The holiest city in Central Asia, honoured as " Noble Bukhra " among Muslims ( one of the seven holy cities of Islam) with its population of 263,400 has been inhabited for at least 5 milennia. Bukhara also has many name centuries ago, one of it was " Numijikat". It has also been called "Bumiskat" or in Arabic was "Madinah al Sufriya" ( The copper City) and " Madinat Al Tujjar" ( The City Of Merchants).
Situated on the Silk Road trade centre, it is more than 2000 years old. It is known as one of the most complete medieval cities in Central Asia. Monuments include the famous tomb of Ismail Samani, a masterpiece in the 10th century on top of large numbers of Madrassah in the 17th century. Before the Arab conquest, Bukhara owed its prosperity to the rich oasis. However, the great economic growth came to an end when Genghis Khan sacked the city in 122.
A second lease of life came in the 16th century when the Uzbek Shaybanids made it their capital known as Bukhara Khanate. After a long period of unrest and short lived dynasties, it absorbed into Soviet Union in 1920 under the newly created Uzbek (USSR) in 1924.
With the view of keeping intact the original beauty of Bukhara, UNESCO decided to commemorate in 1997 a 2500 year anniversary since the date of the city's foundation and establish an international fund called " Bukhara - 2500" . Significantly, the real importance of Bukhara lies not in its individual buildings but rather in its overall level of urban planning and architecture which began with the Shaybanid dynasty.
THE ARK
The Ark of Bukhara or The Fortress, located in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan was initially built and occupied around the 5th century A.D. In addition to being a military structure, the Ark encompassed what was essentially a town that during much of the fortress' history was inhabited by the various royal courts that held sway over the region surrounding Bukhara. The Ark was used as a fortress until it fell to Russia in 1920. Currently , the ruins of the Ark are a tourist attraction and houses museums covering its history. The gentle high walls are more than half a thousand years old and defending its emir's ruler and today, it is a major architectural monument of Bukhara. their walls soar to a height of 16 to 20 meters and have a perimeter of 800 meters. However , only one gate remains today.
Before Genghis Khan took over Bukhara he destroyed and ransacked the fortress that served as the inhabitants of the city.
In Avicenna's book, it was cited :
"I found in this library such books, about which i had never seen before in my life. I read them and i came to know each scientist and each science. before me lay gates of inspiration into great depths of knowledge which i had not surmised to exist."
However, the library was destroyed in one of the conquests of Bukhara.
ISMAIL SAMANI MAUSOLEUM
This Mausoleum is one of most esteemed sights of Central Asia. Built in the end of 9th century, it is resting place of Ismail Samani, a powerful and influential Amir of the Samanid dynasty. According to archaeologists, it is one of the most monuments in Uzbekistan with its artistic details of the brickwork displaying traditional features of pre- islamic culture. Later, other kings of this dynasty were also buried here. It is interesting to note that the building of this burial vault contradicted the Islamic rules at those days - the erection of any monuments above the graves of believers was forbidden. His mausoleum in Bukhara is recognized as a masterpiece of architecture for its geometric design.
BOLO-KHAUZ COMPLEX
The Bolo -Khauz Complex is the only Registan's monument that survived through thousands of milennia. It consists of a mosque, a minaret and a pond. It is one of the oldest construction in the complex but it was drained as it became the source of diseases. Built by the order of Emir's wife. Legend says that Emir Shakhmurad ( 1785-1800) built it for public prayers. Next to the mosque is a minaret which was built after the mosque in 1718. The minaret was reconstructed as it was slowly leaning to a critical point. Now, it looks just like 3 centuries ago. Today, the complex is one of the most impressive sights in Bukhra. Although it is relatively young, it certainly deserves the recognition as a luxurious mosque with its impressive architecture and high carved wooden ceiling. It's also known as the " mosque of forty columns".
CHASMA-AYUB MAUSOLEUM
In ancient times, Saint Ayub came to Bukhara as a wanderer, settled down and an explosion by his followers created a well ( Chashma ) with clean and healing water. Over the well, stands a mausoleum called Chasma -Ayub which means " Job's spring" by nickname. In Uzbekistan, cult structure like this are called Kadamjoy which means " a footprint" to represent highly respected clergymen.
According to Bible, Job was from Hebron but he died and was buried at Bukhara. The historical value of the monument consists of the exact date written on observe surface ( 1208-1209 a.D) or 605 years in the Muslim Calendar. However, the mausoleum was repeatedly reconstructed ; today , it consists of many chambers and various sizes of design which creates a special aura of seclusion. This site was listed as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE on 18th January 2008 in the cultural category.
KOSH-MADRASAH : BUKHARA (MODARI -KHAN MADRASSAH 1566-1567) & ABDULLAH -KHAN MADRASSAH (1558-1590)
The Shybanids' architectural ensemble of Kosh- Madrassah which means "Double- Madrassah" was constructed around 1567 in honor of Abdullah -Khan 's Mother and Abdullah -Khan respectively in 1588.
