Navoi Square

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The square in 2012 Navoi Square (Formerly Bobur Square) - Where 2005 Massacre Took Place - Andijon - Uzbekistan (7544000842).jpg
The square in 2012

Navoi Square (Uzbek: Navoiy maydoni) is an area in the city centre of Andijan, Uzbekistan. It was originally named Bobur Square, after Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty. On 13 May 2005, it was the site of the Andijan Massacre. [1]


History

The square is named after Alisher Navoi, a known poet in Uzbekistan from the Timurid Empire era. The square lies right next to Alisher Navoi park, an urban park with amusement rides, a stadium and a monument of Navoi. [2] The park was reportedly opened in 1930. [3]
Another notable feature of the square is a statue of Babur. In November 2024, a proposal to relocate the statue to the old city's Registon Square prompted public debate, however there are no reports that the statue was relocated. [3] [4]

On 12-13 May 2005, many protesters gathered in the square to voice their anger over poverty and governmental corruption. Government officials blocked the perimeters of the square, however riots continued to take place. Shooting incidents began in the morning of 13 May, and the situation escalated quickly into a wide massacre. [1] [5]

References

  1. 1 2 "How the Andijan killings unfolded". BBC News. 17 May 2005. Retrieved 10 June 2011.
  2. "Andijan". Central Asia Guide. 25 June 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Controversy over the relocation of Babur Statue in Andijan". Qalampir.uz. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  4. "Controversial proposal to relocate Babur monument amid urban development plans in Andijan sparks public debate". Kun.uz. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2025.
  5. ""Bullets Were Falling Like Rain"". Human Rights Watch. 6 June 2005. Retrieved 7 December 2025.

40°45′42.3″N72°21′6.8″E / 40.761750°N 72.351889°E / 40.761750; 72.351889