Yalta is one of the most beautiful southern cities in the vicinity of which rich and noble people loved to equip their summer residences at any time. Many historical lush estates and luxurious summer houses have survived to this day. One of the modern attractions of the city is the Palace of the Emir of Bukhara.
The owner of the eastern residence in Yalta
The appearance of a unique oriental-style palace in Yalta is due to the emir of Bukhara, whose full name is Seyid-Abdul-Akhat-khan. The ruler was the seventh in the Mantig dynasty, descending from Genghis Khan himself. For Bukhara, the emir is, above all, a great reformer who has eradicated slavery in the country. Forever entered the name of Seyid-Abdul-Akhat-Khan and the history of the Russian Empire. The emir warmly belonged to Emperor Nicholas II and his family, more than once he donated personal funds for the construction of public buildings in Russia and the implementation of other projects. An interesting fact - Seyid-Abdul-Akhat-khan became a posthumously honorary citizen of Yalta, in addition, one of the city streets was named after him. It is believed that the Palace of the Emir of Bukhara appeared in the southern city precisely because of the friendship of its owner with the emperor of the Russian Empire. Nicholas II and his family spent a significant part of the summer in the Livadia Palace. Nearby, he acquired land for the construction of his own residence and the emir of Bukhara.
Construction of the Palace of the Emir of Bukhara
The construction of the main house of the southern estate of Seyid-Abdul-Akhat-khan was begun in 1907. The author of the project, architect Nikolai Tarasov, took into account all the wishes of the customer. In the east, the richly decorated building remained at the same time refined and did not look overloaded with details. Kerch stone was used for its construction. The palace was completed in 4 years, after which Nikolai Tarasov, upon the order of the emir, supplemented the complex with several more buildings. The residence is made in the Moorish style, the main building is a two-story building. Its architecture elegantly combines semicircular and rectangular shapes, the facades are richly decorated with carvings, stucco molding and other decorative elements. The Emir of Bukhara’s palace is crowned with domes; cornices are framed with parapets. The windows have a horseshoe shape traditional for eastern architecture. A pompous staircase leads to the palace, which is “guarded” by sculptures of lions. According to the preserved descriptions, the interiors of the residence were decorated in saturated bright colors. Probably for this reason, calm muted shades were chosen for the facade. Such an unexpected combination created a vivid contrast.
History of Southern Apartments
Emir of Bukhara called his residence Dilkiso, which is translated from his native language as “captivating”, “charming”. In 1911, Seyid-Abdul-Akhat-khan passed away, and the palace in Yalta, like many other property, was inherited by his son, Seyid-Mir-Alem-Dzhan-Tyur. A descendant of the emir owned apartments until 1917. After the revolution in the Russian Empire, the palace of the Emir of Bukhara was nationalized. In 1921, the Oriental Museum was opened in the luxurious main building of the complex. Three years later, the building was transferred to the health resort. Before the Great Patriotic War, the palace several times passed from one sanatorium to another. During the years of German occupation, the palace complex suffered significant damage. The rich park of exotic plants planted under the emir was almost completely destroyed. Of all the buildings, only the main building of the residence has been preserved. After the end of hostilities, the palace remained abandoned for a long time. Only in the 70s of the last century, restoration work began. The restored masterpiece of architecture was transferred to the sanatorium "Yalta".
State of construction today
Since the early 1970s, the Palace of the Emir of Bukhara in Yalta has not been restored. This attraction looks spectacular on vintage postcards and promotional photos. But many tourists are disappointed to see it with their own eyes. The palace needs restoration. On the facade there is peeling paint, the plaster is pouring in, decorative elements have been lost in places, the interiors have not been preserved. Today the building is occupied by the library (the 8th building of the sanatorium "Yalta").
Where is the palace located, is it possible to get into it on an excursion?
This attraction is considered one of the symbols of the city. And at the same time, organized tourist groups do not drive her. The palace is located in the health resort. The eastern building is visible also because of the fence, in order to come closer to it, you will have to personally arrange with the security. If you read the reviews of tourists, you can see that someone does it. But nobody is allowed inside except the guests of the sanatorium. Where is this unique attraction located? The palace of the Emir of Bukhara has the following address: Yalta, st. Sevastopol, 12/43. From the city station to the sanatorium "Yalta" can be reached by buses number 5 and 13. Very close is the Seaside Park - a favorite place for walks of many residents and vacationers.
