The Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF) has appointed renowned Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh to design the Jadids Legacy Museum in Bukhara, a groundbreaking project that will transform the former residence of reformist leader Usmon Khodjaev into a cultural landmark. Scheduled to open in 2027, the museum will explore the ideas and influence of Jadidism, the progressive reform movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to modernize education, foster cultural renewal, and expand intellectual horizons across Central Asia.
This commission represents Ghotmeh's first architectural project in the Central Asian region. The internationally acclaimed architect, known for her innovative approach she calls "Archaeology of the Future," expressed her enthusiasm for the project. "Working on this museum is an honor, as it aligns with my fascination for history and heritage and my constant search for meaningful inspiration to shape the architecture of tomorrow," Ghotmeh shared. "This project allowed me to explore the Jadid movement, whose courage to reimagine education and society – placing women at the heart of social transformation – I deeply admire."
The museum forms part of a growing network of cultural institutions spearheaded by ACDF that aim to place Uzbekistan's rich cultural identity on the global stage. Within Bukhara alone, these initiatives include the recently launched Bukhara Biennial. Nationwide, ACDF's ambitious projects range from the revitalization of the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent to the Tadao Ando-designed National Museum of Uzbekistan, which is currently under construction.
The historic building selected to house the Jadids Legacy Museum once belonged to Usmon Khodjaev (1878-1968), a pivotal figure in the Jadid movement and the first president of the short-lived Bukhara People's Republic. Born into a merchant family in Bukhara, Khodjaev pursued his studies in Istanbul, where he successfully raised funds to establish Jadid schools. After returning to Uzbekistan in 1913, he played a crucial role in forming the Young Bukharans, an influential group of reform-minded intellectuals who advocated for comprehensive educational and social change. His distinguished career later extended into diplomacy and scholarship, including leadership positions at the Institute for the Study of Turkic Culture in Ankara.
Ghotmeh brings impressive credentials to this prestigious commission. The Lebanese-born architect has gained international recognition for notable projects including the 2023 Serpentine Pavilion in London, the innovative Stone Garden tower in Beirut, and her current commission to renovate the British Museum's Western Range galleries. Her distinctive architectural philosophy, which she describes as "Archaeology of the Future," emphasizes the integration of historical context with contemporary design innovation.
The museum's location carries deep historical significance. Situated beside Lyabi-Hauz, Bukhara's iconic 17th-century square and traditional gathering place, the house has witnessed transformative periods in the region's history. In a meaningful gesture of continuity and preservation, Khodjaev's son, Professor Temur Khodja, has pledged the historic property to the Ministry of Culture to guarantee its permanent status as a museum dedicated to Jadid heritage.
The term "Jadid" itself originates from Arabic and Persian languages, where "jadid" means "new." Initially applied to describe modern educational methods, the word eventually came to represent a comprehensive program of cultural and social reform throughout Central Asia. The movement placed strong emphasis on literacy advancement, the inclusion of women in educational opportunities, and active engagement with global intellectual currents, while maintaining deep roots in local identity and traditions.
For ACDF leadership, the museum represents a vital opportunity to bring these historical narratives into contemporary relevance. Gayane Umerova, Chairperson of ACDF and head of the Department for Creative Economy and Tourism, describes the ambitious project as a unique chance to connect past and present. "The Jadids Legacy Museum will tell the story of visionaries whose belief in knowledge, cultural renewal, and openness resonates powerfully today," she noted. "In Bukhara, their legacy is part of the city's fabric, and an inspiration for all generations."
The museum project is designed to create a space for reflection on how the reformers' progressive vision continues to resonate in today's world, serving as both a tribute to historical achievements and a source of inspiration for future generations interested in education, cultural development, and social progress.
