As it became known, the territory of the former "Khokhlovo" cemetery has now been officially transferred to the city's green fund. An event was held on the site, covering an area of about 8 hectares, where 1,300 seedlings were planted.
The head of the municipality, Janar Akayev, reported that all previous agreements with private entrepreneurs regarding the construction of 17 multi-story residential blocks on this territory have been annulled. According to him, such agreements were made under the previous city administration. "Earlier, 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 all these decisions. The law does not allow for business and housing to be built where there were burials. We are acting strictly within the framework of the law: this land must become a green zone. We are taking decisive steps to turn these 8 hectares into a park," said the head of the municipality.
The former mayor of Osh, Jenishbek Toktorbaev, commented on the situation, stating that his plans are not being interpreted accurately. According to his version, the State Mortgage Company (GIK) did consider the possibility of construction after reclamation, but the project was blocked by the Ministry of Health. "There were no contracts with private developers. After the Ministry of Health's refusal, we planned to create a park there, install benches, and create a place for residents to relax," Toktorbaev said.
Earlier, on July 22, 2025, while serving as mayor, Toktorbaev publicly advocated for the development of cemetery lands. He noted that the market value of this plot is about 20 million dollars and called for shedding prejudices: "In 50–100 years, everything will be forgotten... we must reclaim and use these lands."
The issue sparked a discussion in the religious community as well. The Kaziy of Osh, Myrlandzha Toktomushev, explained at the time that according to Sharia, closed cemeteries (after 25–40 years) should transition to the category of "waqf" — property serving the public good (mosques, madrasas, social facilities), rather than for commercial gain.
Currently, there are 49 cemeteries in Osh. Of these, 14 are officially closed for burials, while 35 continue to operate.
Turmush previously reported on plans for the reclamation of unused cemeteries in Osh, followed by the construction of multi-story residential buildings on their sites.
Toktorbaev then claimed that the "Khokhlovo" cemetery had not been used for 40 years. He assessed the market value of the plot 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 functioned for 40 years. The current market value of this plot is 20 million dollars. We have an understanding that we should not build houses on the site of cemeteries. However, in 50–100 years, everything will be forgotten.
Perhaps 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," added Toktorbaev.
A new cemetery covering an area of 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.
