There by Metro
The "Moscow houses" consist of eight multi-story buildings located on both sides of Abdulla Qodiriy Street. Directly to the eastern part of the ensemble, there is an exit from the "Hamid Olimjon" metro station, which is on the red metro line.
The addresses of the houses are: Hamid Olimjon Square, 10a, 11a, 12a, 13b (eastern group of buildings), 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b (western group of buildings). From here, you can start an overview tour of the city. Approximately 20 minutes' walk away is the central square of the city, named after Amir Timur.
A Bit of History
On April 26, 1966, a devastating earthquake occurred in Tashkent, destroying a large number of urban buildings. Immediately after this, a government commission was created to eliminate the consequences, and specialists from all union republics were involved in the restoration of Tashkent. At that time, buildings designed in other cities of the large country began to appear in the city.
Ten years after the Tashkent earthquake, another similar disaster occurred in the Uzbek village of Gazli. To support the union republic, Moscow decided to finance the construction of a new residential complex in Tashkent. It was also designed in Moscow. Observant readers may notice another reference to the Russian capital: structures resembling swallow tails, reminiscent of the Kremlin walls, are installed on the roofs of the buildings.
The "Moscow houses" might not have appeared in Tashkent—initially, it was planned to build the complex according to this project in Almaty. This story reminded me of another one—about the Tashkent Television Tower; initially, the tower was designed for the Iraqi city of Baghdad.
Although I have seen the "Moscow houses" several times, it was only during the preparation of this material that I learned that the two parts of the "Moscow houses" complex were built at different times: first, four buildings located to the east of Abdulla Qodiriy Street were constructed, and the last of these buildings was completed in 1983, and then it was decided to build four more buildings for symmetry. The construction of the western buildings was completed in 1990.
The high-rises on Hamid Alimjan Square are earthquake-resistant. Underground passages connect them underground. The connecting element of the above-ground part is a curved structure, which in some sources is called a "staple." Commercial premises are located here.
I have come across information about the city authorities' plans to reconstruct this complex. However, judging by the photos available on the Internet, the reconstruction will lead to the loss of the recognizable appearance of the skyscrapers.
Not far from the "Moscow houses" is the former Mirzo Ulugbek Central Park, one of the most popular recreation areas for the residents of hot Tashkent.
Have a nice trip!
