The renowned writer Abdulla Qodiriy once said, “Remembering the past is a noble cause.” This is because by studying history and learning valuable lessons, one can understand their place in time and space and determine their path in life.
The purpose of UzA’s new project, “Returning to the Past…”, is to promote information about Uzbekistan’s unique path and past events. This will be achieved through photo reports featuring historical monuments, museums, holy places of worship, and objects that reflect the country’s rich history and spiritual heritage of our ancestors.
The first article of the project will focus on the house museum of Abdulla Qodiriy, which was established in 2019 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the writer. The museum is located in the house on Samarkand Darvoza Street, in the Shaykhantakhur district of Tashkent, where Qodiriy lived and created his great works.
The house museum serves as an important platform for showcasing the life and creative journey of a writer who has left an indelible mark on Uzbek literature. It also offers a glimpse into the historical appearance of the capital.
The current resident of the house is Qodiriy’s grandson, literary scholar Khondamir Qodiriy.
In the center of the courtyard stands a monument of the writer, created by sculptor Bakhrom Norboyev. The statue depicts Qodiriy with a book in his hand, gazing thoughtfully into the distance.
The two-story veranda, built by Qodiriy in 1928, still stands in the courtyard. This was a popular gathering place for writers and artists such as Alexey Tolstoy, Sufizoda, Oybek, Komil Yashin, Gafur Gulom, Sadriddin Aini, Abdulla Qahhor, Yusufjon qiziq Shakarjonov, Hamid Olimjon, and Yunus Rajabi. It was on this veranda that Qodiriy wrote some of his most famous works, including “The Days Gone By”, “Scorpion from the Altar”, and “Obid-Ketmon”.
Aside from being a writer, Qodiriy was also a skilled gardener who took great care of the trees in his yard and shared the fruits of his small garden with everyone. He was known for his hospitality, welcoming all visitors to his house regardless of their social status.
The house museum consists of four rooms, two exhibition halls, and a conference room for meetings, conversations, and memorial evenings. The writer’s office, his clothes, sandalwood, kurpachas (lightweight quilted mattresses), household items, and porcelain dishes are all preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into the environment of that time. The office and exhibition hall also display paintings reflecting Qodiriy’s spiritual heroism, as well as newspapers and magazines where his early works and first books were published, along with famous novels and works translated into different languages.
In the courtyard, visitors can see a two-wheeled cart, similar to the one described in Qodiriy’s novel “The Days Gone By”. This cart was specially made by artisans from Fergana and presented as a gift to the house museum.
The beginning of the 20th century in Uzbekistan’s history was a period of national awakening, associated with the Jadid Movement. This period brought about radical transformations in all aspects of the people’s spiritual life, including the development of literature. It was during this time that the genius Abdulla Qodiriy entered the world of literary creativity. His works are heavily influenced by the ideas of Jadidism and national patriotism.
Visiting house museums like this one has great educational value. The exhibits serve as a reminder of the heroism and complicated past of our ancestors, who served their country and will forever be remembered by the people. The life and work of our great ancestors serve as a real example for us to follow.
[gallery-16702]Article by Kamola Yusupova, photos by Davron Ernazarov, UzA