Memorial to the Victims of Repression

Overview

The Memorial to the Victims of Repression is an open-air museum and park commemorating the thousands of Uzbek intellectuals, politicians, and citizens who were imprisoned, exiled, or executed during the Soviet period.

Highlights

• Rotunda of Sorrow: A domed structure with the names of victims inscribed on its walls.
• Walk of Memory: A path flanked by sculpted scenes depicting various forms of repression.
• Underground Gallery: An exhibition with photographs, documents, and personal effects of the victims.

History

The memorial was established in 2002 on the site of a former Soviet-era cemetery. It commemorates the victims of Stalinist purges and political repressions that decimated Uzbekistan's intellectual and cultural elite in the 1930s and 1940s. The memorial is part of Uzbekistan's post-independence effort to reckon with Soviet-era trauma.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: A solemn site — allow at least 45 minutes for the outdoor sculptures and indoor gallery.
• Tip 2: Free entry. Closed Mondays.
• Duration: 45 min–1 hour.