At that time, the city attracted many settlers from European Russia, as well as craftsmen, merchants, officials, and engineers, who brought with them new architectural styles, cultural traditions, and business practices. Against the backdrop of economic prosperity, new houses, shops, churches, and schools were built in Karakol, and streets were laid out, shaping a unique appearance of the city that has largely been preserved to this day.
The house at Abdrakhmanov, 99 was built according to the models of Russian Siberian architecture, adapted to the climate of the Issyk-Kul valley. The use of local wood species such as willow, pine, and aspen provided insulation and durability, allowing such buildings to serve for centuries and remain energy-efficient even in harsh winters.
According to local historians and oral sources, the first owner of this house was Nikolai Vasilyevich Belov, a merchant of the second guild, known in the region as a trader in flour and grain, as well as the owner of a mill in the vicinity of Karakol. The house was used as a residence for his family and as an office for the trading company, which was a common practice among merchants of that time, combining residential and business functions.
First guild merchants had the right to engage in international trade and own sea vessels, as well as passport privileges allowing them to move freely across the country. Second guild merchants could own river vessels, as well as factories and plants, being exempt from military service and corporal punishment. Third guild merchants did not have such privileges but could engage in retail trade and run their shops.
Despite the changes that have occurred over the decades, the building has retained important features of its original design. Although it has been renovated several times, the restoration work has not affected the historical essence of the structure. Currently, it is a valuable cultural heritage site of the city, showcasing the unique architectural style of the early 20th century and preserving the spirit of that era.
Karakol is famous for its pre-revolutionary wooden buildings, and the house at Abdrakhmanov, 99 holds an honorable place among them. It is a living memory of architectural heritage, reflecting the history, aesthetics, and everyday life of a bygone era.
Documents indicate that the building was constructed with consideration for the local climate and using traditional building materials. It is a typical representative of residential construction from the late 19th to early 20th century, characteristic of small towns and rural settlements in Central Asia. The architecture of the building combines elements of folk architecture with eclectic features: symmetrical facades, stucco decorations, shutters, and carved cornices.
Turmush previously reported that by the decree of the emperor on March 7, 1889, Karakol was renamed Przhevalsk.
According to Kaulbars, "I am proud that the city of Karakol was named after Przhevalsky – the explorer of Asia and one of the famous travelers in the world."
In 1874, a school with two classes opened in Przhevalsk, and by 1879, education began to be provided according to a four-class program. A school called "Maktab" operated in the Tatar mosque, where the basics of the Quran, history, geography, mathematics, and Muslim literacy were taught.
From 1890, there was an influx of settlers from the central provinces and the Volga region of Russia, as well as from Ukraine. According to data from 1897, the population exceeded 8,000 people, and by 1919, it reached 11,610 people.
The first elder of the city, elected in 1894, was Nikolai Mikhailovich Barsov, who, according to historical documents, contributed to the city's development. Thanks to his initiatives, a dramatic circle appeared in the city in 1894, and the construction of schools, boarding houses, and libraries began. In 1895, at his initiative, a park was created, which now bears the name of A. Pushkin.
On May 14, 1902, Barsov, being a military doctor, participated in the opening of the Przhevalsk City People's Library, established at his initiative.
On March 19, 1908, the coat of arms of the city of Karakol was approved by the decision of the council of ministers of the Russian Empire, and for some time it also represented the entire Issyk-Kul district.
In 1909, the head of the district was V.A. Ivanov, his assistant was A.I. Belyaev, and E.S. Lokshakova was elected as the elder of the city. The residents of the city engaged in animal husbandry, agriculture, fishing, and beekeeping. In 1909, 5,200 poods of honey were produced in Karakol, and trade was developing.
In 1913, the first magazine "Przhevalsky Rural Host" was published. In 1918, seven schools, a women's gymnasium, an educational institution for men, four madrasahs, and various associations opened. The city became an important base for Russian and foreign scholars conducting research in Asia.
On May 25, 1918, it was announced at a rally that Soviet power had been established in Przhevalsk.
