Tashkent Earthquake Memorial

　　The Tashkent Earthquake Memorial, also called the Monument of Courage, was erected in memory of those who lost their lives in the great Tashkent earthquake on April 26, 1966. Locals often visit to pay their respects to the victims, and it has become a “must-do” ritual for newlyweds to lay flowers here.

　　The Earthquake Memorial was constructed on May 20, 1976, as a collaborative effort between an architect from Moscow and local craftsmen. It is located at what was the epicenter of the earthquake, covering an area of approximately 2.5 hectares. The entire memorial consists of three parts. Its main feature is a stone sculpture of a man and a woman: the man, with a strong build, strides forward, stepping on the rubble, his right arm shielding a woman behind him; the woman, facing the disaster, also appears resolute, reaching out her right hand in defiance. In front of the couple is a deep fissure that extends to a square clock sculpture, with its hour and minute hands frozen at 5:24—the exact time the earthquake struck.

　　Behind the main structure lies a wall of ruins engraved with figures of rescuers from various ethnic groups who participated in the disaster relief efforts. This memorial was primarily built to honor the unity of the people and the international solidarity and mutual aid demonstrated during that time.

　　Monument of Courage Reason to visit: One of the most striking monuments in Uzbekistan Continent: Asia Country/Region: Uzbekistan Province/State: Tashkent Province City: Tashkent