In the heart of Tashkent, amidst the verdant canopy of ancient trees, stands a structure of historical and architectural significance—the German Kirche, also known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church. This Gothic edifice, located on Sadiq Asimov Street, has been a silent witness to the passage of over a century, its presence a constant in the ever-evolving cityscape.
The German Kirche, the sole Lutheran Church in Tashkent, was erected in 1899, a creation of the Tashkent Lutheran community under the guidance of the renowned architect A.L. Benoit. His design, a reflection of the neo-Gothic style, drew inspiration from the Baltic church architecture, resulting in a building composed of brown-yellow bricks that exude a sense of time-honored tradition.
Throughout its existence, the church has mirrored the changing tides of history. In the era of Soviet rule, the sacred walls of the Kirche were repurposed, serving as a warehouse before transitioning to a part of the Tashkent Conservatory in the late 1970s. Following its restoration, it became the home of the conservatory’s opera studio. It was during this period that an organ was installed, and the church became a venue for enchanting organ music concerts.
The 1990s marked a new chapter for the church as it was entrusted to a nascent Lutheran community. The history of Lutheranism in Tashkent stretches back over 125 years, a narrative of both flourishing and adversity. Today, the community boasts over 200 parishioners in Tashkent and approximately a hundred in Fergana.
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