In Central Asia, there is a city that has always attracted a great number of tourists from all over the world. This city is Bukhara. What is so special about it? First of all, it is important to mention that this settlement was one of the largest trade centers on the Silk Road. However, this is not the only attraction of Bukhara. The city is rich in architectural landmarks that date back to medieval times. There are more than 140 types of different buildings in the territory of the city. This is the reason why Bukhara is often recognized as the museum city.
The age of Bukhara is more than two thousand and five hundred years. According to a local legend, Prince Siyavash, the son of Iran’s shah, was the founder of Bukhara. The prince married the daughter of king Afrasiab. Siyavash built the city with a citadel in the center soon after the wedding. After that, he ordered to establish the town of Shahriston.
The Naqshbandi necropolis is the most important sacred place in the city. The necropolis got its name in the 14th century after Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari. According to historical data, he was the founder of one of the largest Sufi Muslim orders, the Naqshbandi. The master tried to persuade his followers that people need to study and work, forgetting about their life as hermits.
The necropolis was mostly built in the 16th century. The complex consists of numerous buildings and constructions that form the ensemble – the Mausoleum of Saint Bakhouddin Naqshbandi, the mosque of Muzaffarkhan, Khakim Kushbegi Mosque, minarets, and a tomb complex. That being said, the Mausoleum of Saint Bakhouddin Naqshbandi is the most important sight in the complex. Pilgrims from all over the world come here to honor the memory of the prominent Sufi leader.
When exploring Bukhara, visit the palace built to honor the last emir of the city - Mir Mohammed Alim Khan. This residence was built at the end of the 19th century. Inside the palace, visitors can see artworks created by local talents. These crafts are exhibited in the Art Museum that is open in the palace. Nowadays, this architectural landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If we translate the name of the palace, it will sound something like “a star palace that resembles Moon”. The architecture of the building is a stunning combination of European and Muslim architectural styles. Numerous fountains decorate the garden near the palace. After a walk in the garden, visitors can always relax in beautiful marble pavilions. Everything is made from the finest materials and looks amazing.
There are many different mosques in Bukhara. If you like exploring religious landmarks and sacred places, don’t forget to visit one of them. The Magoki-Attori Mosque is situated in the central part of Bukhara. The mosque was rebuilt several times during the 10th to 14th centuries. This mosque has an unusual location that differentiates it from other mosques. The Magoki-Attori Mosque is built four and a half meters deep in the ground as if it is built in a hole. A visit to this mosque is a great way to learn more about the architecture of the past.
Nowadays, there is a museum in the ancient shrine, which exhibits the best works of local carpet weavers. This is a truly spectacular place dedicated to carpets and similar items, some of which are true masterpieces. Moreover, during an excursion in this museum, you will learn how Uzbek carpets differ from carpets made in Kazakhstan, Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. The museum also exhibits saddlebags and items that local people used to decorate their yurts in the 18th – 20th centuries.
When you feel tired of sightseeing, consider spending some quality time at Hammam Borzi Kord, a local bathhouse that is the most popular public place in the city. If you are a tourist and a man, then the doors of this steam paradise are open for you from 2 pm and until midnight. You will be able to not only sweat out in the hammam but also to enjoy relaxing massage and apply the scrub that cleans the body.
It is easy to get to Bukhara from the capital of Russia, Moscow. There are flights to the city three times a week. Moreover, Uzbek Airlines connect Bukhara and Saint Petersburg. This is a weekly flight. Airplanes from Tashkent arrive in the city every day. Tashkent trains will take you to Bukhara on any day of the week. However, the journey time can be up to six and a half hours.
Sightseeing in Uzbekistan: things to see
Many cities in Uzbekistan appeared as stops on the Silk Route. Bukhara is one of them. This is one of the largest cities in the country that, nevertheless, preserved its historic heritage. The name Bukhara literally means “the noble” or “the holy” and indeed in the past it was considered one of the holiest cities in Central Asia. The old part of the city is primarily famous for the Lab-i-Hauz square and fountains. The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is the cultural center of the country. Main attractions here include Kaldyrgach-bly Mausoleum, Khavendi Takhur Sheikh Mausoleum, Abdulkasim Madrassa, Yunus Khan Mausoleum, Khazret Imam and Mausoleum of Zainuddin-bobo Sheikh.
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