Mirzachorbogʻ Residence

History and condition

The palace stands in northern Karmana near the Zarafshan. The site was chosen for the cool air by the river, fertile soil for a garden, a steady cool breeze from the Nuratau mountains and good hunting. The architect Abdurahim Turdimurod oʻgʻli Gʻozgʻoniy led the work, Usto Shirin Muradov carved the stucco and woodwork, and the Karmana craftsmen Najjor Tura, Usto Latif, Usto Dost and Usto Sulton Qori were among about a thousand artisans employed.

Built mainly of timber and brick in the chupkori technique, the residence has two parts: a 6 × 20 m, 11 m-high building with an entrance hall and reception room, and a ten-room wing to the west. Officially protected by the state, it has in practice been left to decay and looted into ruin; restoration has been announced but never begun.