Address: Murabiylar Street 19, Fergana
If you go west from the city square with the church, you can see the building of the male gymnasium, which has been remarkably well-preserved to this day. In the inner courtyard, there is a metal lattice fence that exists in its original form. This building is one of the main impressive architectural and historical monuments of Fergana. Currently, the rectorate of Fergana State University is located here.
History and Architecture
From the very beginning, the building of the male gymnasium was conceived and designed specifically for these needs, to educate young men. The initial drawings for the future construction were made in 1900, authored by G. M. Svarichesky. Later, a similar monumental project was repeated for the construction of female gymnasiums, first in Samarkand, and then in Chardzhui. The construction of the building took place only two years after the decision to build was made—on April 28, 1902. The building of the male gymnasium is strictly symmetrical, with the central part of the facade emphasized by elevations with semi-circular windows. Svarichesky was very passionate about the “brick version” of the Art Nouveau style. To give representativeness to the building, its architecture and some details are deliberately schematic and somewhat enlarged in forms. The metal lattice surrounding the impressive (in the past) territory of the inner courtyard is also designed as if it were completely copied from diagrams and drawings.
In aggregate, all the stylistic features used in the building’s facade help it stand out in the old cityscape of Fergana. The building of the male gymnasium is considered one of the most interesting in Fergana. In terms of solidity and monumentality, all other buildings intended for educational purposes are an order of magnitude inferior, including the former pre-gymnasium on Kokandskaya Street.
It is worth noting that according to the architect’s initial intention, this was the building of the central axial composition, where the center was highlighted by a protruding faceted volume with a large window in the middle. However, the architectural accents of the building were on the side parts where the entrance doors were located. Deep entrance niches were decorated with columns and antae supporting a triangular pediment. The decorative domes that once highlighted the internal vestibules, located just behind the entrance doors, have not survived to this day. As with the building of the military assembly, the later extension (double-height gymnasium hall) disrupted the symmetry of the architectural composition. However, the extension is designed in the same style as the entire building of the male gymnasium.
Nearby Attractions
Since the building of the male gymnasium is currently allocated for the needs of Fergana State University, you won’t be able to freely move around and explore the interior spaces. So, a walk around is unlikely to take up much of your time, and it can be combined with the inspection of several other Fergana landmarks, which collectively create the historical and architectural character of the former “general’s” city.
Building of the Military Assembly (“Officers’ Club”): One of the oldest structures in Fergana, dating back to 1878. Located slightly west of the male gymnasium on Al-Fergani Street. The “Officers’ Club” is notable for its role in the lives of the townspeople during its full-fledged operation. In addition to ideological-professional events during wartime, it hosted children’s New Year celebrations, dances for young people, movie screenings, billiards, a buffet, exhibitions, concerts, plays, creative evenings, and sports competitions in boxing and table tennis.
Building of the Military Governor: Currently serving as the regional theater. The construction of this building began in 1879 and lasted for 10 years. Located southeast of the city on Kuvasai Street. The building has retained its original appearance: a beautiful two-story structure with two grand entrances.