The former Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan building was constructed in 1964.

Architects: V. Berezin, Yu. Khaldeyev, A. Feinleib, S. Ishankhodjayev, R. Bleze, Yu. Zakirov; engineers: E. Lenneshmidt and A. Asanov.

The structure stands on the rampart of the old fortress along Islam Karimov Avenue, on the bank of the Ankhor canal, and is one of the Soviet modernist buildings erected for the 40th anniversary of the Uzbek SSR.

The seven-storey administrative block is adjacent to a lower assembly-hall wing; the two are connected by a glass passageway on the second floor.

The extensive glazing symbolised the openness of power, although, as architecture historian Boris Chukhovich notes, in art it is sometimes interpreted as a sign of leadership control over the people.

During the Soviet period, the sixth floor housed Sharof Rashidov’s office and reception room — witnesses recall that the lights stayed on late into the night.

In the early years of independence, Islam Karimov’s working office was located here (until the Oqsaroy residence was built). The Presidential Apparatus was also housed in the building. Today it serves as the Constitutional Court.

Remarkably, over its 60-year history the building has hardly changed and has preserved its original appearance almost entirely.