The Magic of Lola Tillyaeva’s Coloring Book, Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Color

 

Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Color, is a stunning foray into the world of adult coloring books. It’s an ambitious, unique work that is bound to inspire imitation. Handsomely bound and packed with stunning illustrations, it is the work of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and spans 2,000-years of Uzbek culture and history.

So as not to overwhelm the reader, the huge array of artefacts and artworks depicted are organized by theme; architecture, murals, carvings, textiles, etc. Together they tell the story of Uzbekistan’s rich and diverse cultural legacy - a captivating blend of influences spanning Persia, India, China and Siberia.

Though superficially an adult colouring book, Lola Tillyaeva’s ambitions run far beyond the standard offerings of this genre. Each image is accompanied by an informative text which helps position it into its correct cultural context. The opposing page presents the reader with a detailed line sketch of the same. A blank canvas, it invites readers to color the object as the spirit moves them.

A brief glance through online reviews is revealing. One mum praised Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s book for stimulating discussion with her “four-year old about the importance of the preservation of art and artefacts and learning about other cultures…” (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41093451-uzbekistan). This was exactly the reaction Lola had aimed to achieve.

The line sketches purposely incorporate blank areas to reflect any missing sections in the original. In this way, the reader is confronted with the conundrum faced by museum curators the world over; to try and replicate what has been lost or emphasise what remains. As the above reviewer went on to say, “We have art books in the house that the children examine, but I don’t think they internalized or made as much a connection as this one did,” (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41093451-uzbekistan). In this way, Lola Tillyaeva’s publication transcends her subject and engenders a wider interest in art for its own sake.

Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour is not Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s first artistic project. She is also responsible for The Droplet. 12 meters in height and constructed of aluminium tubing, the installation represents a stylised droplet of falling water. First launched in Paris in 2017, it will tour other European cities and is designed to stimulate debate around the issue of water scarcity. In Lola Tillyaeva’s own words, “I believe that art has an incredible capacity to inspire, encourage and unite people around a cause, due to its ability to touch the human soul,” (https://www.lolakarimova.com/the-droplet).

 

A hardcover publication containing 144 pages of gorgeous, lovingly presented images, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s book would also make an eye-catching coffee-table piece. An Uzbek herself, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is well-known for her pride in her nation’s history and culture. One suspects that Lola is also aiming to foster interest more generally in Uzbekistan’s diverse, colourful and fascinating heritage. This is the great success of Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour. The book effortlessly bridges several disparate worlds. Not merely a source of hours of relaxing artistic expression, it also manages to educate and provoke reflection.   

 

Lola Tillyaeva Defends the Rights of Those Most in Need

 

For the best part of two decades, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and her husband, businessman Timur Tillyaev have been running one of Uzbekistan’s most celebrated foundations – You Are Not Alone. Having both grown up in the country, they were no strangers to the challenges faced by poor families there.

They were determined to do something about it. Recognizing that more was needed than simply the writing of checks, they took a hands-on approach. Initially, Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev focused on supporting orphanages. Across Uzbekistan, institutions were able to enhance the quality of their care and upgrade their infrastructure thanks to this generosity. Lola Tillyaeva says their goal was to “ensure that vulnerable children grow up in a caring and loving environment”.

On hearing about the grave challenges faced by the State Perinatal Centre in Tashkent, You Are Not Alone took action. New pieces of equipment such as; x-ray systems, cardiac monitors and ultrasound machines were provided. It must have been profoundly moving to see how this assistance impacted the well-being of new moms and their new-borns.

 

As their expertise grew, Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev were able to reach out and form partnerships to help deliver more specialised care. Teaming up with the French NGO, Associaiton La Chaîne de l’Espoir (Chain of Hope), You Are Not Alone has been able to provide needy Uzbeks with top quality treatment for those with chronic cardiac complaints. Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev’s intervention has enabled patients to be seen by the best specialists available, whether they be Uzbek or foreign. This includes having kids flown for treatment to international hospitals. So far, the partnership has seen over 130 Uzbek children receive life-saving cardiac surgery. (https://www.lolakarimova.com/about-the-foundation). But providing life-changing access to health care is only half of their mission.