MODARI -KHAN MADRASSAH (1557-1597)
The Modari-Khan Madrassah has survived much better than many structure of the later period, though it was built in an economical way. It uses mosaic brickwork with fantastic geometrical patterns on the facade and guldasta towers with the date of the madrassah's construction mentioned with poems in majolica paintings over the entrance . Plain geometrical patterns substitute the intricate ornamentation. The great skills of the unknown architect who created the perfect forms and harmonious architectural spaces of the madrassah made this monument to become one of the masterpieces of Bukhara's medieval architecture.
Today , the yard and the khudjra cells of Modari-Khan Madrassah accommodate national arts and crafts fairs. It also houses one of Bukhara's most exotic restaurants where guests can enjoy the dishes prepared accordance to age old recipes.
ABDULLAH-KHAN MADRASSAH ( 1588-1590)
Constructed with more complexities as compared to the Modari -Khan Madrassah, the entrance of the hallways forms a gallery with 2 passages to the courtyard. Located at an angle facing all major buildings, it is constructed to focus on the Mecca praying niche (Mihrab)
Richly designed with majolica with geometrical of five , eight and nine points stars at the dome, it is one of the most outstanding architecture in Central Asia considering the fact the architect bravely deviated canon rules in planning , moving capacities asymmetrically beyond the rectangular building outlines, including new forms in usual composition. Also , there is a yard with a spacious hall on a twelve sided light drum also known as " Abdullah -Khan Sky -Light". The hall includes 20 khudjras, situated in 2 tiers.
POI-KALYAN ENSEMBLE
Operating as main ensemble in Bukhara situated along the way to the trade crossing of " four bazaars", Poi- Kalyan means " the pedestal of the Great". Consisting of 4 medieval architectures, the Kalyan Mosque and Mini Arab Madrassah faces each other and between them is the Kalyan Minaret and to the South is a small Amir - Allimkhan Madrassah. The Friday- Prayer Kalyan Mosque is one of the ancient buildings of Poi Kalyan Square. The capital mosque of all Muslim towns is not just a temple but is also a public life centre. Moreover , according to some sources, at one time , it served as a beacon for the caravans coming across the desert surrounding Bukhara.
KALYAN MOSQUE
The ancient building of Poi Kalyan Square also known as the second largest in central Asia after Bibi-Khanum can accommodate up to 12000 people . The mosque replaced the previous Qarakhanid cathedral mosque built in 12th century. Below the arch is an inscription in Arabic characters of the date Kalyan Mosque was constructed 1514. This mosque is comparable;e with Temurid Cathedral Mosque in Samarkand. peculiarly , standing with your back to the mikhrab, you can see the huge peshtak of Mini Arab Madrassah , rising from behind the opposite portal of the mosque.
Situated on the Silk Road trade centre, it is more than 2000 years old. It is known as one of the most complete medieval cities in Central Asia. Monuments include the famous tomb of Ismail Samani, a masterpiece in the 10th century on top of large numbers of Madrassah in the 17th century. Before the Arab conquest, Bukhara owed its prosperity to the rich oasis. However, the great economic growth came to an end when Genghis Khan sacked the city in 122.
A second lease of life came in the 16th century when the Uzbek Shaybanids made it their capital known as Bukhara Khanate. After a long period of unrest and short lived dynasties, it absorbed into Soviet Union in 1920 under the newly created Uzbek (USSR) in 1924.
With the view of keeping intact the original beauty of Bukhara, UNESCO decided to commemorate in 1997 a 2500 year anniversary since the date of the city's foundation and establish an international fund called " Bukhara - 2500" . Significantly, the real importance of Bukhara lies not in its individual buildings but rather in its overall level of urban planning and architecture which began with the Shaybanid dynasty.
THE ARK
The Ark of Bukhara or The Fortress, located in the city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan was initially built and occupied around the 5th century A.D. In addition to being a military structure, the Ark encompassed what was essentially a town that during much of the fortress' history was inhabited by the various royal courts that held sway over the region surrounding Bukhara. The Ark was used as a fortress until it fell to Russia in 1920. Currently , the ruins of the Ark are a tourist attraction and houses museums covering its history. The gentle high walls are more than half a thousand years old and defending its emir's ruler and today, it is a major architectural monument of Bukhara. their walls soar to a height of 16 to 20 meters and have a perimeter of 800 meters. However , only one gate remains today.
Before Genghis Khan took over Bukhara he destroyed and ransacked the fortress that served as the inhabitants of the city.
In Avicenna's book, it was cited :
"I found in this library such books, about which i had never seen before in my life. I read them and i came to know each scientist and each science. before me lay gates of inspiration into great depths of knowledge which i had not surmised to exist."
However, the library was destroyed in one of the conquests of Bukhara.
