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    Tourist Attractions in Bukhara

    The most interesting things to do in Bukhara. Photos and a brief description.

    Bukhara
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    About Bukhara

    Bukhara is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Its history is connected with the Arabs and Mongols, who at different times owned this territory. The location of the city can be called strategic, so it was often subjected to invasions. The Silk Trade Route passed through the city, which helped in the development and expansion of ties. There was little crime in Bukhara in the past, so almost no prisons were built. Only one zindan has survived to this day – a real fortress.

    Architectural ensembles of the district have sometimes been formed for centuries, but they look like a single whole. Every ruler wanted to leave behind a legacy, so new mosques, madrassas, minarets and tombs appeared regularly. Some of them have retained their functions, while others have become museums.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Bukhara

    Poi-Kalyan Architectural Ensemble

    In the XII century, under the leadership of Arslan Khan, the city was completely rebuilt. Among other things, the ruler conceived the creation of the Poi-Kalyan complex. The minaret appeared at the same time, and the current cathedral mosque and madrasah Miri Arab – only in the XVI century. The place was not chosen by chance: in the past there was already a mosque here. At the time of the project's creation, only ruins remained of it. The new building could accommodate about 12 thousand people for simultaneous prayer. According to this indicator, it became the second in the country. The minaret has a height of more than 46 meters. It has never been repaired. The madrasah is still used for its intended purpose.

    Poi-Kalyan Architectural Ensemble
    Citadel Ark

    Citadel Ark

    The oldest archaeological monument of Bukhara. The construction was carried out in the X century, but the earliest buildings preserved inside the walls date back to the XVII century. Legends attribute the foundation of the fortress to the local hero Siyavush. Omar Khayyam also lived here for some time. The unique library did not survive due to regular wars and attacks on the citadel. Now the architectural and art museum is based here.

    Trade domes of Bukhara

    The Silk Trade Route passed through Bukhara. For this reason, they traded here willingly and a lot. Domed buildings were erected at the intersection of roads – something like covered bazaars called "toki". Markets of different directions have united under one roof. Traditionally, four currents are distinguished: Sarrafon Currents, Telpak Furushon Currents, Tim Abdullah Khan, Zargaron Currents. You can buy everything from jewelry to antique books.

    Trade domes of Bukhara
    Samanid Mausoleum

    Samanid Mausoleum

    It is located on the site of an ancient cemetery, which was revered in the past. It was built in the IX century in the traditional style for the Sogdians, but with the use of more durable materials. The exterior features of the building refer to the vision of the creators of the world. At the base is a square – the symbol of the earth, and crowned by its dome – the vault of heaven. Three theologians, including the founder of the Samanid dynasty, are buried in the mausoleum.

    Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub

    The name translates from Persian as "the source of Job". There is a spring next to the tomb. According to legend, he appeared thanks to the prophet Job: he touched the ground with his staff to give the locals a drink. Although the mausoleum was built in the XII century, there are no burials of that period here. The building was rebuilt many times, including under Tamerlane. Now there is a water museum and an exhibition of carpets inside.

    Mausoleum of Chashma-Ayub
    Baha ad-Din Complex

    Baha ad-Din Complex

    The area was in the past the center of one of the Sufi orders. The brethren got along well with official Islam and had no tendency to seclusion. The burial of the head of the brotherhood, mosques, khanaka, minaret and madrasah – all this is available on the territory of the complex. The device of the arched saccahana is also curious. According to legend, if you quench your thirst here and leave an offering, then any desire of the petitioner will be fulfilled.

    Necropolis of Chor-Bakr

    It was originally located in the village, but the territories were later incorporated into the city. The Juybar Seyids are buried here. The history of their dynasty goes back to Muhammad himself. The necropolis was created to preserve the unique tombs. The district has gradually overgrown with buildings over several centuries, and the entrance was made in the form of an original gate. The last burials are dated to the beginning of the last century.

    Necropolis of Chor-Bakr
    Labi House

    Labi House

    Lyabi-hauz Square is located in the central part of Bukhara. Around it is a complex of ancient buildings. The development of this area was carried out in the XVI-XVII centuries. Kukeldash Madrasah was built first. It combined a mosque, residential areas and classrooms. And Nodir-Divan-Begi originally performed the functions of a caravanserai, therefore it is devoid of many features familiar to madrasahs. Khanaka Sofa-Run is small in size, but has a rich finish. A full–fledged component of the complex is a fountain. During its history, it has managed to visit a pond, a water tank, as well as, after drainage, a sports ground.

