Tucked away in the bustling heart of Tashkent, shielded from the lively streets by residential homes and commercial edifices, stands a museum that pays homage to Tamara Khanum, an emblematic figure in Uzbekistan’s cultural tapestry. This house museum, nestled on the very street that bears her name, was the sanctuary where this illustrious performer spent her twilight years.
Tamara Khanum, whose birth in 1906 in the Fergana Valley marked the beginning of an extraordinary life, was originally named Petrosyan, reflecting her Armenian heritage. Her life story is a passionate ode to the performing arts, a journey that began when she graced the stage at the tender age of 13. A graduate of the Moscow theater school in 1925, Khanum’s career took flight as she dazzled audiences in Paris and other European capitals. Her artistic endeavors were not just limited to performances; she played a pivotal role in the establishment of musical-drama theaters across Uzbek cities and engaged in prolific correspondence with global art luminaries.
By the age of 30, Khanum had become a celebrated soloist with the Uzbek Philharmonic, dedicating herself to the evolution of Uzbek national dance. Yet, it was her fervent collection and performance of the folk dances and songs of various nations that catapulted her to international stardom. With an uncanny ability to master a country’s folkloric essence in mere days, she performed with such authenticity that she seemed to embody the very soul of those lands. Her global tours resulted in a personal collection of national attire, now a central feature of the Tamara Khanum museum exhibition, showcasing everything from Slavic to Chinese, other Asian, and even Egyptian garments.
Khanum’s contributions extended beyond the arts; during the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, she performed at the front lines and generously donated to the war effort, earning her the rank of captain in the Soviet Army for her patriotic services. Her illustrious career spanned several decades, coming to a close in the 1980s. Tamara Khanum’s passing in 1991 in Tashkent was followed by the posthumous honor of the museum’s inauguration three years later.
The museum’s initial exposition, which Khanum herself had a hand in curating, features a stunning array of international stage costumes that she once wore. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the recreated ambiance of her home, peruse a collection of photographs and posters, listen to audio recordings, read manuscripts of her poetry, and admire portraits painted by Uzbek artists. Reflecting on her six-decade-long career, it is evident that Tamara Khanum’s life was a profound dedication to the arts, securing her legacy as a quintessential symbol of Uzbek folk dance.
Address: 1/41, Tamara Khanum str., Mirzo Ulugbek district
Telephone: (99871) 267 86 90
Open hours: 10:00AM-05:00PM
Days off: Saturday, Sunday
Tours in Uzbekistan
