Restoration of Architectural Heritage of Central Asia

Abstract

This article explores the historical development and contemporary challenges of architectural restoration in Central Asia, emphasizing the region's longstanding cultural engagement with preserving built heritage. It traces the continuity of restoration practices from antiquity to the present, highlighting how restoration was historically understood and executed within local traditions before the influence of European architectural ideologies. The paper also examines the significant impact of environmental changes, particularly climate change and the Aral Sea ecological crisis – on the conservation of architectural monuments. Through detailed case studies of key sites in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the article evaluates the evolution of restoration approaches, from Soviet-era centralization to modern efforts that aim to reconcile authenticity, sustainability, and national identity. The study concludes that effective heritage conservation in Central Asia must be interdisciplinary, integrating traditional craftsmanship, scientific innovation, and environmental resilience.