Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, Bukhara

The Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace, located near Bukhara, is a historical residence originally built for the Emirs of Bukhara. Its name, translating to "Palace like stars and the moon," reflects the grandeur and exquisite design characteristic of this regal estate. Constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace now serves as the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts.

The architectural development of the palace began in the 18th century, though the earliest structures no longer exist. Significant expansion occurred under Emir Seyid-Abdul-Ahad-Khan in the latter half of the 19th century. The most transformative construction took place during the tenure of the last emir, Mir Sayid Alimkhan, between 1912 and 1920. This new complex melds European architectural styles with traditional Oriental interior decorations, uniquely divided into separate male and female sections.

The construction of the palace attracted numerous renowned artisans including Khasanjon Umarov, Abdullo Gafurov, and Rakhim Khayetov, along with Russian engineers Margulis and Sakovich. Their combined expertise resulted in a distinct blend of Eastern and Western architectural elements.

The transformation of the palace into a museum began in 1927, initiated by Musajan Saidzhanov, the first Uzbek museologist. Initially, the museum comprised three main sections: "Life of the last emirs," "Urban Handicraft," and "History of the Bukhara revolution." By 1933, it became a branch of the Bukhara Museum, later gaining the status of an interdistrict museum of local lore. After several evolutions, the museum's focus shifted to "Folk Art and Art of Bukhara," featuring diverse exhibits ranging from monumental and applied arts to musical arts and calligraphy.

Today, Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa stands not only as a monument to the rich cultural history of Bukhara but also as a testament to the intricate artistry of Uzbekistan, preserving the legacy of its artistic and political history for future generations.