Independence Square (Uzbek: Mustaqillik Maydoni, Мустақиллик Майдони) is a central square of Tashkent, Uzbekistan.[1]
After the proclamation of Uzbekistan's independence in September 1991, "Lenin Square" was renamed in 1992 as "Mustaqillik Maydoni", which translates to "Independence Square" in English. The monument to Lenin was dismantled, and in its place the Monument of Independence of Uzbekistan, in the form of the globe, was erected. Later, in front of the pedestal was set a figure of a woman, symbolising the Motherland.[2]
Independence Square is now the central square of Tashkent; it hosts celebrations and military parades in the days of special events and public holidays.
The largest square in Tashkent is more like a large park than a square. With several monuments and fountains, surrounded by impressive public buildings and filled with trees and flower beds, the Independence Square in Tashkent is a showcase of modern Uzbekistan.
Today the Independence History consists of several areas: administrative buildings, the recreation area with green zones and fountains, monuments including the Arch of Independence and the Independence Monument.
The story of the Independence square as a center of Tashkent goes back to more than hundred years. The General Governor of Turkestan built his military fortress in 1865. Since 1974 this place was called the Avenue of Parades, where military parades and demonstrations of workers were held to celebrate the holidays of May 1, International Workers Day, May 9 - Victory Day and November 7 - Revolution Day.
Passing through the arch of silver with figures of storks around the fountain, which marks the entrance to the Independence Square, one can see the main monument of the Independence square - the Independence Monument. It is a high pedestal with a golden globe erected on the top with a visual rendering of a map of Uzbekistan. Before the pedestal there is a statue of a seated mother with a baby in her arms. The monumental complex represent the revival of Uzbekistan as a free independent state. The Monument of Independence was erected in 1992, and the complete reconstruction of the area was completed in 2006.
On the opposite sits a statue depicting a mourning mother sadly looking down onto an eternal flame in memory of her children who fell when defending the country, to commemorate the fallen unidentified soldiers in the past World Wars.
Administrative buildings, including the Cabinet of Ministers, Senate of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Finance are located on the western side of the Independence square in Tashkent.