Unbreakable Women

Fotima Abdurakhmanova – a researcher of monumental art, a populariser of Tashkent’s mosaics, founder of the projects Shagayu.uz and “Mosaics of Tashkent”, and the director of an exam centre for accountants and auditors. 

We continue our project “Unbreakable Women” – about those whose achievements transform the cultural landscape, yet often remain out of the spotlight. Today, our heroine is Fotima Abdurakhmanova. Her love for the city, eye for detail, and true dedication to her work made it possible for many of Tashkent’s mosaics to find their voice again.

Fotima believes that every mosaic is not just a decorative element, but a part of our historical memory. This belief unites all her initiatives: the photo-walking tours Shagayu.uz, the online platform “Mosaics of Tashkent”, and a new guidebook she’s currently working on. She is also a leader, a civic activist, and undoubtedly one of those women whose strength inspires.

ELLE: What brought you to what you’re doing now? 

– I’m a creative person by nature. I’ve always been inspired by monumental art, especially urban mosaics. I love photography and often walk around Tashkent. One day, I noticed how mosaics were literally disappearing from the streets – being painted over or demolished. That became the starting point. That’s how my projects were born: Shagayu.uz – for those who appreciate architecture and street photography, and “Mosaics of Tashkent” – an online platform with photos, stories, and the names of the artists.

Today, I’m not just documenting cultural codes – I’m helping preserve them. We are restoring lost works and giving them a second life.

ELLE: What is your greatest achievement?

– One of the most meaningful was launching the “Mosaics of Tashkent” website last year. It’s the result of eight years of work in urban cultural initiatives. The project was implemented with the support of the Department of Digital Development of the Tashkent City hokimiyat and the Art and Culture Development Foundation of Uzbekistan. I’m also currently working on a guidebook dedicated to the capital’s mosaics.

It’s important to me that people learn to see the beauty around them and value what surrounds us.

ELLE: What is a woman’s greatest strength?

– Her determination, character, and ability to never give up. A woman can endure anything if she has a clear goal. Willpower, inner resilience, the ability to keep moving forward no matter what – that’s true strength.

ELLE: Do you consider yourself a strong woman?

– Yes. I’m a leader in both my primary job and my social projects. In any difficult situation, I don’t give up – I look for a way out. I have a creative spirit, I have a goal, and I have energy and inner strength. That’s my foundation.

ELLE: What advice would you give from your own experience?

– Don’t be afraid of anything. Walk through life with confidence, an open heart, and a thirst for the world. Be curious, absorb information, filter it – but don’t lose yourself in the flood of other people’s opinions. Listen to your loved ones – they are your support.

Find yourself. Work on yourself. Learn all your life. Read, observe, explore. As you walk through the city – rediscover it. If you stay open to the world, the world will surely return the favour. 

Photo: Azizbek Khamraqulov.