Museum of Local Lore in Kokand

Kokand is a major commercial, industrial and cultural center of the Fergana Valley, which was once the capital of the Kokand Khanate. The history of the city goes back centuries: thousands of years ago, primitive people lived in this region, in the 10th century, the city of Kokand appeared, which in the 19th century became one of the most influential in the entire Central Asian region. And today, the history of Kokand can be found in the Museum of Local Lore, which is located in the Palace of Khudoyar Khan.

In 1876, Kokand was captured by the troops of the Russian Empire, and a Russian garrison was stationed in the Khan's palace. And half a century later, when the Kokand Khanate sank into oblivion and the region became part of the Soviet Union, in 1924 an agricultural exhibition was organized in the Palace of Khudoyar Khan. A year later, it was decided to open a museum of local lore here. The palace, which witnessed the most important historical events, became the epitome of the history of Kokand.

Even at the entrance, visitors to the palace get acquainted with the rich traditions of Kokand architecture and decoration: painted minarets, carved doors, gancha patterns on the ceiling and more. The museum itself is located in several palace rooms and includes six departments: history, modern history, art, nature, the department of scientific and educational work and the department of museum funds.

The museum's exposition surprises with the wealth of various objects of the history of the region. In stages, it is possible to trace the history of Kokand from primitive times, represented by various archaeological finds in the form of potsherds, choppers, stone tools, to household items of the late 19th century. Here you can see clothes, weapons, books, dishes, which were a part of the life of the Kokand people. Exhibits from other countries are worthy of special attention: they are mostly gifts to the Khan, once presented by foreign ambassadors. In the courtyard there are two cannons that have been preserved since the siege of the palace by Russian troops.

A separate room features palace furniture made by local craftsmen or brought to the Khan from distant lands. And in the next room you can see stuffed animals that once inhabited the surroundings of Kokand. The museum's collections number more than 30 thousand exhibits, and it will not be possible to tell about all the wealth of the Kokand Museum of Local Lore – you need to see it with your own eyes.

Today, the museum continues to replenish its exposition, its staff carries out research work. In addition, together with public organizations, the museum organizes exhibitions, seminars, meetings, contests and festivals for schoolchildren and students. In total, during the year, the Kokand Museum of Local Lore is visited by about 70 thousand people, among whom a considerable part are foreign tourists.