According to information received from the city akimat, the old TsUM building, Republic Square and other sites in Almaty may be added to the list of historical and cultural monuments of local significance.

Current situation with heritage protection in Almaty

In total, 160 historical and cultural monuments are under state protection in Almaty. Of these, 34 sites are of republican significance and 126 are of local significance.

The largest number of monuments is concentrated in the Medeu and Almaly districts — 65 and 50 sites respectively. In addition, to preserve both the monuments themselves and the surrounding historic buildings, protected zones with corresponding construction restrictions are being established around historic buildings and structures.

Heritage protection at the national level

Measures to protect architectural heritage have also been taken at the national level. The President of Kyrgyzstan signed a decree banning the demolition, privatization and transfer to private ownership of architectural, historical and cultural heritage sites included in a special list.

Historic buildings included in the list cannot be sold, exchanged, pledged, contributed to charter capital or leased with subsequent purchase.
According to the document, it is also prohibited to remove them from the State List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Republican Significance, change their protection category, demolish or relocate them.

Context

In the context of heritage preservation in the country, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, banned the demolition, privatization and transfer to private ownership of architectural, historical and cultural heritage sites included in a special list.