Arbob Cultural Palace

The Arbob Cultural Palace in Khujand is an iconic architectural monument designed by Hikmat Yuldashev. According to historical accounts, although Yuldashev was responsible for its design, the project was initially developed by architects from Leningrad, under the initiative of Saidkhoja Urunkhodjaev, a pioneer in collective farming. It is believed that Yuldashev sought guidance from specialists in Leningrad to accurately replicate the architectural nuances of the Peterhof Palace, which served as a reference for the Arbob Palace’s design.

Initially, the Arbob Cultural Palace served as the administrative center for several collective farms, becoming a hub for cultural and public events in the region. Today, much of the building functions as a museum, with a significant portion dedicated to the history of collectivization in Khujand.

The palace is named after the hill it stands on, known as «Arbob.» Urunkhodjaev, inspired by the grandeur of the Peterhof Palace, proposed constructing a similar but smaller version for local farmers. The construction was a communal effort, known as hashar, which is akin to a volunteer workday. Collective farmers would dedicate time to the palace’s construction after completing their regular work, which explains why the palace took longer to complete than similar structures.

One notable feature of the palace is its grand auditorium, where women from the collective farms wove a massive curtain. This curtain was adorned with «golden» silk threads, intricately embroidered with the iconic hammer and sickle, all done by hand.

The palace boasts over 100 rooms, and each ceiling is adorned with a unique, handcrafted ornament designed by local artisans. These designs were approved by Yuldashev himself, ensuring they aligned with his vision. During its construction, the palace was visited by notable figures such as Joseph Stalin, and at its grand opening, it welcomed Georgy Malenkov.

In recent years, the palace underwent what was called a «reconstruction,» though it was essentially a renovation. The cascading fountain system was altered, modern lighting was added, and the parquet floors were refurbished. A prominent feature of the palace is its Fountain Alley, which consists of nine tulip-shaped fountains that lead visitors to the Arbob Cultural Palace. A 12-meter statue of Vladimir Lenin also stands along this path.

Hikmat Yuldashev (1913-1983), the visionary behind the Arbob Cultural Palace, was a versatile architect who worked across various architectural styles, from modernism to neoclassicism, Stalinist Empire style, and Soviet functionalism. One of the hallmarks of his work was his ability to blend these influences with traditional Central Asian architecture.

Yuldashev graduated from the Central Asian Construction Institute in Tashkent in 1938, after which he began his career in Dushanbe with «Tajikgosproekt.» He was one of the first Soviet architects to integrate the rich decorative arts of the Tajik people, such as wood carving, ganch (a traditional plaster technique), and wall paintings, into his designs. His buildings were characterized by simplicity and elegance, yet they also carried a lightness and brightness that harmonized beautifully with the sunny landscape of southern cities and villages.