According to the city administration, the building was erected in the late 19th - early 20th century and represents a unique example of urban merchant architecture from the pre-revolutionary period.
"Karakol, previously known as Przhevalsk, was an important administrative, cultural, and commercial center of the Semirechye region during those years. The current owners, who work in the tourism sector, recognized the historical value of this house and conducted its restoration, paying attention to every detail. The original facades, characteristic of the architecture of old Karakol, as well as decorative elements, have been restored. The interior spaces are decorated in the Russian style with furniture purchased from the descendants of the first owners," the statement notes.
On the first and second floors of the house, there are living rooms decorated in the style of the late 19th century. The Russian stove on the second floor and the porch relocated from another destroyed building create an atmosphere of historical authenticity. The wooden gates were recreated based on traditional local models. Particularly interesting is the measurement drawing from 1926, which records the floor plans, including the layout of living spaces and entrances.
From the courtyard, there is a view of another important architectural element—the tiled roof of the neighboring house No. 8, which is one of the few remaining examples of historical roofing, highlighting the cultural value of this area of Karakol.
Today, the house of merchant Ivanov not only preserves the architectural and historical memory of the city but has also become a significant object of cultural tourism, demonstrating how respect for history can be combined with modern use of space," the city administration added.
In 2017, Galina Derevyanko, the previous owner of the house, told Turmush that this house was built by Alexander Ivanov from wood.
"Alexander Ivanov had eight children. He moved to Karakol from Omsk and built this house using elements of Siberian and Ural architecture. As a merchant, he was engaged in the sale of products brought from China and Kashgar. Meetings of merchants and traders were held in this house," she recalled.
Galina Derevyanko also noted that he had a soap factory and was one of the first to bring a piano to the city, contributing to the education of local children.
"In the city, he had a wonderful apple orchard, but after the formation of the Soviet Union, the trees began to be cut down. Moreover, the Bolsheviks started to persecute wealthy residents. Eventually, one of the Kyrgyz horsemen warned him of the impending danger, and he left for Pishpek with his children," she said.
The descendants of Alexander Ivanov expressed gratitude to the current owners for preserving his house and history. During the Soviet era, the building housed the headquarters of the communists, and later it became the prosecutor's office and a kindergarten.
