From a Quranic school to a modern art center…Creative renovation of a historical landmark in Tashkent

A unique restoration project in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent aims to transform a historic Islamic school into a creative space and platform for modern arts. The project, the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), is a unique cultural space in the heart of Tashkent. The site was used for carpentry in the Soviet era and will also see the launch of an international artists’ residency programme this year. “During the 20th century, the building was used for various purposes, including as a carpentry workshop,” said Ajmal Maiwandi, architect and chief cultural officer of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). “The first thing we did was to check the roof because in these buildings, the roof is often damaged, allowing water to seep in and cause damage to other areas.” The Aga Khan Trust for Culture team, which has implemented similar development projects in Afghanistan, is working to protect and reuse as much of the historic structure as possible.