Uzbekistan Independence Day

Independence Day in Uzbekistan

Independence Day is the main national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is celebrated annually on September 1st, and the entire country marks the anniversary with great joy and color.

In Tashkent and other cities, celebrations include fireworks, concerts, sports events, parades, and official ceremonies.

Following the August Coup in Moscow in 1991, many Soviet republics declared independence. On August 31, 1991, President Islam Karimov proclaimed Uzbekistan’s independence. That same day, the Supreme Soviet passed a bill affirming the new status of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek SSR was renamed, and September 1st was declared a national holiday and official day off. The first Independence Day celebration took place in 1992, including the screening of Davron Salimov’s film “Istiklol” and a speech by President Karimov at Independence Square.

In 1996, the fifth anniversary was celebrated with special significance, and the title of Hero of Uzbekistan was awarded for the first time.

The 25th anniversary in 2016 was marked by the passing of President Karimov. His traditional speech was read on air by a TV host.

In 2018, for the 27th anniversary, border entry restrictions for Tajik citizens were lifted as a gesture of goodwill.

The 30th anniversary in 2021 was celebrated in the newly established Yangi Uzbekiston Park near Tashkent, with the unveiling of the 30th Anniversary Monument funded by a Turkish company.