The Man
Faizullo Khodjaev (1896-1938) was a leading state and political figure of Uzbekistan. He was born into a rich Bukharian merchant's family andattheageof17 took part in the Jadid movement and the activities of the Young Bukharians. After the 1917 revolution, he devoted his life to the cause, preparing an armed uprising and the overthrow of the emirate in Bukhara. From 1920 to 1924 Faizullo lead the Bukhara People's Sovjet Republic and later became the first Chairman of the Sovjet of People's Commissars of the USSR, chairman of the Central Executive Committee of the Uzbek Communist Party. 1937 he was arrested together with a group of leading revolutionaries and party workers, was tried in Moscow as part of the so-called right Trotskyist block and executed in March 1938. His family is disbursed al I over the world but they do come back to Bukhara and the house occasionally to research their own past.

The House
The House Museum of Faizullo Khodjaev is a fine example of the Bukharian architectural style of the late 19th century. The house is located in the very interesting Mahalla No8 on the border between the old and the new town and was indeed where Faizullo was born and raised.

Turning off the street at the sign post, you first come through the shady garden. You enter into the men's court, with the life & activities exhibition hall. Stepping through a narrow gate, you enter the women's quarters, the ladies of the 19th century having enjoying a vast secluded courtyard complete with a lovingly restored aywan. The large reception and representation room is pure Bukharian style, rich colors, complex patterns, the classic niches ornating the walls below the time-darkened beams of the high ceiling. There's the winter salon, another room which has been left unrestored, with original wall paintings and of course there is the kitchen.

Bathroom facilities, a clean but very simple Central Asian style toilet is at visitors'disposal and the Editor-in-Chief has been assured that toilet paper and soap will be available at all times...

The Exhibits
The belongings of thefamily at the time have sort of been consolidated. There's the original furniture, there's the salon with the dusty gramophone, there are home furnishings, decorations, porcelain and other household items, Koran holders with old books and manuscripts. There are personal items on view, display walls with historical facts about Bukhara, books, documents and photos linked to the house and its inhabitants.

The kitchen provides glimpses into the culinary technology of 150years ago, somestillapplied. The lady's wardrobes were sumptuous and of the finest handmade embroidered textiles of the time. After your visit, sit down for a refreshing cup of tea with Bukharian sweets and enjoy the costume show. Wrap a gorgeous gold embroidered coat around your shoulders, feel multicolored silk and adras gliding through your fingers while listening to the fascinating facts and the legends as recounted by the knowledgeable museum director.