Do you know who was the first person behind the camera in Uzbekistan?

🔴 The first steps of Uzbek Cinema – at the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan!

Khudoybergan Devonov, known as the first photographer, cameraman, and founder of national cinematography in the history of Uzbekistan, was one of the most advanced and courageous figures of his time. He brought photography and cinematography to his homeland, working to inform the people about world news and to call the youth to knowledge and enlightenment.

Born in 1879 in the city of Khiva, Devonov studied at a madrasa, learned Arabic, and wrote poetry. He was interested in watchmaking, gardening, and music.

However, his destiny was to make his mark in photography. The meeting that changed Khudoybergan’s life was his acquaintance with Wilhelm Penner, a Mennonite German who lived in the village of Okmachit near Khiva (locals called him “Panar Buvа”). For two years, Devonov regularly visited his house, learning photography and the German language. Sometimes the teacher himself came to Khudoybergan’s house to give lessons.

At the beginning of the 20th century, taking pictures caused debates in Muslim society, and even the chief judge declared him a “kafir.” But with the support of the enlightener Islamkhoja and the patronage of the Khan of Khiva, Devonov continued his work.

In 1908, he traveled to St. Petersburg and Moscow, purchased photographic and cinematic equipment, and upon returning home, opened the first photo-cinema laboratory. For this reason, 1908 is recognized as the year cinematography was “born” in Central Asia.

Devonov traveled to various cities, filming people’s daily lives, celebrations, architectural monuments, and the cotton harvest. Through his camera, both the tsar and ordinary peasants were captured in history.

Later, he served in the Khorezm People’s Soviet Republic, worked as the Minister of Finance, and at the same time filmed documentaries. His works such as Working Women, The Cotton Caravan, and Tuzkon became a historical chronicle of national life.

Unfortunately, during the repressions of 1937, Devonov was arrested on false charges and was executed on September 5, 1938. His rich photo and film archive was confiscated, and much of it was destroyed.

It was only in 1959 that he was fully rehabilitated. In the 1960s–70s, scholars began to study his legacy, exhibitions were organized, and books were published. In 2021, academician Naim Karimov’s book Khudoybergan Devonov was published by the Islam Karimov Foundation.

Today, Khudoybergan Devonov’s name is inscribed in golden letters in the history of Uzbek cinema and photography. A special media project about him is presented in the “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century” section of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, giving visitors the opportunity to learn closely about his life, creativity, and role as the founder of Uzbek cinema.

Shahnoza Rahmonova

P/S: The article may be republished with reference to the official website of the Center.