The Yangiabad market in Tashkent is one of the city's most vibrant trading hubs. Known for its vast trading area, affordable prices, and diverse product offerings, it is a bustling center of commerce and culture. Located in the northern part of the city, the market caters to a wide range of needs, offering agricultural goods, national dishes, clothing, household items, and antiques.
Among its sellers is Abdurashid Madbabayev, a former photographer who has been trading antiques at Yangiabad for 15 years.
A Lifelong Passion for Photography
Abdurashid’s journey into antiques began with his love for photography, a passion that emerged during his childhood in the Soviet Union. Reflecting on those days, he recalls the role of regional clubs that nurtured the interests of young people.
"During the former Soviet Union, there were clubs in all regions. These clubs included children and teenagers of different ages and helped them spend their free time usefully. Music, dance, theater, literature, radio electronics, aircraft model making, construction, mathematics and physics, sports such as football, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, chess, etc. Among them, I was interested in photography."
He was particularly drawn to the Zenit TTL, a popular film camera of its time, which he describes as "one of the most popular film cameras of that time. This model was very popular among photo enthusiasts in the middle of the 20th century, it was widely used not only in the USSR, but also abroad. The price was almost equal to the salary of engineers, if I am not mistaken, it was estimated at 120 rubles."
Antiques and Camera Collecting
At the Yangiabad market, Abdurashid sells vintage cameras and antiques, drawing in two types of customers: photographers and collectors.
"Among my customers, those who are interested in my cameras can be divided into two categories. Some buy them to take pictures, while others buy them as decorative items. Of course, I am more interested in communicating with photographers."
He values his cameras at affordable prices, typically 200,000–300,000 soums ($16-$23), making them accessible to many. The items in his collection come from various regions of Uzbekistan, where he has traveled extensively.
"I travel from village to village and region to buy old things. Sometimes I also buy from local markets where antiques are sold. I have bought a lot of things from households in Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya, and the valley regions. So I have contacts everywhere in this regard."
A Photographer’s Eye for Nature
Before becoming an antiques trader, Abdurashid was an avid landscape photographer. He describes his passion for capturing nature’s beauty:
"When I was a regular photographer, one of my favorite genres was landscape. I loved capturing nature, mountains, and autumn and spring landscapes. It was especially fun to go for a walk with my camera at dawn and sunset."
A Love for Literature
Beyond photography, Abdurashid has a deep appreciation for literature, particularly in psychology and theology. He recalls his childhood fascination with books, saying:
"In my free time, I loved reading books. I still do. Literature on psychology especially attracts me. Books on theology also aroused great interest. During my school days, I would read the topics that would be covered in the new academic year during the holidays."
Abdurashid’s love for antiques extends beyond his current work at Yangiabad market. He dreams of sharing his passion with a broader audience.
"If I could, I would open an antiques museum," he says, envisioning a space where the rich history of the objects he has collected can be appreciated by all.
The Yangiabad market, with its unique atmosphere and diverse offerings, remains an essential part of Tashkent’s cultural and economic life. Sellers like Abdurashid Madbabayev add depth to this vibrant community, blending commerce with storytelling and tradition.
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