On January 25, a video message from artisans at the ethnographic park "Navruz" circulated on social media. In it, the craftsmen urged the president to intervene in the situation regarding the sharp increase in rent prices.
According to them, the rent was suddenly raised by more than double—without any warnings or concessions. This threatens the existence of workshops, which for many craftsmen are their only source of income and a place for creativity.
Spot spoke with the artisans to understand why the rent increased so drastically and what the future holds for the masters of the ethnopark.
When and why the park was created
The culture and recreation park "Navruz" in Tashkent was established at the initiative of the president to promote the national traditions of Uzbekistan and attract tourists. Its concept was presented to Shavkat Mirziyoyev in February 2018, and the official opening took place in August 2019.
The park covers an area of 2.5 hectares and has become a place where one can feel the atmosphere of ancient mahallas, learn about history, and enjoy the celebration of Navruz.
An amphitheater, an 88-meter bridge over the Anhor canal, and areas for relaxation and youth development in the spirit of patriotism were built in the park.
For several years, the celebration of Navruz was held here, and until 2021, the main Christmas tree of Tashkent was installed in the park.
What’s happening with the park now
Currently, the "Navruz" park is deserted. Most of the restaurants have closed for the winter period, which the artisans refer to as the "dead season" for the entire park.
The masters are forced to work outside, as visitors rarely enter the ethnohouses. Women with small children have to sit outside with strollers, trying to sell something.
The park comes to life only for four months a year—in the season. Even in the summer, attendance remains low. Locals also seldom visit the park. The artisans have suggested making it more appealing to city residents, but the administration has yet to take any steps.
The artisans note that their income directly depends on tourists; however, attendance at the park remains extremely low. The masters have repeatedly requested to include the park in the list of mandatory tourist routes, but their appeals have so far gone unanswered.
Cabin owners also commented that tourists rarely make large purchases, and locals show little interest in acquiring items of national art.
"There are craftsmen working in the park—some are engaged in miniatures, others in wood carving. But to earn something, they are forced to sell cheap Chinese goods. We dream of the park truly becoming a craftsman town where national art and traditions are valued," shared Nozhanin Khusanova, founder of the Tumor gallery.
Why and when the rent increased
According to open sources, in July 2023, the "Navruz" park was equally owned by "Uzbekiston Temir Yullari" and the National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU). It is presumed that in the fall of the same year, the hundred percent stake was transferred to the Agency for State Asset Management.
Due to the transfer of the park, in November 2023, state premises began to be put up for auction. Renters stated that they were not notified about the sale of the premises.
Sofya Yusupova, owner of Adras Republic, found out that her premises were up for auction by chance—on the E-auksion website. According to her, the rent had just been paid a few hours prior. The park administration, which had assured the day before that auctions would take place only after the New Year, could not provide a clear answer to the questions. As a result, she was forced to leave the park and suspend her creative activities due to severe stress.
Kamola Rustamova from Azukar Moreno also did not expect the auction. She shared that she had invested her own funds in renovations but had not yet managed to recoup them.
At the end of January 2025, the tenants of the "Navruz" park were notified of an increase in rent. According to park participants, the new rates were introduced without prior warning, retroactively, and they turned out to be unaffordable for most tenants.
For the brand Nuur, the rent increased by 98%—from 50.8 thousand to 100.8 thousand sums per square meter. The monthly amount, including VAT, rose by 99.54%—from 19.8 million to 39.6 million sums, although according to the contract, the rent was supposed to remain unchanged until March 2025.
The rent for the art space Masterskaya increased by 55%—from 65 thousand to 101 thousand sums per square meter.
For the brand Sosoap, the rent was already increased by 20% at the beginning of 2024, and now it is set to rise by another 68% compared to last year.
Additionally, tenants pay for electricity separately, at an inflated rate—1261 sums per kW. From April 2025, the electricity tariff is planned to increase by another 50%. Tenants also noted that the rates are calculated not only based on usable area but also include yards, platforms, and canopies, for which they also have to pay.
"We pay for electricity, heating, water, VAT, and take care of the territory ourselves. This is becoming unbearable for us," the owners note.
What will happen to the artisans
Spot spoke with gallery owners, ateliers, workshops, and other artisans in the park about their concerns regarding the current situation. Below are their comments on the state of affairs.
"We have been renting a premises in the park for the second year, and for two consecutive years, our rent has increased. This is a huge blow. Under these conditions, working becomes nearly impossible. Moreover, I have to pay for the entire first floor of the building. If any of my subtenants leave and I can't find a replacement, I will still have to pay the full amount," noted the brand of eco-soaps and candles SoSoap.
"I am very worried that I will have to move out, even though so much soul and money has been invested in these houses. We made renovations, arranged the interiors, and now everything may be lost. My goal was to promote national art among the youth, and many have come to love my products. But this rent increase jeopardizes everything I have created. We were not warned in advance; everything was presented as a fait accompli," commented Anie Embroidery, the founder of the machine embroidery workshop.
"Unfortunately, the creativity and crafts we engage in do not bring in large incomes. We are not businessmen, and our work is aimed at preserving cultural heritage, creating unique items, and developing creative potential. The significant increase in rent has become a serious challenge for us," stated the art space Masterskaya.
"We appeal for help, to influence the re-evaluation of the rental terms. We sincerely ask you to consider the specifics of our activities and the significance of crafts for our country's culture."
"The park was a wonderful opportunity for artisans. However, everything has changed now. We were told that our premises could be sold at auction, and someone else would take our place. This worries everyone. True artisans, who create products by hand, do not earn huge sums of money. We are engaged in creativity, not seeking superprofits. Instead of help, we are being trapped. We sincerely hope that we will be heard and supported," commented Aliya Dineeva, founder of the Aliya Di Atelier.
Moreover, tenants noted the lack of transparency in the process—they were not informed about the rent increase in advance, and the reasons for the price hike were never explained.
One of the artisans noted: "We learned about the changes only after the fact. We were told that this decision was made 'from above,' and no one, except the president, could help us."
"When I first rented a house in the park, there was not even electricity, and I had to endure difficult conditions. Now, when I managed to find