Construction begins on $80 million “Uzbekistan”cultural complex in Baku

Construction has officially started on the “Uzbekistan” cultural and entertainment complex in Baku, with an estimated investment of $80 million. 

The project, located on a 4.5-hectare site in the prestigious White City district, aims to attract up to 800,000 visitors annually, Uzbek businessman Jahongir Artikhodjaev announced, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

According to the businessman, the large-scale development commenced on February 10, 2025, and is expected to be completed within two years after obtaining necessary permits. Preliminary work such as demolition, earthworks, and utility installations have already been completed, including the laying of 11 kilometers of pipelines and 15 kilometers of electric cables, alongside the installation of electrical panels, pumps, and reservoirs.

The complex will feature architectural styles inspired by historic Uzbek cities Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Planned attractions include workshops, national cuisine restaurants, a beach, an oceanarium, a shopping and entertainment center, a wax museum, a shopping avenue, and a unique flying theater.

Architects from Uzbekistan contributed to the concept design, while the Australian Sanderson Group, known for projects like Tashkent’s Magic City, is designing the internal infrastructure. Azerbaijani firms are adapting the project to fit the Baku environment.

The park is intended to showcase Uzbekistan’s culture, traditions, and customs, including the sale of national dishes and clothing on-site, fulfilling the directive of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to create a true reflection of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan.

The presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan laid the foundation stone for the complex on June 2. Notably, the park will be designed in the shape of the map of Uzbekistan.

By Sabina Mammadli