Bukhara, Uzbekistan

History

Cultural Landmarks

Shopping & Leisure

History

The history of Bukhara goes back thousands of years, beginning with Aryan settlement in the region. The city of Bukhara, now the capital of the Bukhara Region (viloyat) of Uzbekistan, is located on the Silk Road and has long been a centre of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion.

During the Golden age of Islam, under the rule of Samanids, Bukhara became the intellectual centre of the Islamic world. In medieval times, Bukhara served as the capital of the Khanate of Bukhara and was the birthplace of Imam Bukhari.

UNESCO has listed the historic centre of Bukhara, which contains numerous mosques and madrassas, as one of the World Heritage Sites.

Bukhara functioned as one of the main centres of Persian civilization from its early days in the 6th century BCE. Its architectural and archaeological sites form one of the pillars of Central Asian history and art.

Cultural Landmarks

Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble

Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble is one of the most important historical squares in Bukhara, formed around a large water reservoir (hauz).
The complex dates back to the 16th–17th centuries and includes religious and educational buildings. It served as a social and cultural center for residents and travelers.
Lyabi-Hauz remains a popular gathering place reflecting the traditional urban design of Central Asia.

Kalyan Minaret and Mosque

The Kalyan Minaret and Mosque are iconic symbols of Bukhara’s Islamic heritage.
Built in the 12th century, the minaret was used both for the call to prayer and as a city landmark.
The mosque complex could accommodate thousands of worshippers during major religious events. Its architectural scale and decorative brickwork demonstrate the advanced engineering of the Karakhanid period.

Ark Fortress

Ark Fortress is an ancient citadel that served as the political and administrative center of Bukhara for centuries. It was the residence of emirs and housed government offices, courts, and military barracks.
Archaeological evidence indicates continuous use of the fortress from at least the 5th century.
Ark Fortress functions as an open-air museum illustrating the city’s ruling history.

Samanid Mausoleum

The Samanid Mausoleum is one of the oldest surviving Islamic monuments in Central Asia, dating to the 9th–10th centuries. It was built as a family tomb for the Samanid dynasty.
The structure is renowned for its symmetrical design and intricate brick patterns. The mausoleum represents a transition between pre-Islamic and Islamic architectural traditions.

Bolo-Hauz Mosque

Bolo-Hauz Mosque was constructed in the early 18th century and served as a Friday mosque for the emir and officials. It is famous for its wooden columns decorated with colorful carvings.
The mosque is located near a water pool that enhanced its visual prominence. It remains an important example of traditional Bukharan religious architecture.

Chor-Minor

Chor-Minor is a unique architectural monument distinguished by its four turquoise-domed towers.
Built in the early 19th century, it originally served as a gatehouse for a madrasa. Each tower features different decorative elements, symbolizing cultural diversity.
Chor-Minor stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bukhara.

Magok-i-Attari Mosque

Magok-i-Attari Mosque is one of the oldest religious sites in Bukhara, with origins dating back to pre-Islamic times. It was built on the site of an ancient market and later reconstructed as a mosque.
The building is partially sunken due to centuries of urban development. Its architectural layers reflect the long religious and cultural history of the city.