The Langar Ota Complex, a significant cultural and religious site in Uzbekistan's Kashkadarya province, has reopened after restoration efforts funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The $250,000 project involved stabilizing tile panels, reinforcing the foundation, and replacing the roof of the 15th-century complex.
U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick participated in the reopening ceremony alongside local officials and community members. He emphasized America's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and its strategic partnership with Uzbekistan.
The complex, located in Katta Langar village within the Hissar mountain range, is known for its Timurid tilework and carved wooden beams. It holds spiritual importance as a pilgrimage site linked to the Ishqiya Sufi order and once housed one of the oldest Qurans written in Kufic script.
The conservation project began in fall 2023 under the guidance of the University of Chicago’s Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures. In addition to structural work, it provided training for Uzbek conservation professionals.
This initiative aligns with broader U.S. goals to support regional stability and cross-cultural engagement while preserving shared heritage. Recent collaborations between the United States and Uzbekistan include an agreement to combat illegal artifact trade signed in 2023.
The restored complex is now open to visitors, offering insight into Central Asia's spiritual history.
The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation was established by Congress in 2001 and is managed by the U.S. Department of State. It has supported 15 projects in Uzbekistan with a total investment of $2.5 million.