In the bustling city of Tashkent, the International Caravanserai of Culture stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Silk Road. This institution, which is both a museum and a center for scientific and cultural exchange, was established in 2002 as a result of a profound meeting between Eastern cultures. The concept was born from a dialogue in Japan in 1999 between Tursunali Kuziev, the Chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan, and Ikuo Hirayama, a renowned Japanese painter. Their vision was to create a space in Tashkent that would celebrate and study the rich history of the Silk Road.
The Caravanserai’s name harks back to the historical caravanserais that dotted the Silk Road, serving as havens where merchants and travelers could rest, exchange stories, and immerse themselves in the cultural melting pot that connected the East and West.
Today, the Caravanserai of Culture is a vibrant hub dedicated to the exploration of the Silk Road’s history. It collaborates with museums and research centers worldwide, spearheads archaeological expeditions, and champions the vast cultural tapestry that stretches across Asia. The facility includes a state-of-the-art laboratory where artifacts unearthed from excavations are meticulously studied.
The complex is comprised of two main structures. Building «A» is home to a rich library filled with literature on the Silk Road, alongside a conference hall and various administrative offices. Building «B» boasts a large exhibition hall and two smaller ones, in addition to a laboratory and a workshop where restoration specialists ply their trade, often drawing on the expertise of Japanese conservationists.
The Caravanserai also features the Friendship Garden, a serene space planted with evergreen cypresses and other trees by notable political figures, symbolizing the enduring bonds of international camaraderie. Notably, the garden is graced by the «Hiroshima Peace Stone,» a slab engraved with a female figure that once formed part of a Hiroshima pavement, now serving as a poignant emblem of global peace.
Address: 37 a, Yusuf Khos Khojib str. Yakkasaray district,
Telephone: (+998 71) 233-56-74
Open hours: from 09:00 to 18:00 (no dinner time)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday
Website: http://www.caravanserai.uz
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