Historical and Urban Planning Transformation of Tashkent's Residential Fabric: From Mahalla Structure to Contemporary Densification

This article examines the historical and urban planning transformation of Tashkent’s residential fabric in relation to contemporary densification. Based on historical-urban and morphological analysis, it identifies the main stages in the formation of the city’s residential environment: the traditional mahalla, the colonial dual structure of the Old and New City, the Soviet microdistrict, infill development during the independence period, and contemporary high-rise complexes. The study shows that Tashkent’s residential fabric developed through the overlapping of historical layers with different planning structures, building heights, block scales, and open-space patterns. The article argues that densification should be assessed through a differentiated approach that considers the historically formed morphology of the urban fabric and the balance between built-up and open spaces.