It has been reported that the territory of the former "Khokhlovo" cemetery has now been officially transferred to the management of the city's green fund. On the site, which occupies about 8 hectares, an event was held to plant 1,300 saplings.
Janar Akayev, the head of the municipality, confirmed that all previously signed agreements for the construction of 17 multi-story residential buildings on this territory have been annulled. He noted that such projects had been approved under the previous city administration. "It was planned to build 17 multi-story houses on the site of the Khokhlovo cemetery, and private companies even won tenders. We have canceled these decisions. Construction on burial sites is prohibited by law. We strictly adhere to the norms and intend to turn these 8 hectares into a park," the mayor added.
Zhenishbek Toktorbaev, the former mayor of Osh, commented on the situation, noting that his intentions had been misinterpreted. According to him, the State Mortgage Company did indeed consider the possibility of construction after reclamation, but the project was rejected by the Ministry of Health. "No contracts were signed with private developers. After the Ministry of Health's refusal, we planned to create a park, install benches, and organize a place for residents to relax," Toktorbaev stated.
It is worth recalling that on July 22, 2025, when Toktorbaev was serving as mayor, he openly supported the ideas of developing cemetery lands. He emphasized that the market value of the site is about 20 million dollars and urged not to fear prejudices: "Over time, everyone will forget... We must use this land," he said.
This topic has also sparked discussion in religious circles. The Qazi of the city of Osh, Mirlan Azhy Toktomushev, explained that according to Sharia, closed cemeteries (after 25-40 years) can be transferred to the category of "waqf" — property that serves the benefit of society (for example, for mosques or social facilities), rather than for commercial purposes.
Currently, there are 49 cemeteries in Osh, of which 14 are officially closed for burials, while 35 continue to operate.
Turmush previously reported that reclamation of unused cemeteries is planned in Osh, followed by the construction of multi-story residential complexes on these sites.
Toktorbaev then emphasized that the reclaimed "Khokhlovo" cemetery had not been used for 40 years. He estimated the market value of this land at 20 million dollars. "This place is the Khokhlovo cemetery, its area is 4 hectares and 10 ares. We freed and reclaimed this cemetery, which had not been used for 40 years. The current market value of this site is 20 million dollars. We understand that it is not permissible to build on burial sites. However, in 50–100 years, the memory of this will fade," he said.
He also noted that it is possible that the place where we currently live was once a cemetery, and no one knows about it. "Therefore, we must reclaim and use unused lands. We have 210 hectares of such land," Toktorbaev added.
Recently, a new cemetery covering 13 hectares and 60 ares was opened on the outskirts of the city, facilitating the relocation and closure of old cemeteries within the city limits.
