Lutheran Church in Tashkent. And Merry Christmas!

We have had some beautiful snow recently. I was passing by this old Lutheran Church and took some photos.



I love this little church; it looks a bit toy-like to me, due to the size, but it does possess the dignity and significance. And people come there... we do not have many Lutherans, but there are some, and I am glad they have their Kirche.



It looks so peaceful, as if this were not in the center of a large city with 5 millions of people. This church was launched in 1899 based on the design of a well-known Russian architect Aleksey Benois. Construction was funded by Karl Hironim Teodor Krause, who was a Russian doctor, botanist, researcher and an eminent social activist.

In Soviet time, when religion was oppressed here, the church was used as a warehouse. In the end of 1970s, it was given to the high music school and was used for opera classes. Fortunately, it was not demolished or even too damaged. Then in the 90s the church was given back to the Lutheran community. Now there are about 200 people in the Lutheran parish in Tashkent.

It is good to have many confessions in the country, when people live peacefully and tolerate each other. This is what Tashkent has always been famous for. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and God knows who else live here together. We bake a pie for Easter and give a piece to our Muslim neighbours; they do the same at Eid. We share some traditions, and we share these streets, trees, bazaars, fruit and vegetables, mountains and hot Uzbek sun. We are neighbours and friends, and this is how it should be, I believe.

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Wishing peace, love, strong health and prosperity to everyone!