The Karimov Foundation: Discover Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev’s project

Married since the early years of this millennium and now parenting three lively children, Lola Karimova and Timur Tillyaev are an inspiration to many. As well as juggling their own business enterprises, both Lola and Timur play an important philanthropic role in society, supporting charity initiatives and promoting cultural and educational development, particularly among young people.

Lola was born in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, in 1978. Education took a prominent place in her early life – she gained both a BA and an MA in International Law from Tashkent’s University of World Economy and Diplomacy, going on to obtain a doctorate in Psychology from Tashkent University.

Daughter of Uzbekistan’s former president Islam Karimov, Lola soon forged her own standing in society by starting an impactful foundation – You Are Not Alone – which helps orphanages in her native land. Lola also served as Uzbekistan’s envoy to UNESCO for an entire decade. By 2004, she had created her second charitable organisation, National Centre for the Social Adaptation of Children, which provides comprehensive help and support to children with special needs. 

But Lola has not shied away from the commercial world, either, and is now proving to be a formidable business woman. She is the driving force behind a new niche perfume house, The Harmonist, with its unique approach inspired by the ancient Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. By working with the five fundamental elements, Feng Shui seeks to restore balance by harmonising all aspects of an individual’s life with the world around them. 

It was while she was setting up her second foundation that Lola married Timur Tillyaev. Timur is best known for his work in the international transportation sector and now of course for his teamwork with Lola. Both individually and as a couple, Lola and Timur are bright, animated personalities; together they have already inspired many socially significant projects. These are just two of the many reasons why you should discover more about them. 

Timur Tillyaev attended highschool and university in the United States.

Despite their busy lifestyles, both Lola and Timur remain dedicated parents to their three young adults.

The Karimov Foundation 

The Karimov Foundation plays an important role in promoting education and culture in Uzbekistan. Meritocracy is at the heart of its projects – scholarships are awarded to promising students in various academic disciplines irrespective of their social standing. As Chair of the Board, Lola oversees the Foundation’s many impressive initiatives. It undertakes the amazing work to promote appreciation for Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage. They achieve this by orchestrating exhibitions dedicated to the country’s contemporary visual arts, history and literature.

For more information on Lola and Timur’s many inspiring projects and achievements, visit the official website of Lola Karimova to see some of the ways this active couple continue to make a positive difference in today’s conflicted world.

The editorial unit
Photo: Courtesy of Lola Karimova