Memorial House-Museum of Tamara Hanum

About Tamarakhonim

In the center of Tashkent, behind residential buildings and shopping centers, away from the bustling roads, lies a museum dedicated to one of Uzbekistan’s most famous women – Tamarakhonim. This house-museum, named after the legendary singer and dancer, is where she spent the last years of her life. It’s one of the most unexplored landmarks of Tashkent.

Tamarakhonim, born Tamara Petrosyan in 1906 in the Fergana Valley, was of Armenian descent. Her life story is marked by an unwavering passion for the stage, which she embraced at the tender age of 13.

Career and Achievements

In 1925, she graduated from the theater technical school in Moscow and began an extensive concert career. She performed in Paris and other European cities, contributed to the establishment of music and drama theaters across Uzbekistan, and collaborated with artists worldwide.

By the age of 30, Tamarakhonim had become a soloist with the Uzbek Philharmonic and played a pivotal role in reforming Uzbek folk dance. Her global fame was largely due to her performances and her impressive collection of folk dances from various cultures.

Her ability to learn and perform foreign folk songs and dances within days was remarkable. The Tamarakhonim Museum now houses a collection of folk costumes she acquired, including Slavic, Chinese, other Asian, and Egyptian costumes.

War Efforts and Later Life

During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, Tamarakhonim performed for troops and raised funds for military equipment. In 1943, she was honored with the rank of captain in the Soviet Army for her service. Her dedication to her art and country continued well into the 1980s.

Tamarakhonim passed away in 1991 in Tashkent, and the house museum was inaugurated three years later, in her memory.

Know Before You Go

The museum is very small at only two rooms in size and won’t take long to visit.

It’s free to enter. Make sure to knock if the doors are locked.