URBANIZATION OF MICRO-REGIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Аннотация

This article explores the concept and processes of micro- regional urbanization in the Republic of Uzbekistan. While the national average level of urbanization is close to the global average, there is significant variation at the district level. The study introduces the term “micro-regional urbanization” to describe localized urban transformation in rural districts, where urban infrastructure, economic activity, and socio-cultural change are beginning to emerge. Based on data from 163 districts, the study proposes a classification by urbanization level and economic specialization, offering recommendations for targeted regional development. Keywords. Micro-regional urbanization; rural transformation; urbanization levels; district classification; spatial development; urban-rural integration; Uzbekistan; territorial restructuring; regional specialization. Introduction. Although the average urbanization level of the Republic of Uzbekistan is close to the global average, there is a significant disparity among its administrative units. In this context, the present article analyzes urbanization indicators at the district, or "micro-region," level by examining the traditionally used methods for determining average urbanization levels across regions. In this study, the term "urbanization of micro-regions" refers to local transformation processes occurring in rural districts – namely, the gradual penetration of urban functions into lower-level territories and the resulting changes in the population’s lifestyle. Urbanization processes in rural districts remain an under- researched area. In such areas, urbanization is manifested through the activation of local centers – markets, bus terminals, neighborhood buildings, and infrastructure networks (natural gas, high-speed internet), the emergence of recreational zones and wellness facilities, and the widespread adoption of urban lifestyles. This includes the development of entrepreneurial activity among residents and the planned construction of private homes and neighborhood streets. Based on the above analyses, the urbanization of micro-regions can be defined as follows: Micro-regional urbanization refers to a localized, small-scale form of urbanization occurring in rural districts or peri-urban areas. It is characterized by emerging urban traits such as increased economic activity, infrastructural development, shifts in socio-cultural life, and urban-style land use patterns. 26 SCIENCE AND INNOVATION IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM International scientific-online conference It is important to note that in this study, the term “micro-regional urbanization” is being introduced into scientific discourse for the first time by the author. Here, “micro-regions” refer to local areas situated at the lower levels of urbanization, which are administratively part of rural districts but are functionally and infrastructurally demonstrating signs of urban transformation. Through this concept, the study explores how urban infrastructure, socio- cultural changes, and economic activity are evolving at the micro level. This approach is functionally similar to international concepts such as “local urbanization” and “peripheral urban transition,” but is proposed here as an independent scientific concept specific to the context of Uzbekistan. The concept of micro-regional urbanization encompasses the spatial variation of urbanization, the merging of rural and urban functions, and the transformation of lifestyles. It draws on foundational theories such as F.Ratzel’s and J.H.fon Thünen’s center-periphery and land use models, D.Harvey’s and E.Soja’s theories of territorial and socio-spatial transformation, and the models of “global city” , “innovation hub,” and “urban functional diffusion” developed by S.Sassen and R.Florida. Accordingly, micro-regional urbanization can be understood not only as a geographical phenomenon but also as a process of territorial, economic, cultural, and political restructuring. For example, in districts formerly characterized by a purely agrarian function and located at a significant distance (30–40 km) from regional centers or large cities, the emergence of major markets, bus terminals, bank branches, shopping centers, private clinics, youth innovation hubs, small enterprises, and entrepreneurial facilities represent tangible manifestations of micro-regional urbanization [2]. Studying urbanization processes at the lower level – specifically within rural districts – enables a deeper analysis of spatial disparities in urbanization trends. It also allows for the identification of districts where urbanization needs to be activated and helps assess the available opportunities to increase the urbanization level for each micro-region. Ultimately, this provides a foundation for developing clear and actionable plans for promoting urbanization at the micro-regional level.In this research, the urbanization levels of 163 rural districts of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as of 2025, were