Memorial and Honors Square in Tashkent

Memorial and Honors Square is a memorial complex in the capital, erected in honor of soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War. It was built on the initiative of President Islam Karimov. 300 m from the complex there is another landmark that is of great importance to the residents of Tashkent — Independence Square.

The central element of the composition is a monument to a Grieving mother. On the pedestal stands the figure of a woman dressed in loose clothes. Her hand rests on her knee, her covered head bowed in mourning. The sculptor Ilkhom Dzhaborov managed to reliably convey the image of a mother who does not so much mourn her dead son, but continues to wait for his return even after the "funeral" was sent.

The monument is surrounded by a marble parapet with the inscription "You are always in our hearts, dear." The memorial complex becomes the center of the ceremonial ceremonies that take place annually on May 9th. By the way, Victory Day in the capital of Uzbekistan has a different name — the Day of Remembrance and Honors.

Like many post-Soviet cities, Tashkent has acquired its own memorial, erected in honor of the soldiers who did not return home after 1941-1945. Until the end of the 20th century, the monument "Grave of the Unknown Soldier" stood on the site of the Square of Memory and Honors. An eternal flame was set up in front of him, just like now. On Victory Day, residents of the capital gathered near the memorial, wishing to honor the memory of the soldiers who died in the name of protecting and liberating their native land.

In 1999, the President of Uzbekistan ordered the replacement of the monument. The figure of a "Grieving Mother" appeared in his place. It is noteworthy that the official name of the monument included the adjective "waiting", but it did not gain a foothold among local residents. The sculptor who worked on the creation of the monument also spoke about this. So the bronze-cast woman became a symbol of all mothers who did not wait for their sons after the end of the war.

Marble pavilions line both sides of the Grieving Mother. Their length is 60 m. Fragments of the Memory Book are installed in shaped niches resembling elements of an Arab interior. The names of Uzbek soldiers who died or went missing in 1941-1945 are stamped on its pages.

They are remembered and honored during solemn ceremonies on Tashkent Square. In addition, there are benches near the pavilions where you can relax after a long walk around the capital.

An alley paved with marble slabs stretches from the famous monument. Lanterns are installed along it, flower beds are laid out, coniferous and deciduous trees are planted. Heading in the opposite direction from the monument, you can go out onto Mustakillik Street (also known as Parade Alley). Behind it is the Ankhor Park with the canal of the same name.

There is something to see in the vicinity of the Square of Memory and Honors. In addition to Independence Square, travelers will see the Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan, the Romanov Palace, the Arch of Good and Noble Aspirations, as well as the Monument of Independence of Uzbekistan.