A Tranquil Town with Ancient Ruins – Bukhara
Located in the heart of the country, Bukhara is a town that once thrived as a key stop on the Silk Road and as a center of Islamic culture.
With a history dating back to ancient times, it is said that the town had fortifications built as early as the 3rd century BCE.
In the 9th century, it became the capital of the Samanid Empire, flourishing as a center for literature and academia. Bukhara produced globally renowned natural scientist Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Al-Bukhari, a collector of Hadiths in Islam.
From the 16th century, it served as the capital of the Shaybanid Dynasty and was designated as the capital of the Bukhara Emirate (Khanate) until the early 20th century. During this period, marketplaces, mosques, and madrasahs were constructed in Bukhara.
And so, Muslims began to visit Bukhara from various places for pilgrimage and study, leading to its designation as the “Sacred Bukhara.” The tranquil and serene atmosphere of Bukhara earned it a spot on the World Heritage List in 1993.
Bukhara, with the exception of the outskirts’ ruins, can be explored on foot.
With a relatively small population, the old town, a tourist destination, bustles with visitors during the season. While a day is sufficient to visit the major attractions, those looking to buy trinkets may find that time is not enough.
Attractions in Bukhara
Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah
Located in the heart of the old town of Bukhara, next to the Lyabi Hauz, this madrasah was built in 1622 by Nadir Divan-Begi, the minister of Bukhara Khanate.
The interior now serves as a souvenir shop, and during the tourist season, visitors can enjoy ethnic dance shows inside.
The entrance arch features a painting of a phoenix, symbolizing peace, holding a white deer and flying towards a sun with a face.
Originally constructed as a Caravanserai, a resting place for travelers, it was hastily converted into a madrasah when the king exclaimed, “What a magnificent madrasah!”
Magok-i-Attai Mosque
Built in a location lower than its surroundings, this mosque, with its brownish earthen-colored structure, was excavated by Russian archaeologists in 1936.
The mosque stands on the site where, until around the 6th century, a Buddhist temple existed, and in the vicinity, clay idols and medicinal herbs were reportedly sold. Subsequently, with the advent of Islam, the mosque was constructed.
Ulugbek Madrasah
Similar to the Ulugbek Madrasah in Samarkand, this madrasah in Bukhara, built by Ulugbek, is actually older. It was constructed in 1418, with the purpose of gaining support from the influential Naqshbandi Sufi order that held sway in Bukhara at the time.
At the entrance, the inscription reads, “An inquisitive mind is indispensable for a Muslim,” reflecting Ulugbek’s characteristic words.
Being the oldest existing madrasah in Central Asia, the interior has not undergone extensive restoration. It stands as a testament to Ulugbek’s dedication to scholarship.
Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah
A beautifully decorated madrasah located in front of the Ulugbek Madrasah.
Built 200 years later than the Ulugbek Madrasah, its architectural style shows influences from Turkish and Indonesian decorations.
The decorations on the arch at the entrance are vibrant and stunning.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah
An Islamic theological school permitted to operate even during the Soviet era. To this day, there are students who stay here to study the teachings of Islam.
The ground floor serves as classrooms, while the second floor is used as a dormitory.
Kalan Minaret and Kalan Mosque
“Kalan” means large, and true to its name, the Kalan Mosque is a mosque capable of accommodating 10,000 people.
Since its construction by Arab settlers in the 8th century, it has served as a jami mosque. However, in the 13th century, it was destroyed by Genghis Khan. The present mosque was built during the Shaybanid dynasty in 1514.
Adjacent to it, the Kalan Minaret, built in 1127, has become a symbol of Bukhara.
The 46-meter-high minaret remained untouched by Genghis Khan’s destruction.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the minaret is adorned with patterns that vary slightly rather than having a uniform design, showcasing the remarkable architectural skills of that era.
Ark of Bukhara
The term “Ark” means fortress, and from the 5th century until the early 20th century, it served as the residence for rulers of Bukhara. Consequently, it became a battleground multiple times, leading to alterations in its structure. The present form dates back to the 18th century. In 1920, a significant clash occurred between the Soviet Red Army and the Bukhara Khanate, resulting in extensive damage and leaving only the stone-built sections intact.
The area entered through the main gate was once used to detain prisoners, and it is now recreated with dolls depicting the historical scene.
As you proceed inside, you will find a mosque, museum, and the throne room. The throne room had a wall near the entrance because, at that time, turning one’s back to the king was considered disrespectful.
The museum provides insights into Bukhara from ancient times to the medieval period.
Additionally, it is said that in front of the Ark Fortress, on Registan Square, citizens opposing various kings were executed throughout history.
Bolo-Hauz Mosque
Situated across the road from the Ark Fortress, the Bolo-Hauz Mosque is a structure built in 1712 and served as a mosque exclusively for the king.
The entrance is adorned with twenty tall walnut trees, and the ceiling features colorful and charming decorations.
Ismail Samani Mausoleum
Constructed by Ismail, the second ruler of the Samanid dynasty, between 875 and 999 AD, this mausoleum was initially built for his father. However, later, Ismail himself and his descendants were also buried here.
After the fall of the Samanid dynasty, the mausoleum remained buried in the ground, avoiding destruction by forces such as the Mongol army. It was rediscovered in 1925.
This building exhibits features of both Islam and Zoroastrianism, with four domes at the corners, four arches , and an altar for fire, reflecting the influence of Zoroastrianism.
The exterior brickwork is designed to appear different in color depending on the angle of the sun, showcasing the advancements in geometry of that era. Consequently, it is a fascinating site for archaeologists and architects alike.
It is considered the oldest surviving Islamic architecture in Central Asia.
Chashma Ayub Mausoleum
Chashma means spring, and Ayub refers to the Prophet Job. It is a building named “Job’s Spring.”
According to legend, when Job visited this place, he struck the ground with his staff, causing water to gush forth. This event is said to have helped the people suffering from water scarcity in the desert.
As a result, it has become a popular tourist destination among the locals.
The conical roof was constructed in the 12th century, and later, in the 14th century, the central dome was added. In the 16th century, the front dome was built, giving the building its distinctive and unusual shape.
Attractions in the Outskirts of Bukhara
Gijduvan Pottery Museum
About a 20-minute drive from Bukhara, in the town of Gijduvan, there is a pottery museum established by the potter Abdulla Narzullaev.
Here, you can observe the traditional methods of crafting brown ceramics that have been passed down through generations, as well as the making of Suzani (embroidered textiles) and carpets.
Suzani is crafted using threads dyed with natural plant-based dyes such as pomegranate and walnut.
It is characterized by lighter and more vibrant colors compared to Suzani from other towns.
