Gafur Gulom

Gafur Gulom Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Gafur Gulom Monument and Its Significance

Situated in the heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the legacy of Gafur Gulom stands as a testament to the nation’s vibrant literary and cultural history. Born in 1903, Gafur Gulom was a trailblazing poet, writer, and translator whose contributions helped define modern Uzbek literature. His unique ability to blend traditional motifs with modernist influences paved the way for a new era of Uzbek literary expression.

Visitors can experience Gulom’s enduring influence at several key locations, most notably the Gafur Gulom House-Museum and the Gafur Gulom Metro Station. These sites not only honor his achievements but also offer immersive cultural experiences that illuminate Uzbekistan’s artistic renaissance and Soviet-era ingenuity. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for visiting these sites, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and nearby attractions. Whether you are a literature enthusiast, history buff, or cultural traveler, exploring Gafur Gulom’s legacy in Tashkent offers a meaningful connection to the country’s identity (everything.explained.today, Time Travel Turtle, Evendo).

Early Life and Education
Literary Achievements and Influence
- Notable Works
- Literary Translation
Recognition and Honors
Legacy and Cultural Significance
- House-Museum and Manuscript Restoration
- Commemoration in Tashkent
Visiting the Gafur Gulom House-Museum: Practical Information
Gafur Gulom Metro Station: A Cultural Landmark
Gafur Gulom Historic House Museum: Visiting Details
Gafur Gulom Area: Historical and Cultural Context
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Early Life and Education

Gafur Gulom (also known as Gʻafur Gʻulom, Gafur Gulyam, or Gafur Ghulam) was born on May 10, 1903, in Tashkent, then under the Russian Empire (everything.explained.today). Raised in a modest peasant family, his father, Gʻulom Mirza Orif, was a literate man who wrote poetry and imparted a love of literature to his son (prabook.com). After his father’s early death, Gulom attended both traditional religious and Russian secular schools, an educational background that later influenced his synthesis of classical Uzbek forms with modernist literary trends (themodernnovel.org).

Gulom’s early career included teaching and editorial work for publications like Kambagʻal dehqon (The Poor Farmer) and Qizil Oʻzbekiston (Red Uzbekistan), giving him direct insight into the lives of everyday Uzbeks (everything.explained.today).

Literary Achievements and Influence

Recognized as a founder of modern Uzbek poetry, Gulom produced a prolific body of poetry, prose, essays, satire, and translations. His work is characterized by themes of social justice, humanism, and national identity, often blending humor and empathy (en.delachieve.com).

Notable Works

Shum Bola (The Mischievous Boy): Gulom’s semi-autobiographical novel, adapted into a popular film in 1977, remains a classic of Uzbek literature and a reflection of childhood in Tashkent (prabook.com).
Yodgor (Memoir): This work explores memory and national identity.
Sharqdan kelayotirman (I’m Coming from the East): A poetry collection about the Soviet-German war, which garnered the State Stalin Prize in 1946 (everything.explained.today).

Literary Translation

Gulom’s translations introduced Uzbek audiences to world literature, including works by Pushkin, Mayakovsky, Shakespeare (Othello), Beaumarchais, and Saadi Shirazi, significantly broadening the Uzbek literary canon (en.wikipedia.org).

Recognition and Honors

Gafur Gulom was honored with numerous awards:

State Stalin Prize (1946)
Order of the Badge of Honour (1944)
Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1939, 1963)
Order of Lenin (twice)
National Poet of the Uzbek SSR (1963)
Lenin Prize (posthumously, 1970)
National Order of Merit (Buyuk xizmatlari uchun, 2000, posthumously) (en.wikipedia.org)

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Gafur Gulom’s writings remain central to Uzbek culture. His legacy is preserved in Tashkent through commemorative sites and ongoing literary and cultural initiatives.

House-Museum and Manuscript Restoration

The Gafur Gulom House-Museum in Tashkent safeguards personal belongings, manuscripts, and rare books. A major restoration project, supported by the International Chodiev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, recently preserved 20 rare manuscripts and lithographs, ensuring their survival for future generations (internationalchodievfoundation.com).

Commemoration in Tashkent

Gafur Gulyam Park: A beloved urban park hosting cultural events and home to a monument of Gulom (hellotravel.com).
Gafur Gulom Metro Station: A major metro stop decorated with motifs inspired by Gulom’s works (alexandratravel.com).

