Demolitions in Bukhara Continue Despite UNESCO Demands for a Halt

Demolitions in Bukhara’s buffer zone continue despite Uzbekistan’s promises to harmonize its plans with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). On February 26, demolition began on the 23,000-seat Bukhara Arena stadium near Bukhara’s historic centre. Ignoring the fact that construction of the Bokii Bukhoro tourist centre is under review by ICOMOS, the advisory body of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, local authorities are activating their plans.

UNESCO claims that on February 8, a letter…