Tashkent Earthquake Memorial

Tashkent Earthquake Memorial

The Tashkent Earthquake Memorial, also known as the Monument to Courage, was erected by the local people to commemorate the victims of the devastating Tashkent earthquake on April 26, 1966. Locals often come here to pay their respects to those who lost their lives, and it has become a “must-do” ritual—especially for newlyweds who visit to lay flowers.

The earthquake memorial was constructed on May 20, 1976, as a collaborative effort between an architect from Moscow and local craftsmen. It is situated at what was the epicenter of the earthquake and covers an area of approximately 2.5 hectares. The entire memorial consists of three parts, with the main structure being a stone sculpture of a man and a woman. The man, with a strong build, strides forward, stepping on the ruins, his right arm protectively shielding a woman behind him. The woman, facing the disaster, also displays a spirit of courage, reaching out her right hand as if fighting against the catastrophe. In front of the couple is a deep fissure that extends to a square-shaped clock sculpture, with its hour and minute hands frozen at the exact time the quake struck: 5:24.

Behind the main part of the memorial lies a wall of rubble engraved with figures of heroes from various ethnic groups who participated in the earthquake relief efforts. The construction of this memorial primarily serves to honor the unity of different ethnicities at the time, as well as the international friendship and mutual aid demonstrated.

Monument of Courage

Why Visit: One of the most striking monuments in Uzbekistan

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Uzbekistan

Province/State: Tashkent Province

City: Tashkent