The "Courage" monument, having a great importance for the people of Tashkent, was erected on May 20, 1970 by architect Adamov and sculptor Ryabichev. The monument was built to honor the memory of the strongest earthquake of April 26, 1966, of 8.3 points amplitude, which damaged the city severely. Powerful impulses have destroyed many houses, kindergartens, schools, shops, businesses and other institutions.
All the citizens, as well as builders and volunteers from all states of the former USSR took part in the reconstruction of the city after a terrible event. Almost for 3 years of restoration works, by joint efforts of the multinational people, it was possible to restore the former face of Tashkent. Then, few years later, the "Courage" monument was built around the epicenter of the earthquake, embodying the will and fearlessness of the people facing the destructive force of nature.
The artistic composition of the monument is represented by a split granite cube, on one side of which the date of the beginning of the earthquake (April 26, 1966) is carved, and on the other side - the exact time of the tragedy (5 hours and 24 minutes). The cube split by the path joins the main part of the monument - the marble sculpture of a young family, protecting its child from an unexpected adversity. Hiding his child with his hands, parents resist the impact of the power of nature, showing their strength and unshakable spirit. At the base of the monument there are 7 paths leading to walls decorated with bas-reliefs, which depicts the hard work of builders and engineers.
Currently, the "Courage" monument is a symbol of human resilience and courage, as well as peace and prosperity thriving in homes of local families. Young couples, tourists and numerous guests of Tashkent come to see it. Some come to lay flowers, others to honor the memory of all those involved in city building, some families come just for a walk. One way or another, there are always a lot of people near a historically important monument.
