Mahallas (neighborhood communities) in the Tashkent region are undergoing a comprehensive transformation, evolving from small sewing workshops to flourishing family vineyards into modern centers of economic growth. A Podrobno.uz correspondent, during a visit to the region, observed how these traditional self-governance bodies are maintaining their role as a crucial link between the state and individual families while adapting to contemporary development needs.
Dolly Abdullayev, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Mahallas, explained the mechanisms enabling this system to serve as a foundation for social stability. He noted that 8,992 mahallas across Uzbekistan have implemented the “mahalla seven” system, with detailed data on each mahalla’s status down to hectare-level, including calculated needs for school and kindergarten construction. To enhance digitization and transparency, the “Raqamli mahalla” platform has been introduced, along with a “Mahalla Balance” comprising 401 indicators and a mechanism for rapid problem-solving.
The “Raqamli mahalla” platform integrates data into a unified system, streamlining key administrative processes such as electronic document management, attendance tracking, reporting, and interaction with state bodies through a single digital interface. This tool allows for real-time monitoring of each mahalla’s condition and prompt responses to emerging issues. The slogan “Mahalla rivojlansa, butun mamlakatimiz yuksaladi” (“If the mahalla develops, our whole country rises”) at the Association’s entrance underscores the community’s pivotal role in national progress.
In the “Dustlik” mahalla of Urta Chirchik district, guests were welcomed with traditional hospitality, and walls adorned with portraits and quotes from Jadid intellectuals highlighted cultural values. Community life thrives here: elders regularly gather for chess and checkers, while women run a sewing production unit in specially equipped halls. Sewing instructor Gulsara Menglibayeva stated that they train women, including those listed in the “Iron Notebook” or social registries, in modern curtain-making, with the state providing sewing machines free of charge to eligible individuals.
The mahalla’s service company implements a housing maintenance system at the local level, employing 15 residents to reduce unemployment. In the first quarter of 2026, services worth over 500 million soums were provided. Director Umijon Aliyarov mentioned receiving orders from other mahallas, such as for sidewalk construction costing around 300 million soums, leading to job creation and expanded operations.
In the “Mingtepa” mahalla of Pskent district, residents engage in viticulture passed down through generations. Local farmer Abdushali Khusanboyev cultivates grapes, potatoes, onions, and spinach on 20 acres with his family. The mahalla chairman reported that a budget of 3.8 billion soums has been allocated for water supply to 636 residents, with plans to modernize irrigation networks. Following a visit by the regional hokim, 176 households were renovated, and 3.5 km of sidewalks and 4.5 km of asphalt roads were built.
In the Bukhara district, mahallas like “Navobod” and “Kuldoshtepa” are known for traditional craftsmanship. An elderly craftswoman, awarded the “Mu’tabar Ayol” medal, has been sewing ornamental items and national costumes since 1982 and teaches her granddaughters and others. A significant portion of the population is from the Tajik community. A newly opened textile workshop produces up to 800 T-shirts daily for export.
Modern libraries have been established in mahallas, roads have been upgraded, and family clinics built. Each mahalla develops uniquely through crafts, entrepreneurship, or agriculture, becoming a focal point for growth and social resilience. Today, the mahalla is not merely a form of self-governance but a comprehensive system blending traditions with modern approaches, laying the groundwork for the country’s sustainable future.
Source: podrobno.uz