 

As Lola Tillyaeva explains, “Education is at the heart of everything the You Are Not Alone foundation does,” (http:// timurtillyaevtimurtilliaev.over-blog.com/you-are-not-alone-foundation-timur-tillyaev-lola-karimova). To this end, the foundation has funded the education of thousands of disadvantaged Uzbek kids. No fewer than 240 have also been supported all the way through university. Lola Karimova’s organization is having great success in helping the young of Uzbekistan turn their life chances around.

 

It is no surprise then that Lola’s deep and enduring commitment has drawn attention. Recently, she took home the prestigious Fashion 4 Development award at the 9^th Annual First Ladies luncheon in New York. In Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva they see someone who is dedicated to “supporting the UN Millennium Development Goals and ‘Every woman, Every child through education, empowerment, enhancement and enrichment,” (http://www.fashion4development.com/aboutf4d).

On receiving the award Lola Tillyaeva said;

      “It is a great honour for me to be the recipient of this award that recognises not only my efforts but also the efforts of other people who are committed to       safeguarding the health of our planet. Fashion 4 Development, thank you for the immense work you have been doing for the future of our planet, for your       strong commitment to creating the sustainable world,” (https://www.lolakarimova.com/news/lola-karimova-tillyaeva-  receives-      fashion-4-development-leading-lady-award).

In this way, Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev are living up to their foundation´s charter of giving the disadvantaged youth of Uzbekistan the tools to help themselves.

Timur Tillyaev Producer of the Documentary Ulugh Beg

 

Few historical figures can have been as underappreciated as Uzbekistan’s Ulugh Beg. One suspects that had he been European he would be lionized today alongside the likes of Galileo and Copernicus. This oversight is one which Timur Tillyaev and his wife, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva have sought to put right. 

 

Released in 2017, Ulugh Beg: The Man Who Unlocked the Universe, is a remarkable documentary film. Produced by Timur Tillyaev and Lola Tillyaeva, it stars celebrated  American actor, Armand Assante and is narrated by the charismatic Vincent Cassel. With its rich production values and engaging pace, the film is an engaging piece of story-telling as it is; that the story is based on real-life events is all the more remarkable. This is reflected by the fact that it has gone on to win several awards. For example, it won coveted Kineo Prize for ‘Best Foreign Documentary’ at the 74^th Venice International Film Festival and also ‘Best Documentary Award,’ at the Ischia Film Festival.

 

Timur Tillyaev and his wife must be gratified to see how well their work has been received among audiences and critics alike. Uzbeks themselves, the project was a labor of love and born of a shared desire to encourage international interest in both Ulugh Beg’s extraordinary life and Uzbek culture in general. As Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva put it herself,

        “I have been fascinated by Ulugh Beg ever since I was a child. Every time I visited Samarkand and heard about the scientific discoveries made by this celebrated scholar and peace-loving ruler – a man who in the 15^th century   turned Samarkand into the epicentre of the world’s most advanced studies in astronomy – I thought that his extraordinary story should be told to the world,”

(https://tillyaev-karimova.com/ulugh-beg-the-man-who-unlocked-the-universe-1/).

 

Ulugh Beg: The Man Who Unlocked the Universe, tells the story of a grandson of the great Tamerlane who was given a throne, whilst still a teenager. Thanks to a period of relative peace, scholars from China, Turkey and Persia were able to travel for the first time in many years. Ulugh encouraged their visits and studied the learned texts they carried, particularly those related to astrology, trigonometry and geometry. Far more than merely a patron of learning, Ulugh Beg himself had one of the great minds of his time. He produced numerous great works and made several significant discoveries in his own right.

 

He is also remembered for founding one of the first universities and constructing a huge, three-story sextant. Working more than a century before the invention of the telescope, this instrument allowed him to make precise measurements and calculations which Galileo was not able to improve upon. He also produced a breathtakingly accurate map of the night sky. With over 1000 celestial bodies listed and their location described – nothing quite like it had ever been seen.