    Monument to Khoja Nasreddin

    It was installed in 1979 by the sculptor Yakov Shapiro. The author was given the task to convey all the components of a complex image of a folk hero. Khoja Nasreddin is popular in the East. He appears to be both a man of great intelligence and a simpleton. The people's favorite is able to benefit from any problem. The bronze Nasrudin was seated on a donkey and his features were given some playfulness.

    Monument to Khoja Nasreddin
    Bolo House

    Bolo House

    A single ensemble consists of several buildings at once: a mosque, a house and a minaret. In the past, this mosque was the main one in the city for Friday prayers. It is divided into two parts: winter and summer. Columns play an important role in interior design. They not only support the ivan's ceiling, but also frame the entrance. The minaret appeared only in the last century. And the first buildings on the Registan are dated to the XVIII century.

    Madrasah in Chor Minor

    It was built at the expense of a local merchant at the beginning of the century before last. Since the madrasah has 4 towers in the form of minarets, it received this name. It also has another name – Caliph Niyazkul in honor of its founder. The murals on each tower are unique. It is believed that they refer to the main world religions. Subsequently, residential premises were attached to the madrasah. Their decoration is designed in a traditional style.

    Madrasah in Chor Minor
    Madrasah of Ulugbek and Abdullaziz Khan

    Madrasah of Ulugbek and Abdullaziz Khan

    The complex was formed over a long period from the XV to the XVII century. Ulugbek madrasah was built earlier. More than 150 years after its foundation, its appearance has changed due to the new cladding. Now the premises are given to the Museum of the History of the Restoration of Monuments of the city. Yellow paint was used for the first time in the design of Abdullaziz Khan madrasah. The wall painting is very diverse, which is atypical for such buildings.

    Kosh Madrasah

    The complex consists of two madrassas that stand opposite each other. Hence the name, translated as "double". The first madrasah in honor of Modari Khan was built in the XVI century, and the second - in honor of Abdullah Khan – a couple of decades later. These sights are not only examples of the architecture of their time. They were very popular educational institutions. Not everyone could get here for classes.

    Kosh Madrasah

    Khoja-Zaynutdin Complex

    It took shape in the XVI century. Surrounded by a residential area. On the territory of the complex there is a marble-lined house. Its spillway is made in the form of a dragon's head. Another notable structure is the khanaka. The building was used as a quarter mosque. The walls have an unusual and extensive painting. The open gallery is also decorated with all kinds of decorative elements and patterns. At the same time, they are designed in calm tones.

    Magoki Attari Mosque

    It is located on the site of an ancient sanctuary. It was created to worship the Moon, so the mosque is sometimes called Moss, which translates as "moon". The premises of the mosque have literally gone underground, but have now been restored to their former form. In ancient times, Jews could also perform rituals in Magoki Attari. Because of this, the followers of Judaism from Bukhara had a special wish for peace during prayers.

    Sitorai Mohi-khosa

    Sitorai Mohi-khosa

    The palace was built at the beginning of the last century. It served as the country residence of the Emir of Bukhara. Although the complex was characterized by a European style, there was a division into male and female halves inside. Currently, the museum of decorative and applied Arts is located inside. It has been operating since 1927 and has been seriously updated several times. One of the most popular expositions is the interiors of the palace.

    Fayzulla Khodzhayev House Museum

    Fayzulla Khodjaev is a prominent fighter for equality, a political and public figure. He was repressed and executed in the 30s of the last century. The museum exposition is divided into 3 parts. The first one is dedicated to the life of Fayzullah himself. The other two are ethnographic in nature. They tell about the life of rich merchants of that period and about their cuisine. The museum is located in the house where the Khodzhaev family lived.

    Khoja-Gaukushan Ensemble

    Khoja-Gaukushan Ensemble

    The Cathedral mosque and madrasah form a single complex. It was formed by the end of the XVI century. The yard arrangement is typical for that time. But the minaret stands out, it is one of the tallest in the city. Bulls were previously slaughtered at this place. Hence the name, translated accordingly. Together with other objects of the historical part of the city, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    Bukhara zindan

    One of the two city prisons. The fortress was built in the XVIII century and was used to detain debtors who did not show up for the morning obligatory prayer and other violators of the law. The maximum term of imprisonment was 15 days, as the court sat on the square 2 times a month. Then the final punishment was imposed. Inside the zindan there were torture chambers and a pit with scorpions.

    Bukhara zindan
    Shukhov Water Tower

    Shukhov Water Tower

    It was built in the 20s of the last century. Since the project belonged to Shukhov, the tower was named after the author. Until 1975, the tower was actively used as part of the city's water supply system. As a result of dilapidation, it fell into disrepair and was decommissioned. Later, the object was added to the list of historical monuments. The authorities carried out restoration, and a restaurant was located inside, but not for long.