InfoHub Logo

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has spoken candidly about the significant hurdles and opposition he faced throughout his political journey. He revealed that he had to overcome sentiments suggesting his departure from Tashkent, with some questioning the place of a "person from the village" in leadership.

A Monumental Challenge

One particularly memorable incident involved a planned ceremony to honor an arriving foreign president. The itinerary included laying wreaths at the Ulugh Beg monument. However, early one morning, Mirziyoyev received alarming news: the head of the monument had been removed.

This act presented a critical test for Mirziyoyev. With the official delegation's arrival imminent, the desecration of a significant historical monument was clearly an attempt to damage his credibility and standing.

Swift Action and Ingenuity

Facing this crisis, the President immediately sought a solution. He recalled reading an article about the Ibn Sina monument at a surgical center, noting that its head was made of plaster. This sparked an idea: if the Ibn Sina monument's head could be temporarily replaced, perhaps the same could be done for the Ulugh Beg monument.

Working with a sculptor acquaintance, Mirziyoyev personally retrieved the head of the Ibn Sina monument in the early morning. It was then transported and fitted onto the Ulugh Beg monument, restoring its appearance in a remarkably short time.

Foiled Plans

The restoration was completed within approximately an hour and a half, ensuring the monument was fully intact by the time the presidents arrived. This incident effectively thwarted the efforts of his opponents who had aimed to discredit him.

Mirziyoyev shared this anecdote to illustrate the extensive struggles and challenges that lie behind current achievements, highlighting his resilience in the face of adversity.