Uzbekistan adopts Latin-based alphabet with 28 letters and four new letter forms

On 21 October 2026, Uzbekistan adopted Law No. 1184, which amends the law on introducing a Latin-based Uzbek alphabet. The new alphabet will consist of 28 letters and one apostrophe-like sign (ʼ). The most visible change is the new form of four letters: O‘ o‘ becomes Ö ö, G‘ g‘ becomes Ğ ğ, Sh sh becomes Ş ş, and Ch ch becomes Ç ç.

The law aims to replace two-character digraphs with single letters, improve spelling consistency and create a single standard for digital tasks such as typing, electronic search and software adaptation. It is also intended to strengthen the international reach of the Uzbek language and its digital resources.

Under the law, documents issued with the old letter forms will remain valid, and the national currency and securities will stay in circulation. Diplomas and certificates do not need to be replaced for this reason alone, and signs on buildings need not be changed immediately. Sherali Temirov, an adviser to the Samarkand regional governor, writes that the aim is an orderly transition to the new script, not the cancellation of old documents.