Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum

Fayzulla Khodjaev was born into the family of a wealthy trader, Ubaydullokhoja. His father was determined to provide him with a secular education, which led Fayzulla to study in Russia for an extended period. Upon his return to Bukhara in 1913, he joined the Bukharan Jadids, a reformist group seeking to modernize and democratize the Emirate of Bukhara. From 1916 to 1920, Fayzulla Khodjaev emerged as one of the leaders of the Young Bukharan Party, which opposed the oppressive regime of the Emir of Bukhara.

Together with his close friend and fellow reformist, the writer Abdurauf Fitrat, Khodjaev organized a demonstration advocating for the adoption of a constitution and reforms aimed at improving the lives of the people in the Bukhara Emirate. The demonstration was violently suppressed, forcing the Young Bukharans to flee. When Central Asia became part of the USSR, Fayzulla Khodjaev played a role in the regional administration. However, during the mass repressions of 1937-1938, he was executed.

The memory of Fayzulla Khodjaev is still honored in Bukhara, and the transformation of his family home into a museum is a testament to his enduring legacy. The museum is located in the renowned Bukharan neighborhood of Goziyon, an area historically inhabited by court nobility, wealthy merchants, and traders. Ubaydullokhoja, Fayzulla’s father, constructed several houses in this neighborhood at the end of the 19th century, employing the most skilled Bukharan architects to create a model of residential architecture.

The Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum is distinguished by its luxurious and refined interiors. The rooms are adorned with intricate wood carvings and ganch (a type of plasterwork), showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. The museum also preserves the original tableware and furnishings that once belonged to the Khodjaev family, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of Bukhara’s elite in the 19th century.

Like many affluent homes in Bukhara, the Fayzulla Khodjaev house features an internal courtyard (havli darun) and an external yard (havli berun). In Muslim households, the havli darun was typically the female section of the house, while the havli berun was designated for males. The property also includes stables, gardens, and various household premises.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the house is its network of underground tunnels. The purpose of these tunnels remains a mystery. They may have been constructed by Ubaydullokhoja as a means of escape in case of danger or displeasure from the khan, or they could have a much older origin, predating the construction of the house.

Today, the Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum is open to visitors, offering a rich collection of tableware, eastern furniture, and other artifacts that illustrate the daily life of Bukharans in the 19th century. The museum also provides detailed information about Fayzulla Khodjaev’s biography and his political activities until his execution in 1938.

The Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum is not just a tribute to a significant historical figure but also a window into the cultural and social history of Bukhara. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s past and the legacy of its reformist movements.

Address: 70, A. Tukay str., Bukhara
Phone: (+998 65) 224-41-88
Working hours: from 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m.
Day off: Sunday