cherished reminiscences of our apartment in Uzbekistan - a beloved family abode that forever shapes my identity
In the heart of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, stands a concrete-panelled apartment block, a symbol of a bygone era - the Khrushchevka. For Diyora Shadijanova, this building holds a special place in her heart, as it was her childhood home.
Growing up in the 1990s, Diyora lived in a modest two-bedroom flat within this utilitarian structure. The interior, though plain from the outside, was filled with warmth and homeliness, thanks to the heavy, varnished wooden furniture and bookshelves that lined every available space. The living room, the heart of the home, was dominated by a towering stenka filled with china plates and crystal glasses, a traditional Uzbek display cabinet.
The flickering TV in the living room showed dubbed telenovelas, while friends, neighbours, and relatives visited frequently, creating a vibrant social scene. However, this idyllic setting was marred by the challenges Diyora faced as she struggled to adjust to a new language and culture.
After her family moved to London in 2005, Diyora found herself torn between two cultures. She felt lost and out of place, carrying a quiet ache for her homeland. Yet, she eventually realised that she didn't have to shed one part of herself to make room for another. Her identity, shaped by migration, was a beautiful mosaic of her experiences in Uzbekistan and Britain.
In 2023, nearly 20 years after her departure, Diyora returned to Uzbekistan as a British citizen. The flat where she lived as a child had been sold by her grandmother to pay off family debts. Nevertheless, her homecoming was not without moments of connection.
Uzbekistan, which declared itself "open" in 2016, welcomed Diyora with open arms. The country, with its rich history and vibrant culture, remains a significant part of her identity, influencing her languages, memories, family history, and food.
Khrushchevka apartment buildings, constructed during the mid-20th century under Nikita Khrushchev's leadership, were designed to provide affordable housing rapidly during a housing shortage. Despite their austere appearance, these buildings represent a significant part of the urban and social history of Uzbekistan during the Soviet period.
For Diyora, the Khrushchevka is more than just a building. It's a symbol of her past, a testament to her resilience, and a reminder of the warmth and love that filled her childhood home. Although she may never stand in her family's apartment again, her memories of Uzbekistan continue to be a cherished part of her identity.
In her childhood, Diyora's fond memories of home were centered around a Khrushchevka apartment in Uzbekistan, where the home-and-garden lifestyle was infused with warmth and shared experiences regardless of the challenges she faced. As an adult, Diyora's lifestyle remains influenced by her experiences in the home-and-garden of the Khrushchevka, with Uzbek traditions shaping her languages, memories, family history, and even food.