ISMAIL SAMANI MAUSOLEUM
This Mausoleum is one of most esteemed sights of Central Asia. Built in the end of 9th century, it is resting place of Ismail Samani, a powerful and influential Amir of the Samanid dynasty. According to archaeologists, it is one of the most monuments in Uzbekistan with its artistic details of the brickwork displaying traditional features of pre- islamic culture. Later, other kings of this dynasty were also buried here. It is interesting to note that the building of this burial vault contradicted the Islamic rules at those days - the erection of any monuments above the graves of believers was forbidden. His mausoleum in Bukhara is recognized as a masterpiece of architecture for its geometric design.
BOLO-KHAUZ COMPLEX
The Bolo -Khauz Complex is the only Registan's monument that survived through thousands of milennia. It consists of a mosque, a minaret and a pond. It is one of the oldest construction in the complex but it was drained as it became the source of diseases. Built by the order of Emir's wife. Legend says that Emir Shakhmurad ( 1785-1800) built it for public prayers. Next to the mosque is a minaret which was built after the mosque in 1718. The minaret was reconstructed as it was slowly leaning to a critical point. Now, it looks just like 3 centuries ago. Today, the complex is one of the most impressive sights in Bukhra. Although it is relatively young, it certainly deserves the recognition as a luxurious mosque with its impressive architecture and high carved wooden ceiling. It's also known as the " mosque of forty columns".
CHASMA-AYUB MAUSOLEUM
In ancient times, Saint Ayub came to Bukhara as a wanderer, settled down and an explosion by his followers created a well ( Chashma ) with clean and healing water. Over the well, stands a mausoleum called Chasma -Ayub which means " Job's spring" by nickname. In Uzbekistan, cult structure like this are called Kadamjoy which means " a footprint" to represent highly respected clergymen.
According to Bible, Job was from Hebron but he died and was buried at Bukhara. The historical value of the monument consists of the exact date written on observe surface ( 1208-1209 a.D) or 605 years in the Muslim Calendar. However, the mausoleum was repeatedly reconstructed ; today , it consists of many chambers and various sizes of design which creates a special aura of seclusion. This site was listed as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE on 18th January 2008 in the cultural category.
KOSH-MADRASAH : BUKHARA (MODARI -KHAN MADRASSAH 1566-1567) & ABDULLAH -KHAN MADRASSAH (1558-1590)
The Shybanids' architectural ensemble of Kosh- Madrassah which means "Double- Madrassah" was constructed around 1567 in honor of Abdullah -Khan 's Mother and Abdullah -Khan respectively in 1588.
MODARI -KHAN MADRASSAH (1557-1597)
The Modari-Khan Madrassah has survived much better than many structure of the later period, though it was built in an economical way. It uses mosaic brickwork with fantastic geometrical patterns on the facade and guldasta towers with the date of the madrassah's construction mentioned with poems in majolica paintings over the entrance . Plain geometrical patterns substitute the intricate ornamentation. The great skills of the unknown architect who created the perfect forms and harmonious architectural spaces of the madrassah made this monument to become one of the masterpieces of Bukhara's medieval architecture.
Today , the yard and the khudjra cells of Modari-Khan Madrassah accommodate national arts and crafts fairs. It also houses one of Bukhara's most exotic restaurants where guests can enjoy the dishes prepared accordance to age old recipes.
ABDULLAH-KHAN MADRASSAH ( 1588-1590)
Constructed with more complexities as compared to the Modari -Khan Madrassah, the entrance of the hallways forms a gallery with 2 passages to the courtyard. Located at an angle facing all major buildings, it is constructed to focus on the Mecca praying niche (Mihrab)
Richly designed with majolica with geometrical of five , eight and nine points stars at the dome, it is one of the most outstanding architecture in Central Asia considering the fact the architect bravely deviated canon rules in planning , moving capacities asymmetrically beyond the rectangular building outlines, including new forms in usual composition. Also , there is a yard with a spacious hall on a twelve sided light drum also known as " Abdullah -Khan Sky -Light". The hall includes 20 khudjras, situated in 2 tiers.
POI-KALYAN ENSEMBLE
Operating as main ensemble in Bukhara situated along the way to the trade crossing of " four bazaars", Poi- Kalyan means " the pedestal of the Great". Consisting of 4 medieval architectures, the Kalyan Mosque and Mini Arab Madrassah faces each other and between them is the Kalyan Minaret and to the South is a small Amir - Allimkhan Madrassah. The Friday- Prayer Kalyan Mosque is one of the ancient buildings of Poi Kalyan Square. The capital mosque of all Muslim towns is not just a temple but is also a public life centre. Moreover , according to some sources, at one time , it served as a beacon for the caravans coming across the desert surrounding Bukhara.
KALYAN MOSQUE
The ancient building of Poi Kalyan Square also known as the second largest in central Asia after Bibi-Khanum can accommodate up to 12000 people . The mosque replaced the previous Qarakhanid cathedral mosque built in 12th century. Below the arch is an inscription in Arabic characters of the date Kalyan Mosque was constructed 1514. This mosque is comparable;e with Temurid Cathedral Mosque in Samarkand. peculiarly , standing with your back to the mikhrab, you can see the huge peshtak of Mini Arab Madrassah , rising from behind the opposite portal of the mosque.
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