According to the "Samarkand Gazette," 130 cultural heritage sites, including the ancient mahalla "Dari-zanjir" with a total area of 70.13 sq. m, are at risk of disappearing in Samarkand. In the 11th century, the complex served as a fortress and later became a mahalla in the eastern-southern part of Samarkand in the late 14th century.
The area was once inhabited by Amir Temur and his close relatives, as well as religious figures and their families. The mahalla got its name, meaning "chain," from the iron chains used to protect women from intruders. In the late 14th to early 15th centuries, a large mosque stood near the "Dari-zanjir" complex, with some rooms used for educational purposes. Renowned poet Alisher Navoi also studied in these cells during his time in Samarkand.
Despite efforts by local resident Zhurakhon Mallakhojaev to restore the site using private funds from 2009 to 2016, authorities initially declined, citing potential damage to cultural heritage. Only in 2014 was there a promise to renovate the site and allocate funds, but little progress has been made since then, leaving the complex in ruins.
One room has already collapsed, and the remaining three are used for storage. If the complex is not protected soon, the rest of it may be lost forever, warned the mahalla chairman. Acting head of the regional cultural heritage management Ziyodullo Nasimov stated that the complex is listed in the National Register of Immovable Cultural Heritage Objects.
Plans are underway to collaborate with the Research Institute of Cultural Heritage and the Heritage Restoration Department to develop project documentation for the complex. This will facilitate repair, restoration, and conservation work on the site. Despite previous inclusion in state programs for repair and conservation, the complex has yet to undergo the necessary restoration efforts.
