Notorious 12-Story ‘Monster House’ Demolished in Samarkand

Authorities in Samarkand have begun demolishing the infamous 12-story illegally constructed building located in the Konigil neighborhood, local outlet Podrobno.uz reported, citing eyewitnesses. The building’s owner posted a video online pleading for the demolition to be halted.

Footage from the scene shows a crane positioned at the site, beginning work on dismantling the structure. The demolition is complicated by the building’s unusual shape and location, it widens as it rises and hangs over adjacent residential houses, posing safety concerns.

Construction of the building began in 2012, allegedly based on a design by Japanese architects. However, the owner never obtained official permits or regulatory approval for the project.

Originally planned as a nine-story building, it was later expanded with three additional attic floors, reaching a total of 12 stories. Due to its irregular design and unauthorized nature, locals dubbed it the «Monster House» and «the Mahalla Burj Khalifa,» referencing Dubai’s iconic skyscraper. Over the years, it became an odd tourist attraction and a symbol of illegal construction in the city.

Authorities had attempted to halt construction multiple times. A legal dispute between officials and the property owner dragged on from 2015 to 2022, when a court ordered the building’s demolition at the owner’s expense. However, the building remained standing through 2023, even hosting a café on the ground floor.

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