Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The article examines the impact of climate change on the architectural monument of the Rabat-i-Malik caravanserai, built in the 11th century in the Navoi region of Uzbekistan and included in the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage. In the conditions of Central Asia, where the temperature is rising almost three times faster than the global average and droughts and extreme weather events are intensifying, the monument is exposed to significant threats. The main impact factors include soil salinisation caused by underground saline waters, which leads to the erosion of unfired brick and clay; extreme heat causing the drying out and cracking of materials; strong winds and dust storms contributing to the mechanical wear of the ruins; and also the variability of precipitation, leading to water damage and flooding. These processes are particularly relevant for archaeological sites in the regions of Navoi, Khorezm and Bukhara, where similar monuments already show signs of destruction. The authors analyse the potential consequences for the preservation of cultural heritage, including the loss of historical value and the impact on tourism, and propose adaptation measures such as monitoring, ventilation of foundations and international cooperation for restoration. The study emphasises the need to integrate climate risks into the heritage protection strategies of Uzbekistan.
Language: English
Subfield: Conservation
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7124864941