The head of the city’s culture department, Talai Ilipbaev, shared with journalists from Turmush that the funding for the restoration is provided by the republican budget. This year, 14 projects are being implemented in Karakol, including the reconstruction of the historical and local lore museum. Previously, the museum was located in one building, but in 2025, it will be expanded to include the statistics office building. Both structures are monuments of history and cultural heritage. Ilipbaev noted that the work includes the dismantling of later additions and the restoration of the original appearance of the buildings, with an emphasis on preserving historical architecture.
Gulnaz Orozova, the museum director, noted that the museum's collection consists of about 14,000 exhibits. Temporary relocation of animal taxidermy to the N.M. Przhevalsky memorial complex and packing the remaining exhibits for storage will help create conditions for displaying the entire collection, which was previously impossible due to a lack of space. A pedestrian zone is also planned to be established between the buildings to immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the city’s history.
The vice-mayor of Karakol, Ermakan Duyshbaeva, added that the development of the museum complex will contribute to attracting tourists. Last year, the museum was visited by 28,000 people, and after the completion of the work, an increase in this number is expected. She emphasized that strict adherence to plans for preserving the original condition of the buildings is being followed during the reconstruction, and the museum will be closed to visitors during the work.
As part of the project, the restoration of the basement will also be carried out, which will become an exhibition hall for unique artifacts, including two safes and a chest for coins dated 1856.
The history of these buildings was mentioned in previous publications by Turmush: the building at Orozova Street, 3 was constructed in 1904 for merchant Akhmet-Garey Karimov, and at that time it was one of the most iconic buildings in the city, later housing a bank and other institutions. The main museum building was erected in 1887 as the home of M.N. Ilyin and consisted of seven rooms.
According to the testimony of Karimov's great-great-granddaughter, Dinara Baizakova, his ancestors began their journey as simple wood carriers, gradually becoming wealthy and turning into merchants. Karimov owned real estate worth 3,350 rubles in gold, which entitled him to participate in elections to the State Duma.
After his death in 1912, the property passed to his eldest son, Gani. In 1917, to save their lives, the family "voluntarily" transferred the property to the state and moved to Almaty.
Among the descendants were other notable figures: one of the sons, Sultan, returned to Kyrgyzstan, became an agronomist, and worked in this field for over 40 years. He, like his other brothers and sisters, left a significant mark in the history of the family and the city.
Karakol became an important economic center, where various industrial enterprises developed, including leather and soap factories, as well as mills. In the early 20th century, trade was actively developing here, and the city became an important hub on trade routes.
Thus, the reconstruction of the buildings in Karakol will not only preserve their historical value but also create new opportunities for cultural and economic development in the region.