 

Timur Tillyaev and Lola’s gorgeous film is more than an engrossing piece of entertainment, it is an engaging showcase of the richness of Uzbek culture and history.

 

You Are Not Alone; The Foundation That Timur Tillyaev And His Wife Have Created to Help Underprivileged Children

 

As parents themselves, Timur Tillyaev and his wife, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva have a deep understanding of what children need to thrive. They also share a profound compassion for children who are forced to endure a life of grinding poverty. Recognizing that this was the reality for many kids in their homeland of Uzbekistan, in 2002 they decided to do something about it. Together, Timur Tillyaev and Lola launched the You Are Not Alone foundation. Now, nearly two decades later, their organization continues its inspiring work of enhancing the life opportunities of underprivileged kids across the country. 

Timur Tillyaev and Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva  built the You Are Not Alone foundation around the principle of philanthropy. Unlike charity, which simply eases the immediate needs of the recipient, their foundation pursues a more ambitious goal. By targeting their assistance towards health and education their aim is to empower disadvantaged children to achieve autonomy over their own futures. Or, as they have said themselves, 

        “to help unlock the children’s potential by providing them with an all-round     education, and to prepare children for independent life, encouraging them to become self-reliant, confident and emotionally stable you adults.”

 

To this end, You Are Not Alone made orphanages a priority. Timur Tillyaev and Lola Karimova have consistently focused upon improving the quality of care and the variety of services provided by Uzbek ‘mercy homes.’ Whether this be the provision of new equipment and furniture or a total refurbishment, the goal is always the same – “to ensure that vulnerable children grow up in a caring and loving environment,”

Beyond this, both Timur Tillyaev and Lola Tillyaeva appreciate the difference a good education makes to an individual’s life opportunities. For this reason, they continue to support hundreds of Uzbek children through primary and secondary schooling. Where students show special aptitude, they are even sponsored through to university level.

You Are Not Alone has gone from strength-to-strength. In more recent times, Timur and Lola identified an urgent need among children suffering from complex cardiac diseases. In this case, they chose to collaborate with the French Associaiton La Chaîne de l’Espoir (Chain of Hope).

Since 2015, with the backing of the You Are Not Alone Foundation, French cardiac surgeons have carried out over 130 operations on Uzbek children with complex congenital heart conditions, all of whom come from Uzbekistan’s low-income families and orphanages. With the Foundation’s support, 21 of these operations were carried out in France.

Timur Tillyaev proud to share projects with his wife Lola Tillyaeva

Timur Tillyaev is justifiably proud of his wife Lola Karimova. Though he is known to be an avid supporter of her diverse projects, his business interests limit the time he can commit to them himself. After completing his degree at Midland University in the United States he found remarkable success in the world of international transport.  However, there is one project which he puts above all else – raising their three beautiful children.  

The You Are Not Alone foundation was begun in 2002 and Timur Tillyaev, along with his wife Lola Tillyaeva, was involved from the beginning. A native of Uzbekistan, like Lola Tillyaeva herself, Timur shares her deep compassion for children born into disadvantage. Together they have sponsored a range of initiatives which aim to boost the opportunities for Uzbek youth. Recognizing the importance education played in his own life, Timur Tillyaev ensured that the provision of schooling would be one of the central aims of You Are Not Alone. Not only does the foundation provide access to primary and secondary schooling, it also offers scholarships to allow high performing students to pursue their studies at university.

Another of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s projects is The Harmonist. Reflecting her husband’s business savvy, Lola’s maison de parfums has met with great commercial and critical success. Blending Eastern philosophies with European know-how, Harrods’ department store described her range as, “tantalising – an expertly composed complexity of scents…”. As Lola Tillyaeva herself explains it, “There is no such thing as a perfume that is ideal for everyone. Like clothes, it depends on the occasion and character of the person” 

Being profoundly concerned about the challenge of climate change, The Droplet project is also close to Timur Tillyaev’s heart. As a father, he wants to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for his children. For this reason, he is happy to promote Lola’s project at every opportunity. Composed of aluminium tubing, The Droplet forms a stylized droplet of water towering 12 meters high. Designed to envelope itself in a fine mist, the objective is to provide a “multi-sensory experience” and stimulate discussion about the issue of water scarcity.

