Bukhara

Bukhara is a sacred place for the Muslim world and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, a real architectural, historical and cultural reserve, which has preserved unique architectural monuments from all historical epochs, starting from the IX century. On the territory of Bukhara there are almost one hundred and fifty architectural structures, which have the status of cultural monuments of the Middle Ages. Bukhara itself is considered to be a museum city.

Almost all the buildings date back to the 16th-17th centuries, particularly to the Sheibanid dynasty – the mosques, madrasahs and caravanserais that remain today were built in those years.

All in all, on this relatively modest territory there are 140 monuments of world importance.

The age of Bukhara is over 2500 years. According to the history, Bukhara was founded by the disgraced Persian King Siyavush. Modern scholars believe that the event took place in the 5th century B.C. – The most ancient artefacts found by archaeologists date back to that period. Bukhara is the only city in Central Asia whose history has been almost entirely documented by the famous 10th century historian, Narshakhi. In his writings, he told us that no city had so many names as Bukhara.  According to etymologists, the name comes from the Sogdian word buharak, which means “happy place”.

It is not surprising, as the city occupied a very favorable position as Bukhara oasis, through which the Great Silk Road passed.

At one time Bukhara had time to be under the authority of Arabs who came in 707 and brought Islam and started to build cult complexes: madrassah, mosques, minarets. It became capital of Samanid state in 829-999, a part of Karakhonid state in XI-XII centuries, state of Khorezmshakhs in 1212-1220, the Mongol-Tatar Ulus in 1220-1370, joined to power of Amir Timur in 1370, became capital of Sheibonid and Ashtarhanid state in XVI-XVII centuries, separated from the Fergana Valley in XVII century, got under influence of the Mangytes dynasty in 1753-1920, managed to become the capital of Bukhara. In different periods the city has prospered and in different periods it has undergone considerable destruction.

Although the inhabitants fought desperately against the conquerors, staging numerous rebellions and revolts, all eras have left their architectural mark on the heart of the city.

In 1873 Bukhara falls under the protectorate of tsarist Russia, in 1920 after the establishment of Soviet power becomes Bukhara People’s Republic, and from 1925 is part of the Uzbek SSR.

And only in 1991, after the declaration of independence, Bukhara – autonomous Viloyat within the independent Republic of Uzbekistan.

Today Bukhara is one of the leading cities of Uzbekistan; it makes considerable contribution to social, political, economic and spiritual life of the country and is important centre of science, craftsmanship, spirituality and tourism in Uzbekistan. The people of Bukhara cherish and are rightly proud of the true treasures of their great city. The city has given the world such names as the historian Narshakhi, the poets Rudaki and Dakiki, the physician and mathematician, the encyclopedist Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), the historian Belazuri, Tabari, Ibn Miskawayh, the poets and philosophers Al-Farabi and Omar Khayam.

Due to its warm, mild climate, Bukhara is visitable almost all year round. However, the most favourable time to visit Bukhara is from April to October.

The choice of attractions in Bukhara is vast. The first thing worth seeing is the minaret of Kalyan (aka, the Death Tower), erected in the XII century. The height of the minaret built over the tomb of the Imam is 47 m. By the way, it is also interesting by the new decoration for that time. Ceramic tiles of blue colour, which were not used in construction till that moment, were used for it. Next is the citadel of Ark, which is part of the Bukhara Registan. Once it was the residence of the rulers of the city who made Ark their residence and also the citadel fulfilled the duties of a fortress. Today the citadel is a museum.

A visit to the Lyabi-Hauz architectural complex is also recommended. Its name translates as ‘ensemble by the pool’. The complex consists of three constructions (Nadir-Divan Begi Mosque, Kukeldash Madrasah and a similar institution – Nadir-Divan Begi), between which a swimming pool is harmoniously situated.

The surroundings of Bukhara also offer many historical places of interest.

Visit the Namazgokh Mosque. Once it was a place where travellers and wandering monks stayed for rest and prayers.

While visiting the area Monday to Wednesday, don’t miss the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa or ‘Garden of Stars and Moons’, which is the country residence of Bukhara’s rulers. There is also an arts and crafts museum here.

Near the garden is the mausoleum of Bahautdin Naqshaband. Famous for housing the tomb of the founder of the most powerful Sufi order that ever existed in Central Asia, the mausoleum has a secrets.

History buffs will like the Chor-Bakr Necropolis. The burial place of the sheikhs of the Juybar Seyid family is situated on its territory. In the world it is better known as the “City of the Dead”. This architectural complex is impressive in its size. Many streets, gates and courtyards have been preserved in the city. The only thing that’s missing is the houses.

The choice of souvenirs in the city bazaars is astonishingly diverse. The most popular options among tourists are:

• wool and silk carpets (the latter option is very expensive, due to the high cost of raw materials and handmade);
• crockery with national painting characteristic of Bukhara craftsmen;
• spices and national sweets;
• decorative souvenirs – various magnets and so on;
• items of clothing – shawls, chapan and skullcaps;
• musical instruments;
• ikat fabrics made using the technique of step-by-step dyeing of threads. They are suitable as a gift even for a connoisseur of the East.