"Uzbekistan" in Makhachkala: The legacy of Uzbek aid in Dagestan

In the capital of Dagestan, Makhachkala, there is a neighborhood called "Uzbekistan," often referred to by locals as "Uzbek Gorodok" (Uzbek Town). This neighborhood stands as a symbol of the solidarity and assistance provided by the people of Uzbekistan during challenging times. But how did it come to be?

It is often recalled that during the Soviet era, when a devastating earthquake struck Tashkent in 1966, the union republics offered significant assistance in rebuilding the capital. This is certainly true. However, it is equally important to remember that Uzbeks also actively supported other republics during their times of hardship.

Uzbek assistance to post-earthquake Dagestan

On May 14, 1970, a powerful earthquake struck Makhachkala, with its epicenter located 30 kilometers from the city. The first tremors occurred at 12:20 PM, reaching a magnitude of 5-6 on the Richter scale. However, the second tremor, which hit at 9:12 PM, was far more destructive, with a magnitude of 9. The earthquake devastated cities and villages near the epicenter, including Makhachkala.

Uzbeks were among the first to respond to the tragedy, arriving in Dagestan to offer assistance. They built homes, restored infrastructure, and helped residents cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Their efforts played a crucial role in the recovery of the affected areas. In recognition of this support, a neighborhood was named "Uzbekistan."

Historical context

This was not an only incident. Uzbeks also played a significant role in the construction of major Soviet projects, such as the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), and provided aid to those affected by earthquakes in other parts of the USSR, including in Armenia in 1988.

As a result, the creation of the "Uzbekistan" neighborhood in Makhachkala stands as a powerful example of mutual aid between the peoples of the Soviet Union, where no one remained indifferent to the suffering of others.

Continued earthquake in Makhachkala

The earthquake's impact lingered for an extended period, with tremors continuing for over a month and a half, similar to the situation in Tashkent. From May 15 to June 27, the seismological center recorded 1,140 aftershocks.

Residents of Makhachkala and surrounding cities and villages were evacuated to safer areas, but the ongoing tremors caused growing despair among the population.

On May 17, a 7-point earthquake struck, triggering 49 aftershocks. On May 31, the earth shook for 13 hours and 25 minutes, and on June 17, for 3 hours and 35 minutes.

The final earthquake occurred on July 19, 1970, more than two months later. It had a magnitude of 5-6, with tremors lasting for 23 hours and 35 minutes.

Consequences of the earthquake

Sixty-five days of intense seismic activity resulted in the destruction of settlements across 16 districts of Dagestan and four major cities: Makhachkala, Kizilyurt, Khassavyurt, and Buynaksk.

In 22 settlements closest to the epicenter, not a single building remained intact. Another 257 settlements suffered partial destruction.

Those who lost their homes were placed in temporary shelters, such as tents.

Thanks to the earthquake occurring during the day, the death toll was relatively low, with 31 people killed. However, 45,000 were left homeless.

In Makhachkala, the Makhachkala-1 district was the hardest hit, where no buildings were left standing. Old structures were completely destroyed, and even newer buildings sustained severe damage.

On May 22, 1970, the Council of Ministers of the RSFSR implemented measures to address the aftermath of the natural disaster in the Dagestan ASSR.

Following this, construction brigades from various Soviet republics, including Uzbekistan, began arriving to aid in the recovery efforts.

How "Uzbekistan" was built in Dagestan

After the devastating earthquake in Makhachkala, Uzbeks, recalling the 1966 earthquake in Tashkent, were among the first to rush to help Dagestan.

The construction teams were accompanied by key leaders, including the head of the construction and urban management department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan, the chairman of the State Construction Committee of Uzbekistan, the chairman of the Tashkent City Committee, and other high-ranking officials.

On June 17, 1970, the first train arrived in Makhachkala, carrying 600 builders and a large amount of specialized equipment.

Construction materials soon followed, and Uzbek builders began constructing a new neighborhood in the southwestern part of the city.

In this area, around ten multi-story buildings were erected, along with a shopping center, kindergarten, school, cinema, market, and other facilities. In total, Uzbek builders constructed structures covering 20,000 square meters.

Once the construction was completed, the neighborhood was named "Uzbekistan" (or "Uzbek Gorodok" - "Uzbek Town"). Additionally, one of the central streets was named after Uzbekistan.

The buildings were decorated with national ornaments and patterns, similar to those in Tashkent, and featured ceramics that have been preserved to this day.

The "Uzbek Gorodok" universal store in the Makhachkala neighborhood built by Uzbeks still stands as a reminder of this act of solidarity.

Unveiling of the monument

On June 6, 2023, a monument was unveiled in Makhachkala to honor the Uzbek builders who played a key role in restoring the city after the 1970 earthquake.

The monument was erected in the "Uzbek Gorod" neighborhood and was inaugurated by the city's governor, Yusup Umavov.

"This architectural monument stands in honor of the brotherly Uzbek people, who provided immense assistance in the restoration of our city after the 1970 earthquake. Fifty years ago, a devastating earthquake struck our republic, destroying several cities and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Workers from all over the Soviet Union came to our aid, and the Uzbek delegation was among the first to respond. One month after the earthquake, around 600 Uzbek workers arrived with special equipment to help with reconstruction," said Yusup Umavov.

During the ceremony, a delegation led by Sodiq Safoyev expressed their gratitude to the Makhachkala authorities and the city's residents for their respect and recognition of the Uzbek builders' efforts.

"In 1966, when our country faced a terrible tragedy, the people of Dagestan also made a significant contribution to helping our nation. To this day, one of the streets in our city is called 'Dagestan Street.' Today, we remember those who strengthened the brotherly bonds between our peoples, and we honor their memory," said Sodiq Safoyev.