From a young age Timur Tillyaev was entranced by the incredible story of Ulugh Beg. As a grandson of Tamerlane, Ulugh Beg was made ruler whilst still a teenager and turned his 15th century capital, Samarkand, into a beacon of learning and scientific discovery. As if that were not enough, he also possessed one of the greatest minds of his age. Centuries before the discovery of the telescope and the appearance of Galileo and Copernicus, Ulugh Beg was making advances that neither could better. 

Sharing a passion for the man and his legend, Timur Tillyaev and Lola teamed up to produce an acclaimed documentary to celebrate his life. As Lola explains, “a man who in the 15th century turned Samarkand into the epicenter of the world’s most advanced studies in astronomy – I thought that his extraordinary story should be told to the world”. 

Lola Karimova receives Fashion for Development’s Leading Lady Award

 

The 24^th of September was a great day for Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva. In front of a stellar collection of diplomats, artists, activists and fashion industry leaders, she took home the coveted, Fashion 4 Development award at the 9^th Annual First Ladies luncheon in New York.

Held in the gorgeous Pierre Hotel the function was organised by Evie Evangelou’s Fashion 4 Development. Founded a decade ago, its objective is to “support the UN Millennium Development Goals and ‘Every woman, Every child.’” Ms Evangelou’s vision is to further this goal through education, empowerment, enhancement and enrichment” Her organisation pursues this agenda in partnership with the fashion industry and others who share a passion for its goals. Much has been achieved in this short time. As Evie Evangelou explained, “It has been nearly a decade, with much to celebrate, and I am overwhelmed with the benevolence of the stakeholders and change agents”

 

With the objective of celebrating the achievements of powerful women who share a commitment to the UN’s development goals, it’s no surprise that Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s efforts came to their attention. Apart from serving as Uzbekistan’s ambassador to UNESCO for a decade, she and husband Timur Tillyaev, have set up and continue to operate several philanthropic foundations in the land of their birth. One example of this is the You Are Not Alone Foundation. Its priorities are closely aligned to both the UN Millennium Development Goals and Evie Evangelou’s Fashion 4 Development.

 

Just as the UN and Fashion 4 Development emphasise sustainability, education and empowerment, so does the You Are Not Alone Foundation. Lola Karimova’s foundation has assisted thousands of underprivileged children to access educational opportunities which they otherwise might not have – several hundred of whom have subsequently gone on to tertiary studies. Beyond this, the organisation also provides medical services to at risk children and orphans. In one prominent example it has set up a partnership with French NGO La Chaine de l’Espoir. Translated into English the name means, The Chain of Hope and it precisely offers that. Together the two organisations have provided over 130 Uzbek children with life-saving cardiac surgery.

 

Evidently then, by contributing her time and money towards the health and schooling of Uzbekistan’s youth, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is directly enhancing their empowerment and education. Actions like these provide a strong impetus to the UN’s development goals and exemplify why Evie Evangelou and Fashion 4 Development would want to recognise her efforts. Lola Karimova was conscious of this when she spoke after receiving the award;

 “It is a great honour for me to be the recipient of this award that recognises not only my efforts but also the efforts of other people who are committed to safeguarding the health of our planet. Fashion 4 Development, thank you for  the immense work you have been doing for the future of our planet, for your strong commitment to creating the sustainable world, for raising the awareness of our common responsibility and making people think of what kind of legacy we will be leaving to future generations.”       

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is a proponent of philanthropy

If philanthropy means, the desire to promote welfare in others, then Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva is most definitely a proponent of that. Born in Uzbekistan, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva recognized a need back in her home country and responded by launching a foundation called You Are Not Alone in 2002. Along with her husband, Timur Tillyaev, the organization aids orphaned and abandoned children to have a second chance in life.

