A ceremonial event has been held in Samarkand marking the completion of the first phase of restoration work on the façade of the Sher-Dor Madrasah at Registan Square, carried out through cooperation between Uzbekistan and the US.

The event brought together senior officials, including U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation Gayane Umerova, and U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick, The Caspian Post reports via UzDaily.

The restoration project is supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and is being implemented in three phases. It focuses on preserving the historic façade of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, including its mosaics, majolica tiles, decorative elements, and Kufic inscriptions, while also enhancing the skills of local restoration specialists.

During the ceremony, officials presented the results of the completed first phase, showcasing progress in restoring the architectural integrity of the landmark located in the heart of Registan Square.

As part of the event, a five-year roadmap was also signed between the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation and the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan, aiming to expand joint cultural preservation initiatives and strengthen long-term cooperation in protecting historical heritage.