the only remaining sample of a Bukharian Emir's country residence

A few km away from Bukhara's old town, down the new Presidential Road, you get the chance to enter into a fairy tale world, lovingly created almost a century ago. A perfect detour to acquire a better understanding how attached the last Bukharian rulers were to the Western world.

The old palace of Abdul Akhad Khan (1892) is a traditional three-house complex with one- and two-storey buildings in the spirit of a classic Bukharian residence of its time.

Said Alim Khan built his own Palace in 1917; little did he know that history was just about to take a major turn. He thought of everything and was much involved in the lay out and the facilities. The huge estate was divided into distinctive areas each with their specific function, beds of gorgeous Central Asian roses scattered throughout the park-like landscape led up to small secret gardens and gracious pavilions such as the “birun” pavillion for entertainment and shows by the best dancers and musicians, tight rope walkers and other artists, the “darun” appointed with the finest furniture, where receptions were held during the hot summer months, the “khazina khona” store house, holding the finest food items for the customary large banquets, the “hayvonat khona”, the zoological garden.
On the other side of the park, right by the hauz, lay the Harem complete with a two storey open pavilion, which gave the ladies an excellent outlook and allowed them to catch a refreshing breeze.
The main building shows the gradual influence that Western style gained at the Bukharian court. Buildings from the 1917-1918 period show that distinctive oriental style with European elements. A good example is the splendid “White Hall”, the formal reception room. Its walls are decorated with exquisitely chiseled alabaster patterns on mirror surfaces, executed by the famous Bukharian master Usto Shirin Muradov and the precious wood furniture is upholstered all in white brocade.

As you amble through this “palace” museum, you will admire the interesting and surprising display items, the many presents bestowed upon the Emir by foreign dignitaries. Another hall exhibits the Emir's richly embroidered chapan coat, hand embroidered by skilled men folk, since originally only men had the right to the art gold embroidery.

Pay attention to the harmonious color combinations on the lovingly ornamented multi-patterned walls and the choice of tints such as the very contemporary trendy green of the ceiling in the room where the Chinese Cloisonnet Vases are on display.

There are captivating stories linked to many features of this palace and it is well worth hiring the museum guide to hear all about the life of a Bukharian Emir not so long ago on that very estate.

The villas and pavilions built on the expansive estate in 1917-1918 are an eclectic combination of European architecture and quaint Oriental style some of which mirror in a huge pond, the classic Bukharian hauz