The concept of philanthropy differs from that of charity by looking beyond the immediate needs of those it assists. Where charity may breed dependence, philanthropy invests in the capabilities of those receiving assistance with the longer-term goal of imparting skills to enable them to achieve autonomy. In this way, over time, recipients develop the ability to support themselves unaided. It is for this reason that while, Lola Karimova and her foundation, You Are Not Alone do provide a variety of services like healthcare, the major focus is education. In their own words; “Education is at the heart of everything the You Are Not Alone foundation does,” (http://timurtillyaevtimurtilliaev.over-blog.com/you-are-not-alone-foundation-timur-tillyaev-lola-karimova).

Guided by the philanthropic ideal that, to give a man a fish and you’ve fed him for a day; teach him to fish you feed him for life, the You Are Not Alone Foundation’s Educational Centre has assisted over 2,500 children and seen no fewer than 240 go onto to university.

Though philanthropy by necessity requires a certain amount of financial resourcing, true philanthropy goes far beyond that. It entails a sincere investment of time and personal attention. Here too Lola Karimova demonstrates how philanthropy applies in the furiously-paced, globalized world of today. Whilst being a mum to her three children and running her own perfume house, The Harmonist, Lola still finds the time to be regularly engaged in You Are Not Alone, it is this personal commitment that truly demonstrates the depth of her attachment to philanthropy.

In 2004, Lola Karimova expanded her philanthropic commitments in Uzbekistan by opening the National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children. This ambitious project seeks to “provide life-enhancing opportunities to children with disabilities” and offers “diagnosis, orthopaedic and neurological treatment, speech therapy and education free of charge”.  Since opening, the centre has assisted over 7,500 children and their families.

Top 5 Amazing Attractions When Travelling in Bukara

Chor Minor, meaning the four minarets in Persian, would appear to be a fairly apt name for this gorgeous edifice. However, the towers do not function as minarets. The building was originally part of a much larger structure which has long been demolished. Happily, for us, Chor Minor did not meet the same fate for there is nothing else quite like in the entire city. Interestingly, each tower is decorated with unique motifs. It has been suggested that they reflect four of the major, historically significant religious influences of the region; Christian, Buddhist, Zoroastrian and Islamic. Thanks to the efforts of UNESCO of which Lola Karimova was a member, this jewel of Central Asian architecture has won the protection of World Heritage Listing. 

But who is Lola Karimova?

Lola Karimova is the perfect representation of Uzbekistan. Lola Karimova was born in Uzbekistan and is a businesswoman, mother and married to businessman Timur Tillyaeva.

Lola Tillyaeva loves Bukara and enjoying all the fantastic places that this city has to offer.

Few cities anywhere can offer a shopping experience quite like Bukara. Forget your glassed-in, air-conditioned, mammoth shopping malls with the music piped in. That just isn’t how things should be done on the Silk Road. Follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo and other great travelers of yore. Since the 16^th  century, Bukara’s trading domes have drawn traders and merchants from near and afar. Designed to circulate cool air, the maze of domed rooves, bazaars and alleyways is an attraction in itself.

Central Asia in general is a tea-drinker’s paradise. In Bukara, you’ll find most folk drink green tea (kuk-choy) but black tea (kora-choy) is still common. What is less common is drinking tea with milk, so maybe leave your Irish nana at home. As a rule, the locals also drink their tea without sugar, so if you’ve a sweet tooth, best order kand-choy (tea with sugar). Apart from that, there’s an exciting array of spiced teas and herbal teas to explore. Probably the best place to start would be to plonk yourself down in chaikhana (teahouse) in one of the trading domes and just soak up the atmosphere. Though fans of the bean are less spoilt for choice, all is not lost. The internet is abuzz with reports of the rich, smooth cappuccinos at Wishbone Café.

