Has the alphabet changed yet?

Yes — the law is signed. The new alphabet takes effect on 22 April 2027.

The President signed Law No. LRU-1184 on 21 October 2026, and it was officially published the same day. It enters into force six months after publication. Documents, banknotes and securities issued in the previous alphabet remain valid.

Takes effect:

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When does the new alphabet take effect?

The new alphabet takes effect on 22 April 2027: Law No. LRU-1184 was officially published on 21 October 2026 and enters into force six months after publication.

How it got here, and what happens next

  1. 7 July 2026

    The Legislative Chamber adopts the law changing the Latin-based Uzbek alphabet.

  2. 10 September 2026

    The Senate approves the law and sends it to the President.

  3. 21 October 2026

    The President signs the law, on Uzbek Language Day.

  4. By late December 2026

    The Cabinet of Ministers approves the programme for putting the law into practice; the law gives it two months.

  5. 22 April 2027

    The law enters into force, six months after its official publication.

  6. After entry into force

    Media, state bodies and official correspondence switch to the new alphabet. Documents issued in the current alphabet stay valid; personal use is free.

  7. 2027/28 school year

    First-grade textbooks are printed in the new alphabet.

  8. 2031

    All school textbooks are converted.

Sources

The 2026 reform · The Uzbek alphabet · How to type ö ğ ş ç · Convert