The (re)construction of tradition

Conservation of private property; policy and practice in Bukhara (WHS), Uzbekistan

The interiors of Bukharas dwellings are subject to great restoration activity. The work is done by skilled house owners or in commission, varying between conservation with respect for the previous layers and rigorous reconstructions of traditional elements. Alternatively, Bukharians invest in a restyling in what they call Euro-Style. Costs vary according to the use of workers and material, up to $6000,- for one room. In 3 cases the work was commissioned. House owners that had higher education all favour conservation. Craft workers (the majority) give their own interpretation, invest in reconstruction but also restore with respect for the original. The work is mostly initiated by the men as they feel responsible for the care of the house, but not necessarily in one style or the other. In 3 cases the possession of a traditional house reversed the tradition of the woman moving in with her husbands family. 3 Houses were open to tourists for visits or lodging.

In my research I looked at the reasons for the revival of the traditional style and how this relates to the relative short independence of the Uzbek state and associated economic and cultural development. I selected a group of houses with interior decorations and inquired about the motivation of the owners for the restoration or reconstruction. I looked into the decision making process of the style, the selection of craft workers in regard to their training, nationality and costs and appreciation of the expected and actual outcome. The reinstatement of private ownership combined with funds coming in from abroad make conservation or reconstruction possible. When asked why, owners say that Uzbekistan seeks a new identity, followed by a narrative of guarding our own culture before it is lost. This corresponds with the national position on heritage. In this sense, the predilection towards tradition can be seen a self-orientalising movement with the adherence to a concept of authenticity with British/ French roots as the ultimate adaption of Euro-style. Conversely, where it is more important to take care of the house of our ancestors than the actual (traditional, modern or eclectic) result, possibly the Burra Charter applies better than the Venice Charter.
Further research; conservation of urban fabric in a World Heritage City The conservation of private property touches upon many current issues in heritage management; the reconciliation of modernization and conservation; the tension between private property rights and the heritage of mankind. This becomes especially apparent in a city with world heritage status; here

In a group of 15 houses with traditional decoration, 9 were original (of which 4 were well conserved (see above), 1 needed conservation and 4 were respectfully restored) 6 were reconstructed (see right).

not just the monuments enjoy restrictions and privileges, the urban fabric does too. What are the implications for the urban fabric in cities with World Heritage Status, on paper and in practice?

PROJECT INFORMATION
Project management and funding: UNESCO Supervisor: dr. Tim Williams (UCL) Researcher: drs. Anna Ietswaart Period: July - September 2010

A copy of the thesis can be obtained via anna@ietswaart.nl.

London's Global University Institute of Archaeology Cultural Heritage Studies