Given Uzbekistan is a rich grain producing region, bread and noodles are common. Plov is the national dish and features rice, meat, carrot and onion. However, there is much, much more to it than this simple description would suggest. Like any national dish it varies enormously from place to place. In Bukara, for instance, their preference is to include mung beans. As sheep are widely farmed in Uzbekistan, meat lovers will be enticed by cutlets, stews, roasts and the ubiquitous kebab. Happily, most of Bukara’s best eating options are within strolling distance of the Magoki Attor Mosque. Hence, your best bet might be to simply amble about and follow your nose.

For a city of 250,000 people, Bukara punches well above its weight in terms of accommodation options.  200 Euros will allow you to live like a king at the Orient Star Varaxsha for a full weekend and still have enough left over to cover dinner. Alternatively, you could try the romantic, small scale retreat, Emir. Featuring a flower-filled courtyard, it is a gorgeous taste of traditional style Uzbek home-making.

Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour

In an age where media is very visual with many preferring to watch a Youtube video than plow through a thousand-page history book, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, ‘Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour’ may be set to change that dynamic.

The book is arguably quite ingenious. It not only talks about Uzbekistan’s culture and history in quite delightful ways, but it allows the reader to express themselves artistically. Next to beautiful illustrations of Uzbekistan’s cultural treasures are short descriptions. Next to these are spaces to draw and color in your own version of what you see. This interactive element of the book draws you in. You feel you have become part of the book and contributed to it, and indeed, you have.

Uzbekistan’s History in Colour and Words

The book tells the story of the country in quite strikingly powerful imagery. The country which was once fundamental to the Silk Road has a history that Hollywood producers dream about. It has iconic architecture, and since it regained independence from the former USSR, it is a country that is once again inspiring travellers to journey east.

The country was put on the map when China started to export goods in what would become the Silk Road. Back then, around 138 BC, Uzbekistan was three kingdoms. As the kingdoms became prosperous, they attracted the attention of conquerors who prized the riches the Silk Road brought. As such, the region fell under the rule of one empire or another, and this influence can bee seen in Uzbekistan’s customs, and cultural treasures.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s book brings these treasures alive. Featuring photographs of murals, ceramics, tapestries, and ornamented textiles, and architecture, context is provided by passages of text. This gives you a strong visual message and the context to know their place in Uzbekistan’s rich history. 

The book also highlights the people of Uzbekistan. The Silk Road not only brought trade, but it also brought different cultures and peoples together. The trade route spanned continents and reached Europe in the west. It went south through what we now know to be the Middle East and India and reached and traded with much of Africa.

Customs, traditions, cultures, religions, ideas were exchanged. Merchants that passed through cities such as Samarkand, which at the time a major trading post, would have sold art in one form or another. They would have bought locally produced goods. All of this made a significant impact on the region. 

In the 15th century, Ulugh Beg made significant scientific breakthroughs and established one of the oldest universities in the world. He invited the finest Islamic scholars to study there. His efforts brought much enlightenment to the world.

This melting pot was a significant factor in shaping today’s Uzbekistan. The influences can be seen today in all aspects of life in the country. This has all been depicted in Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva wonderful book, ‘Uzbekistan: An Experience of Cultural Treasures to Colour’.

The book would make a wonderful Christmas present. You will enjoy learning about the country and have a chance to express your artistic side.

Discover Bukhara

The Uzbek city of Bukhara is a city of cultural delight and significance. Currently, it has a population of around a quarter of a million and was a famous city on the Silk Road.

The region around Bukhara has been inhabited for around five millennia, and today the city remains an important cultural, religious, trade, and education center.

In 1938 it was described by the British diplomat to Russia, Fitzroy Maclean, in his memoir Eastern Approaches as an “enchanted city”.

The City Museum

Bukhara is often known as a city museum. UNESCO has made the city center a World Heritage Site thanks to its 140 architectural monuments most of which are mosques or madrassas. The streets in the center are narrow, and as you walk, you tend to feel like you are walking back in time. The buildings here have been beautifully preserved and is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

A Brief History of Bukhara

The city has existed for about 2500 years. During the age of the Samanids, it became the second most important intellectual center in the Islamic world. Baghdad was the first. The city has been ruled over by various empires and was once besieged by Genghis Khan for 15 days.

