About Uzbekistan

Unveiled on May 20, 1970 (D.B. Ryabichev, the sculptor, S. R. Adylov, the architect). It is the only architectural and artistic complex, dedicated to rectification of the consequences of Tashkent earthquake in 1966. Monument to Courage, is dedicated to the men and women who rebuilt their flattened city following the earthquake of 1966. The monument was erected in 1976 to mark the tenth anniversary of the disaster.

Earthquake Memorial (or as they call it 'Courage Monument' - 'Монумент Доблести') is in the form of a granite cube displaying the time (5:22am) of the first tremor while an Uzbek man shields a woman and child from the earth opening up before them. Granite reliefs picture the reconstruction. The Complex also includes the museum building of Friendship of Peoples of the USSR.

The zig-zag crack from the spall of the cube goes to pedestal with a woman cuddling a child. With one hand she does a pushing movement as if protecting the infant from harm. The male figure depicted in expressive jerk symbolizes courage. Bronze base of complex shape symbolizes the destruction caused by the Tashkent earthquake. Seven narrow lanes lead to the low marble pedestal. The unusual shape of the statue's plinth is supposed to symbolise the earthquake's destruction. The lanes lead to 14 stellas, on which through-bronze reliefs are fixed; they depict the builders restoring Tashkent. Stellas symbolize the assistance rendered by the fraternal republics of Uzbekistan.

All the former republics of the USSR took part in the reconstruction of Tashkent. New houses were built several months later, and in three and a half years Tashkent had been fully restored.

Today, the monument represents peace and tranquility in the solar capital. The surrounding Square is a popular place for walks of Tashkent residents. The newlyweds traditionally bring flowers to the monument.