A new museum dedicated to the Jadidist movement is set to open in the historic Uzbek city of Bukhara by 2027, with the project designed by acclaimed Paris-based architect Lina Ghotmeh. The Jadids Legacy Museum will honor the Muslim reform movement that flourished in Central Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for modern education, social progress, and the strengthening of intellectual networks throughout the region.
The museum will be housed in the former residential home of Usmon Khodjaev (1878-1968), a leading figure of the Jadidist movement and the first president of the People's Republic of Bukhara. The historic building is strategically located directly adjacent to the famous Lyabi-Hauz square, which serves as the social heart of Bukhara. Khodjaev's son donated the property to the Ministry of Culture to ensure its preservation and future use as a cultural institution.
Lina Ghotmeh, who is currently designing the upcoming Qatari Pavilion for the Venice Biennale and working on renovations for portions of the British Museum, describes her design philosophy as "Archaeology of the Future." This approach derives every new architectural gesture from traces of the past, creating a dialogue between historical heritage and contemporary needs. For the Jadids Legacy Museum, she plans a transformation of the historic structure that will create spaces for reflection and learning while connecting the values of the past with opportunities for the future.
The project is commissioned by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), which has been working since 2017 to strengthen and internationally promote the country's cultural heritage. The museum represents part of a growing network of ACDF institutions that includes the Uzbek pavilion at the Osaka Expo and the planned National Museum of Uzbekistan in Tashkent. Additionally, the foundation has published "Tashkent Modernism XX/XXI," a comprehensive book examining the modernist architecture of the capital city from the 1960s through the 1980s.
The term "Jadid" derives from Arabic and Persian words meaning "new," reflecting the movement's commitment to progressive reform and modernization. The Jadidist movement played a crucial role in promoting literacy, modern educational methods, and cultural renaissance throughout Central Asia, making it a fitting subject for a museum that bridges historical understanding with contemporary cultural dialogue.
