In the scenic outskirts of Tashkent Region, a marvel of engineering and science stands as a beacon of human ingenuity—the Solar Furnace. Towering at 54 meters, this colossal solar oven boasts a parabolic mirror capable of harnessing the sun’s energy to generate blistering temperatures exceeding 3000° C almost instantaneously. It’s a place where the complexities of science meet the thrill of discovery, offering a blend of educational and recreational activities for visitors from all walks of life.
Perched on a hill near the town of Parkent, just 45 kilometers from Tashkent, the Solar Furnace overlooks the village of Changikhisarak. Known by various monikers such as the Sun Furnace, Physics-Sun, and the Sun Institute of Uzbekistan, scientists affectionately refer to it as the «Heliopolygon» and «Heliocomplex.» These names, each with its own historical significance, reflect the facility’s multifaceted legacy.
The roots of this solar colossus trace back to 1940 with the establishment of a physical and technical laboratory in Tashkent, which evolved into the Physicotechnical Institute by 1943. In the ensuing decade, Uzbek scientist Sadik Azimov, primarily focused on nuclear physics, founded a cosmic rays laboratory at the institute. The 1970s marked a pivotal turn as Azimov championed the cause of renewable energy, culminating in the construction of the Big Solar Furnace near Parkent in 1981. By 1986, as the facility neared completion, the Physics-Sun research and production association was organized, leading to the inauguration of the Solar Furnace in 1987.
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