Andijan (TDI): The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has officially announced the naming of a newly built city in the Andijan region as Babur City — in honor of Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babar, the revered founder of the Mughal Empire and a celebrated icon among Muslims of Asia.
President Mirziyoyev remembered Babar as a visionary thinker, poet, statesman, and a beacon of the Timurid Renaissance, on this occasion.
The President noted that naming the city in Babar’s name is a tribute to his enduring legacy and a symbol of Babar’s longing for his birthplace.
Zahir-ud-din Babar was born in the present-day Andijan region of Uzbekistan.
“Babar Mirza was a worthy successor of the Timurid Renaissance, a patron of science, culture, arts, and literature. His remarkable legacy glorified our people around the world. Building a city that carries his name is a symbolic realization of his lifelong dream,” President Mirziyoyev remarked during his address.
For Pakistan, where Babar’s imprint on history is visible in architecture, literature, and cultural ethos, this announcement comes as a profound reaffirmation of shared heritage and common history.
Babar City: A Modern Marvel Rooted in History
Andijan — Babar’s birthplace — stands as one of the most densely populated regions in Uzbekistan, with 10% of the population living in just 1% of the total land.
In 2021, the Uzbek government initiated a forward-looking development project aimed at easing urban congestion while elevating modern living standards for its citizens.
The expansive project spans over 4,000 hectares of previously unused land and is being developed in eight phases.
Already, the city’s landscape is evolving with 63 apartment blocks, an advanced school designed to accommodate 1,680 students, a kindergarten, a modern medical center, a light industry facility, and a dedicated affordable housing center — all fully equipped with essential infrastructure including roads, utilities, and clean water resources.
Beyond its modern skyline, Babar City will also showcase education, innovation, and cultural places. Plans include an integrated educational complex featuring kindergartens, schools, a university, a museum, a library, and an IT park — all designed to nurture future generations.
Complementing this will be a world-class sports facility and expansive green spaces.
One of the crown jewels of Babar City will be the Yangi O’zbekiston Park, which spans 19 hectares and boasts over 10,000 newly planted trees, offering residents and visitors scenic tranquility along with cultural spaces like an amphitheater.
Another significant site is the Vatanparvar (which translates to Patriot) Park, housing the ‘Oath to the Homeland’ monument, a patriotism museum, and performance venues.
A Shared Legacy for Future Generations
Speaking to the young people of Uzbekistan, President Mirziyoyev urged them to embrace knowledge, creativity, and perseverance.
“The youth of Uzbekistan are talented and capable. When does talent reveal itself? When there is effort. Seek knowledge and strive to grow – then your tomorrow will be bright.”
Read More: Uzbekistan to Expand Renovation of Ancient Mausoleums
The government has already approved a comprehensive development program worth $250 million to support the city’s growth and sustainability.
Once completed, Babar City is expected to be home to over 410,000 residents — a thriving hub of innovation, culture, and opportunity.
“As is well known, wherever in the world, in whichever country Zahir-ud-din Muhammad Babar found himself, he longed for his homeland throughout his life. I believe you will agree that today the dream of our great ancestor has come true – it is as if he has returned to his native land once again. I congratulate all of us on this historic event,” the President concluded.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
