The Fayzulla Khodjaev Museum stands as a tribute to one of the most influential figures in early 20th-century Bukhara. A leader among the Young Bukharians, known as Jadids, Khodjaev was a political activist, an advocate for the arts, and a champion of equality and democratic principles until his untimely demise in 1938.
Born into the affluent Ubaydullokhoja family, Fayzulla was provided with a secular education, a rarity at the time, which included extensive studies in Russia. Returning to Bukhara in 1913, he aligned himself with the progressive Bukharan Jadids. Between 1916 and 1920, he emerged as a key figure in the Young Bukharan Party, opposing the oppressive regime of the Emir of Bukhara. Alongside his comrade and fellow writer A.Fitrat, Khodjaev led protests demanding constitutional reform and societal betterment within the Bukhara Emirate. These efforts were met with resistance, forcing the Young Bukharians into exile. Later, as Central Asia became part of the USSR, Khodjaev engaged in regional governance but fell victim to the widespread purges of 1937-1938.
The enduring respect for Fayzulla Khodjaev in Bukhara is evident, particularly in the transformation of his ancestral home into a museum bearing his name. Nestled in the historic Goziyon neighborhood, once the domain of the elite and wealthy merchants, this house is a testament to the architectural prowess of the era. Constructed by his father Ubaydullokhoja in the late 19th century, the residence was crafted by the most esteemed architects of Bukhara, becoming a paragon of residential design.
The museum showcases the opulent and intricate interiors typical of affluent Bukharan homes. Expertly adorned with wood carvings and ganch, it preserves the Khojaev family’s original tableware. The house features traditional divisions: the havli darun (inner courtyard) for women and the havli berun (outer courtyard) for men, along with stables, gardens, and service areas.
A network of enigmatic underground tunnels adds to the house’s mystique. Their purpose remains speculative—perhaps constructed by Ubaydullokhoja as a refuge or possibly predating the house with a deeper historical significance.
Visitors to the museum today can explore an array of 19th-century Bukharan domestic artifacts, including tableware and furniture. The museum also offers a comprehensive account of Fayzulla Khodjaev’s life and contributions until his passing in 1938.
Tours in Uzbekistan
