BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 17. On March 17, the
grand opening of the 15th-century national monument - Bukhara
caravanserai - after major restoration and conservation efforts,
and the presentation of the "BukharArt" art space, which will
operate here, were held in Icherisheher, Trend reports.
Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov, Alena
Aliyeva, Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova, Chairman of
the Board of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural
Reserve Administration Rufat Mahmud, as well as cultural figures
and public representatives attended the event.
This magnificent building, built on an ancient trade route as a
shelter for Central Asian merchants, has now regained its former
glory through a large-scale project implemented in accordance with
the relevant Order of President Ilham Aliyev. The restoration was
meticulously carried out on the principle of preserving both the
architectural and engineering features of the monument.
Addressing the event, Chairman of the Board of the
“Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve
Administration Rufat Mahmud said that the restoration is of great
importance in terms of preserving historical heritage and passing
it on to future generations. According to him, the newly
established “BukharArt” art space will contribute to the cultural
life of Icherisheher.
In his remarks, restorer Erich Pumer said the process of major
renovation and strengthening of the Bukhara caravanserai was
carried out with great sensitivity: “The key priority during the
restoration was to safeguard the original architectural style and
historical features of the monument. At the same time, modern
engineering solutions were integrated to ensure the durability of
the structure.”
Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan Bahrom Ashrafkhanov
underlined that this place has historically served as a center
where people from diverse regions met, new trade relations were
established, and bonds between peoples were strengthened. He said
that the history of the Bukhara caravanserai is directly linked to
the centuries-old ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and
Azerbaijan.
Then, the guests viewed the monument.
Restoration and conservation works were carried out over 3.5
years by the renowned Austrian company “Atelier Erich Pummer GmbH,”
a company with international expertise in this field, on the order
of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve
Administration.
According to the new concept, the Bukhara caravanserai has been
transformed into a functional and creative space for local
craftsmen. The carvanserai contains a total of 18 rooms, each
dedicated to artisans representing various fields of art. The
artisans will create and demonstrate their handicrafts daily,
simultaneously offering their products for sale.
“BukharArt” will operate as an interactive art space for local
and foreign visitors. Here, artists will host various master
classes, demonstrating the intricacies of Azerbaijani folk art in a
practical way. Traditional crafts such as weaving, sculpture,
leatherworking, painting, carpet weaving, iron forging, miniature
art, artistic ceramics, marbling art, and wood carving are
represented here.
With its unique architectural style and mystical atmosphere,
“BukharArt” will become one of the most attractive cultural centers
for both residents and guests of the capital.
