The Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts (1972-74), featuring decorated prefabricated panels in the faҫade and an arcade with lancet arches evoking traditional forms. © Authors, 2022.
Shifting Paradigms Between Modernism and Tradition

The Case of Tashkent

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52200/docomomo.74.04

Keywords:

Tashkent, Soviet Modernism, Global and Local, Traditional and Modern

Abstract

The global dissemination of modernist architecture reflects an intricate interplay between universal principles of design and regional adaptations, often shaped by sociopolitical ideologies and local traditions. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, serves as a compelling example of this phenomenon, illustrating the fusion of global and socialist modernist ideals with Central Asian heritage. This paper explores the emergence of Tashkent’s modernist architecture, focusing on its transformation in the 20th century through three interconnected dimensions: a brief theoretical framework focusing on the global origins and regional responses of Modernism, its reinterpretation in Tashkent’s Soviet-era urban development, and the localized adaptations that integrate regional decorative and architectural elements, climate-responsive features, and cultural narratives. The study traces Modernism’s journey from its European roots to its adoption in socialist and postcolonial contexts, emphasizing how, in the second half of the 20th century, Tashkent became a laboratory for architectural innovation. Through the analysis of emblematic buildings, the paper highlights how modernist principles were reimagined to address regional conditions and to integrate Eastern ornamentation and traditional spatial practices. Despite the rich cultural synthesis achieved in Tashkent’s modernist heritage, these buildings face challenges in preservation due to post-Soviet identity shifts and rapid urban development. Thus, the paper concludes by examining emerging conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of these architectural achievements in advancing a deeper understanding of the dynamic interaction between global modernism and local influences. Tashkent’s 20th-century architectural legacy not only represents a significant chapter in the history of modernist architecture but also serves as a unique lens through which to reconsider the complexities of cultural identity, globalization, and architectural preservation.

How to Cite

Celli, S., Del Curto, D., Pieniazek, K., & Uzgoren, G. (2025). Shifting Paradigms Between Modernism and Tradition: The Case of Tashkent. Docomomo Journal, (74), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.52200/docomomo.74.04

Published

2025-11-26

Issue

No. 74 (2025): Imperfect Modernism

Section

Essays

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Sofia Celli, Davide Del Curto, Karolina Pieniazek, Gunce Uzgoren

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Author Biographies

Sofia Celli, Politecnico di Milano

is a research fellow at Politecnico di Milano (Department of Architecture and Urban Studies). After graduating from Politecnico di Milano, she received her Ph.D at Università di Parma, with a thesis on the construction history of the wooden chain encircling Brunelleschi’s dome. During her doctoral studies, she participated in the Getty Foundation’s Keeping It Modern initiative, contributing to the development of a conservation and management plan for Havana’s National Art Schools (grant 2018). Her current research focuses on the conservation and management of 20th-century architecture, with particular focus on the Modernist Architecture of Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

Davide Del Curto, Politecnico di Milano

is a full professor of architectural preservation at Politecnico di Milano, Dept. of Architecture and Urban Studies, and vice-rector of Mantua Campus. His research focuses on building diagnostics and preventive conservation, focusing on the 20th century. He participated in national and international research programs and restoration campaigns for heritage buildings from the 13th to the 20th centuries. He took part in the preparation of the conservation management plan for Urbino University Collegi by Giancarlo De Carlo (2015-2018), the National Art Schools of Cuba (2018-2020), both awarded the Keeping it Modern grant by the Getty Foundation and the Modernist Architecture of Tashkent (2021-2023).

Karolina Pieniazek, Politecnico di Milano

is a PhD student in Built Heritage Preservation at the Politecnico di Milano. Her current research focuses on the contemporary issues of preserving the post-Soviet modern heritage. She received her Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano, and her thesis focused on the study and preservation strategy of the Panoramic Cinema, one of the most iconic post-Soviet modern examples from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her research placement is at the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, where she is a team member responsible for preparing the nomination dossier for the WHL of Tashkent’s modern heritage.

Gunce Uzgoren, Politecnico di Milano

is a Turkish preservation architect with a PhD from La Sapienza University of Rome in the Architecture, Theory, and Design program, where she was awarded the prestigious International Fellowship offered to one person per faculty. Her PhD thesis examined the ideological goals and impacts of architectural competitions in Istanbul. Her work emphasizes the complex interplay between architecture, power, and societal dynamics within urban landscapes, particularly in rapidly modernizing societies. Her expertise bridges architectural theory with practical urban solutions, fostering community engagement and urban development. Currently, she is engaged in research at the Politecnico di Milano investigating the modernist architecture of Tashkent for UNESCO World Heritage nomination.

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