The Buddhist monument on the banknote represents cultural heritage rather than religion, according to the Surkhandarya administration.

The administration of the Surkhandarya region responded to the criticism from a blogger who expressed dissatisfaction with the depiction of a Buddhist monument on the 50,000-som note of the national currency.

https://uznews.uz/posts/788202024-12-28 07:27:09

Frame from the video

A video has circulated on social media, filmed at the Fayaztepa monument located in the Termez district of the Surkhandarya region. In the clip, a blogger and his acquaintance stated that the depiction of a Buddhist object on the national currency is unacceptable.

The press service of the Surkhandarya regional hokimiyat reported (https://t.me/axborot_xizmati/41479) that the Uzbek sum is one of the state symbols.

“The images, shapes, and patterns on the banknotes reflect the rich historical heritage, national traditions, and customs of Uzbekistan. The inclusion of the Fayaztepa monument on the 50,000 som banknote does not pursue religious goals. It aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the country, respect its rich history, and promote tourism,” the statement reads.