Uzbekistan to build new city honouring Mughal Emperor Babur

A new city in Uzbekistan will be named in honour of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, the famed Central Asian conqueror who founded the Mughal Empire in India, as part of a major development initiative in the Andijan region.

The new city — to be officially named after Babur — is being constructed near Andijan, the birthplace of the 15th–16th-century emperor, Caliber.Az reports citing Uzbek media.

The project, dubbed New Andijan, was launched in 2021 and is now set to be transformed into a cultural, technological, and spiritual hub.

The decision to name the city after Babur was put forward by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his recent visit to Andijan region, where he inspected ongoing construction works. President Mirziyoyev emphasized the symbolic significance of the new city, stating that it will serve not only as a tribute to a national hero but also as a forward-looking space that blends tradition with modern innovation.

“The city of Babur will become a spiritual center reflecting national values, a source of inspiration for the youth, a new tourist and cultural center, as well as a ‘smart city’ with advanced technologies,” the president stated.

A key feature of the city will be a majestic monument to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, which will be erected on the highest point of the city's main park. The site is envisioned to become a bridge between Uzbekistan’s rich historical legacy and its aspirations for the future, much like the city of Navoi, named after the revered poet and thinker Alisher Navoi.

To support the ambitious project, a special development program with an estimated funding of $250 million will be introduced.

Reflecting on Babur’s lifelong yearning for his homeland, President Mirziyoyev remarked:

“It is known that no matter where in the world, no matter what country Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur was in, he longed for his native land all his life. I think you will agree that today the dream of our great ancestor has come true, it is as if he has returned to his Motherland again. I congratulate all of us on this historic event!”

The future city aims to attract tourists, scholars, and technology investors alike, positioning itself as a modern emblem of Uzbekistan’s national pride and its commitment to cultural and economic progress.

By Vafa Guliyeva