Visiting the Gafur Gulom House-Museum: Practical Information

Location and Access

The museum is centrally located in Tashkent, easily accessible via the Gafur Gulom Metro Station.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and national holidays

Tickets and Admission

General admission: 15,000 UZS (approx. $1.50 USD)
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, and groups
Purchase: At the museum or online (uzbekmuseum.uz)

Guided Tours

Tours in Uzbek, Russian, and English
Advance booking recommended during peak seasons
Duration: 45–60 minutes, including special exhibits

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible; ramps and elevators available
Assistance upon request

COVID-19 Protocols

Masks required
Hand sanitizers at entrances
Social distancing in effect

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and smaller crowds
Early weekday mornings for a quieter experience

Nearby Attractions

Gafur Gulyam Park
Amir Timur Museum
Tashkent State Museum of History

Photography and Exhibits

Photography permitted without flash
Interactive exhibits and rare manuscripts featured

Visuals and Virtual Tour

Images and virtual tours on the official website (uzbekmuseum.uz/virtual-tour)

Gafur Gulom’s Place in Uzbek and World Literature

Gulom’s influence is foundational in modern Uzbek literature. His works are taught in educational institutions and continue to shape new generations of writers. Through his translations and original works, he also introduced Uzbek culture to a global audience (themodernnovel.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of the Gafur Gulom House-Museum?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How much are the tickets?
A: 15,000 UZS (approx. $1.50 USD), with discounts for eligible visitors.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and assistance available.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Uzbek, Russian, and English. Booking in advance is recommended.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Spring and autumn, especially weekday mornings.

Call to Action

Plan your visit to the Gafur Gulom House-Museum and discover the depth of Uzbekistan’s literary heritage. For audio guides, download the Audiala app. For event updates, follow the Uzbekistan Ministry of Culture and International Chodiev Foundation on social media.

For ticket booking and more information, visit the official site: uzbekmuseum.uz

Gafur Gulom Metro Station in Tashkent: A Cultural Landmark

Station Overview and Architecture

Opened in 1989, Gafur Gulom Metro Station on the Chilonzor Line is both a transportation hub and a cultural monument. Its interior features bas-reliefs and decorative motifs honoring Gulom’s literary works, blending Soviet-era design with Uzbek artistry (Time Travel Turtle).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Metro Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–midnight
Ticket price: Less than US$0.20 per ride; buy at stations or use contactless cards
Accessibility: Escalators, elevators, and security; clean and safe environment

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided city tours may include the station as part of Tashkent’s cultural heritage sites. While there are no regular events in the station, literary celebrations honoring Gulom are held in the city.

What to See

Admire the murals, bas-reliefs, and symbolic art inspired by Gulom’s works. Photography is permitted (Time Travel Turtle).

Nearby Attractions and Culinary Experiences

Chorsu Bazaar: Central Asia’s iconic market
Kokaldash Madrasah: Historic Islamic school
Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque: Religious heritage site
Dining: Sample plov or try local cafés (Wanderboat)

Gafur Gulom Historic House Museum: Visiting Details

Museum Exhibits and Architectural Features

The museum, located in Gulom’s former residence in the Chilonzor District, showcases his manuscripts, study, and period furnishings. Its architecture features traditional Uzbek woodwork and lush gardens, providing a tranquil setting (Evendo).

Cultural Significance and Community Engagement

Serving as both a museum and cultural center, it hosts workshops, poetry readings, and outreach programs, fostering appreciation for Uzbek literature and arts.

Integration with Tashkent’s Cultural Landscape

The museum is near the Alisher Navoi Monument, Gafur Gulom Park, and the Gafur Gulom Metro Station (Wikipedia).

Gafur Gulom Area: Historical and Cultural Context

Gafur Gulom Park: Urban Oasis

This green space features a statue of Gulom, gardens, and venues for cultural events (hellotravel.com).

Hours: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly

Book Bazaar: Literary Haven

A vibrant open-air market for books, offering rare and contemporary works in Uzbek, Russian, and English (Backpack Moments).

Nearby Historical Sites

Chorsu Bazaar: Historic market one metro stop away
Kukeldash Madrasah: 16th-century educational center
Hazrati Imam Complex: Home to the Uthman Quran (Backpack Moments)

Dining and Refreshments

Options range from park food stalls to restaurants like “National Food” near the old circus (Adventures of Lil Nicki).

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October
Getting Around: Metro, taxis, and walking are convenient
Safety: Keep valuables secure and dress modestly at religious sites
Language: Uzbek and Russian are common; English is widely spoken among youth

Unique Experiences

Experience local life in Gafur Gulom Park and the Book Bazaar
Photography: Early morning or late afternoon light is best
Events: Watch for poetry readings and cultural festivals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Gafur Gulom Park and metro station?
A: Park: 6:00 AM–9:00 PM; Metro: 5:00 AM–midnight.

Q: How can I buy metro tickets?
A: At station kiosks or automated machines; cost approx. 1,400 UZS ($0.12 USD).

Q: Is Gafur Gulom accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, both the metro station and park are accessible.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Available through local agencies; check with tourism offices.

Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: Park: Free. Metro: Ticket required for entry. Other sites may charge separate fees.

Summary of Key Points

Visiting Gafur Gulom’s cultural landmarks in Tashkent offers a journey through Uzbek literary heritage, Soviet and modern architecture, and vibrant urban life. The House-Museum provides an intimate connection to Gulom’s life and works, while the Metro Station doubles as an artistic marvel. The surrounding district, with its park, book bazaar, and proximity to significant historical sites, is ideal for immersing yourself in Uzbekistan’s culture. For the best experience, plan your visit during spring or autumn, and utilize official resources and apps like Audiala for guided tours.