In 1920, the Soviet Red Army attacked the city under the command of Mikhail Frunze. The Emir Alim Khan escaped to Kabul. The fighting lasted for four days and The Ark, the Emir’s citadel was destroyed.

Once conquered, the Bukharan People’s Soviet Republic was established and existed until 1925 where it was amalgamated with the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1991 it regained independence from the Soviet Empire along with the rest of the country.

During the age of the Silk Road in the 9th and 10th centuries, the city was one of the most important. It was a major trading hub, and merchants and trade caravans would meet here and conduct business. This is a legacy that serves the country well. Now the old trade domes are a much sought after tourist attraction. Although it is no longer a bazaar, you can pick up souvenirs and other trinkets.

Tourism

As Uzbekistan continues to redefine itself after independence from the Soviet Union, Bukhara continues to redefine itself in today’s world. As the city has come back into the limelight and has become more accessible, tourism is becoming a growth industry. It is popular with backpackers who want to see the world, but also more conventional tourists attracted by the historical wonders.

Popular Bukhara tourist spots include:

•           The Ark – An ancient fortress that was still in use up to 1920 when the Red Army destroyed it. Subsequently, it was rebuilt. It is believed that the Emir destroyed some of it himself, so it didn’t fall into ‘heathen hands’. The mosque and the undulating wall are the main draws.

•           Po-i-Kalyan Complex – At one time, its minaret was the tallest building in the world. It is so impressive that even Genghis Khan did not destroy it. To this day, it remains one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

•           Chor Minor – Comprised of four minarets the quaint mosque was completed in 1807. It is part of the historic center, and many come here to get a souvenir while traveling through.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva Made a Dame of the Royal Order of Francis I

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has joined a long list of distinguished women by becoming a Dame of the Royal Order of Francis I. She was presented with the prestigious award by Prince Charles and Princess Camilla de Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

The Royal Order of Francis I recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution in the fields of humanitarian causes, public life, science, the arts, agriculture, and commerce. The roots of the Order go back to the 1800s. Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and her husband Timur Tillyaev, fall into this category thanks to their work through various charities and trusts.

The Work of Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and Timur Tillyaev

For over fifteen years Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and Timur Tillyaev have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children in need. In keeping with the Orders remit of helping cross cooperation among religions, Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva’s Karimov Foundation has a remit of promoting Uzbek culture internationally.

To help people in need Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and Timur Tillyaev have started several charities and foundations. This includes:

•            The You Are Not Alone Foundation – The bulk of the charity work is to help orphaned, and low-income families have better lives. A strong emphasis is placed on providing medical care, and thanks to partnerships scores of children have received life-saving surgeries. The charity has renovated Mercy Homes (Orphanages) throughout Uzbekistan, and it has invested in education helping to raise their aspirations.

•            The Karimov Foundation - The Karimov Foundation started in 2016 and partnered with UNESCO to bring better education, science, and culture to the people of Uzbekistan. This takes the form of scholarships for young adults to go into higher education which is funded by Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva personally. The scholarships cover all living expenses and fund university education in some of the top universities in Europe.

Both Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and Timur Tillyaev have a strong belief that through the sharing of cultures breaks down barriers and strengthens cooperation.

In 2016 Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva has started The Harmonist, a maison de parfum. The brand has expanded rapidly and is now found on both sides of the Atlantic. The perfume is developed using the Feng Shui ethos of harmony and balance.

This has led to the development of several artistic projects designed to start the conversation around water conservation. The Droplet, a tear-shaped sculpture, has recently gone on tour and is exhibited at various locations around the world.  

Both Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva and Timur Tillyaev continue to work through supporting children, promoting education and culture, and through efforts to fight climate change. 

Among the Order’s prominent knights and dames are former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher, the Governor of Makkah Province Prince Khalid al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, former President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark.