Uzbekistan has been celebrating May 1 as Fountain Day for 12 years. On this day, all fountains across the country are officially launched for the season. A reporter from Gazeta visited five key locations in Tashkent – Mustaqillik Square, the Amir Temur Museum, the National Library, the Turkiston Palace of Arts, and the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theatre (SABT) – to observe the fountains in operation.
Following the liquidation of the state unitary enterprise Tashkent Fountain based on a September 2024 decree by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, the city's fountains were transferred to the Tashkent city administration and several organizations. The document notes that 43 fountains operate in the capital.
Mirtemir Mirjamolov, a fountain specialist at Mustaqillik Square, said that three fountains in the area operate daily from May 1 to November 1, from 08:00 to 22:00. According to him, two fountains were restarted after repairs in 2018 and 2022, while one built in 2005 still functions well.
Mirjamolov noted that the average depth of all three fountains is 80 meters, with over a thousand nozzles installed. Two fountains have 5-meter nozzles, and one has 1-meter nozzles. Each basin holds 3,000–4,000 cubic meters of water, which is cleaned using filters and vacuum cleaners.
With seven years of experience, Mirjamolov said that 10 workers maintain these fountains. He added that fountains enhance the city's beauty and bring joy to people.
Azamat Turgunboyev, head of a department at the specialized directorate for landscaping central squares, stated that his department oversees 13 fountains, 12 of which are fully operational, while one is under repair. All fountains operate on a schedule; three fountains near the Turkiston Palace of Arts are turned on at 09:00 AM.
Turgunboyev emphasized the ecological benefits of fountains, noting that they humidify and cool the air during hot summer days, while also beautifying the city. According to him, water in the basins is renewed every 15–20 days.
The Paxta (Cotton) fountain in front of the Alisher Navoi SABT, which has been operating for 74 years, remains a favorite among residents and visitors. Its octagonal bowl, 32 meters in diameter, holds up to 1,000 cubic meters of water, with 126 jets in the center forming a pyramid. The city administration organized a concert to mark the occasion.
Source: www.gazeta.uz