- Uzbekistan Names New City After Babur Honoring Shared Heritage with Pakistan
TASHKENT (Khyber Mail): In a historic move symbolizing deep cultural and historical ties between Central and South Asia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced that a newly constructed city in Uzbekistan’s Andijan region will be named “Babur City”, in honor of Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur—the founder of the Mughal Empire and a revered figure in both Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur (1483–1530) was a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan, born in Andijan, Uzbekistan. At the age of 12, he inherited the throne of Fergana but faced numerous challenges, including losing and regaining territories. Despite early setbacks, Babur’s resilience and military genius led him to establish the Mughal Empire in India after his victory at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526.
Babur was not only a conqueror but also a poet, diarist, and statesman. His autobiography, the Baburnama, is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of his life, campaigns, and the natural world. He introduced Persian culture, art, and architecture to India, laying the foundation for the Mughal dynasty, which thrived for centuries.
Located in Andijan, Babur’s birthplace, the ambitious urban project spans over 4,000 hectares and is being built in eight phases with a special $250 million development plan. Key infrastructure developments include:
- 63 residential apartment blocks
- A school for 1,680 students
- A kindergarten, medical center, and affordable housing facilities
- A light industry enterprise and new water reservoir
- Full coverage of essential utilities such as roads, water, gas, electricity, and heating.
President Mirziyoyev outlined a vision for Babur City as a technologically advanced urban space anchored in cultural and spiritual values. Plans include a vast educational complex, a world-class sports facility, and large green spaces like:
- “Yangi O’zbekiston” Park (19 hectares, 10,000+ trees)
- “Vatanparvar” Park featuring the “Oath to the Homeland” monument and a patriotism museum.
- A grand monument to Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur at the city’s highest point.
The gesture resonates deeply in Pakistan, where Babur’s legacy is enshrined in centuries of art, architecture, and history. The naming of Babur City underscores the enduring cultural and historical ties between the two brotherly nations.
Once completed, Babur City is expected to house over 410,000 residents, becoming a beacon of modernity, progress, and historical reverence. For many, the city is not just an urban development milestone but a living tribute to a shared past and collaborative future between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
“This is more than a city—it is a homecoming,” President Mirziyoyev said. “Wherever in the world Babur found himself, he longed for his homeland. Today, his dream has come true. He has returned.”