Bukhara is a historic city in Central Asia that is considered to be a sacred city. The most notable characteristics of this city are its imposing historical landmarks, which include mosques, mausoleums, palaces, caravanserais, as well as its vibrant culture and extensive history. In the beginning, the city became famous due to its position on the Silk Road, which also made it an important hub for commerce. This led to the city’s rise to prominence. The city is well-known even today for its bustling commercial activity. Because of the city’s stunning architecture, UNESCO has included it on the list of World Heritage Sites that it maintains.
The history of Bukhara is comprised of a large number of chapters. The earliest part of this country’s history may be traced back to the time of the Aryans. Additionally, the Persian Empire had a long-lasting impact on the city, and to this day, the city continues to maintain the art and culture of the Persians. In spite of the fact that local tales provide a quite different account of Bukhara’s past, the city was formally established in the year 500 BC. In Bukhara, the modern age may be said to have begun during the colonial period. Bukhara is now a bustling metropolis that is home to a variety of modern amenities, including an airport, educational institutions, retail complexes, healthcare services, and other such establishments.
Main Tourist Attractions of Bukhara
Lyabi-Hauz
The Kukeldash Medressa, Kanaka, and Nodir Divan-begi are the three massive structures that comprise the ensemble that is known as the Lybai-Huaz Square in Bukhara. The structures that make up the ensemble were constructed over the course of many decades in the 16th and 17th century. In the middle of Lyabi Hauz is where you will discover a water storage tank. The Kukeldash Medressa, was opened in 1569 and is now the biggest of all the city’s medressas, The interiors of this magnificent edifice are characterised by wooden doors that have intricate carvings.
The Ark
In earlier times, the Ark Citadel served as the residence of the city’s most powerful families. This walled complex consists of many structures, some of which are palaces, while others are stables and storehouses. In addition, there is a mint, a prison, and a business that sells weapons here. The construction of structures began in the first century AD and reached its zenith in the 16th century. The construction of this location’s Juma Masjid dates back to the 18th century. In addition to the museum, additional attractions include the coronation court and the welcome hall.
Taqi-Sarrafon & Taqi Telpak Furushon
The city is home to a number of covered markets known as bazaars. Some of these markets date back hundreds of years. The oldest mosque in Central Asia, known as Maghoki-Attar, may be located in the neighbourhood of Taqi-Sarrafon known as the dome of moneychangers. This area is also known as the herb and spice bazaar. In addition, the ruins of Buddhist and Zoroastrian temples may be seen in this region. In the region of Taqi Telpak Furushon, also known as the dome of hat merchants, you may find the remnants of two caravanserais as well as a men’s bathhouse.
Taqi-Zargaron Area
This is a covered market that has been there since the 16th century. It is thought that the Temurids were responsible for the construction of the bazaar, which has the name literally meaning “Jeweler’s Dome.” The structure is made up of a big dome that sits above four different passageways. In close proximity to the Taqi- Zaragaron Area can be found the Ulughbek Medressa, which was constructed in 1417, the Nadir Divanbegi Medressa, and the Abdul Aziz Khan Medressa, which dates back to the 17th century.
Kalon Minaret
In the year 1127, the monarch of Karakhan, Arslan Khan, constructed this minaret. It is really cushioned on reed stacks, which is a historic way of safeguarding structures from earthquakes. The minaret is a magnificent example of early Islamic design. Within the vicinity of the minaret, there are a variety of bands that are both visually and sonically appealing. The tower served as a lookout post for a number of Bukhara’s previous rulers. To reach the pinnacle of the minaret, one must ascend around 105 steps.
Ismail Salmani Mausoleum
The construction of this magnificent tomb began around the year 905 A.D., making it one of the oldest structures in the city. It is thought that the tomb has the bones of Ismail Salmani, the founder of the Samanid dynasty, as well as the remains of his father Ahmed and other members of Ismail Salmani’s family. The area around the tomb is covered with a wide variety of Zoraostrian emblems. You may pay a visit to the Chasma Ayub Mausoleum, which is situated near by, as well as Samani Park and the Talli Pach Gate.
Chashma Ayub’s Mausoleum
The construction of this tomb took place in the 12th century. In the beginning, there was a tomb that had a dome-shaped ceiling and it was located over a spring. The complex was expanded with the construction of two further structures in the 14th century and one in the 16th century. One of the most notable features of this location is a well, the water from which is said to have restorative qualities.
Faizullah Khojaev House
Faizullah Khojaev House is conserved as a monument. Faizullah Khojaev served as the President of the Bukhara People’s Republic for a short time. He is most known for being the one who assisted the Bolsheviks in their legendary conspiracy to overthrow the previous Emir. Frescoes that are both classic and exquisite may be seen throughout the home. In addition, the home has a framework that is ornamented with patterns of various kinds.
Char Minar
In Tajik, the name Char Minar literally translates to “four minarets,” and it was constructed in the year 1807. Khalif Niyazkul, a Turkish trader, is responsible for the construction of the monument. In reality, the minarets are only towers with ornate caps. The design of the Char Minar, which has four arches, is heavily inspired by the architectural style of India. UNESCO was responsible for restoring one of the minarets after it had been destroyed in 1998.
Museum of Art
This museum first opened its doors in 1922 and now has a significant collection of artefacts. There are about 60,000 artefacts here that illustrate the history and folk arts of the region, and they are on display here. The history of the old city is reflected in the archaeological collection that was kept there. Artifacts made of clay that date back to the early Middle Ages are among the most important and precious antiques. This location has a variety of antiques, some of which include jewellery, gold embroidery, and copperware.
Emir’s Summer Palace
This palace is located approximately four kilometres to the north of the main city and is also known as Sitora-I-Mohi-Hosa. The palace, which was constructed in the 19th century, is an excellent illustration of the successful mix of European and indigenous architecture seen in Central Asia. The White Hall, with its glittering sculpted stucco that covers the ceiling and the walls, is one of the most noteworthy features of this location. In addition, there are various galleries, entry gates, and a garden inside the palace.
Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum
The Bakhautdin Naqshband Mausoleum is a collection of religiously significant structures that may be found close to Bukhara. The 15th and 16th centuries saw the construction of the bulk of the ensemble’s many components. The “saqqakhana” is one of the area’s most interesting and distinctive features. Other highlights are the enormous entry gate, the dome, the large courtyards, and the burial crypt, which was constructed by Khan Abdul Aziz II in 1544.
Chor-Bakr
This location was chosen because it is in close proximity to the burial of Abu Bakr Sa’d. Abu Bakr was a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad as well as the progenitor of the Djuibar Sufi Sheikhs. Although construction on the complex began in the 15th century, the most of it was not finished until the 16th century under the direction of Abdullah Khan. This location is home to a number of buildings, the most notable of which are a khanaka, a medressa, a minaret, and a mosque.
