The IL-18 Memorial Plane

The IL-18 Memorial Plane, located on the right bank of the Syr Darya River, has been a distinctive landmark in the city of Khujand since the late 1970s. Originally, this aircraft served as a training facility for rescue workers until 1979, after which it was permanently positioned as a monument along the riverbank.

For many years, the IL-18 was more than just a memorial. It became a popular café, known for serving ice cream in distinctive metal bowls with tall stems. The café quickly became a favorite spot among locals, with families and visitors flocking to enjoy their ice cream aboard the plane. Some thrill-seekers even leaped from the plane’s roof into the Syr Darya, adding a touch of excitement to this unusual venue.

This was not the only IL-18 plane to be turned into a monument; similar aircraft were installed in 17 cities across the former Soviet Union, including Khujand. Despite its long-lasting popularity, the café closed during the post-Soviet era and has since ceased operation.

From the plane’s location, one can still see a mosque with its shining dome emerging from the surrounding buildings. Another visible landmark is a white patch on a nearby hillside, marking the former Kiik-Tap uranium mine, which operated between 1973 and 1987, located uncomfortably close to the city’s edge.

Though the IL-18 café is no longer in service, the plane remains a nostalgic symbol of Khujand’s history, reminding residents of a time when this unique venue was the heart of the city’s social scene.