The Ancient City of Bukhara

The ancient city of Bukhara dates back 2500 years and there is evidence of earlier settlements. The city is home to many impressive Mosques, Madrasahs, and The Ark which is the huge walled palace of the previous Khans of Bukhara. It is easy to spend several days wandering around this small, pleasant, and clean old-world city.

The Ark of Bukhara

The Ark of Bukhara is the city’s oldest surviving structure and dates back to the 5th century AD. It is still in the process of being reconstructed, but is nonetheless impressive

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - the entrance to the Ark — The entrance to the Ark – the palace of The Khans of Bukhara

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - the imposing walls of the Ark — The splendid and imposing walls of the Ark

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Bolo Hauz Mosque — Opposite the entrance to the Ark – The Bolo Hauz Mosque

Mosques and Madrasahs

The Mosques and Madrasahs in the city were mostly built between the 12th and 19th century. Recent reforms and reconstruction has returned them to their former glory. The old Madrasahs were once theological schools, now locals use them as a base to sell souvenirs whilst tourists marvel at the architectural splendour.

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Looking over the Kalon Complex — Looking over the Kalon Mosque towards the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - the rear of the Kalon Mosque — The rear of the Kalon Mosque

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - The Kalon Minaret and the entrance to Mir-i-Arab Madrasah — The Kalon Minaret and the entrance to Mir-i-Arab Madrasah

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - inside the courtyard of the Kalon Mosque — The courtyard of the Kalon Mosque

Uzbeksiatan - Bukhara - Looking across the courtyard of the Kalon Mosque towards the Kalon Minaret — Looking across the courtyard of the Kalon Mosque towards the Kalon Minaret

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - The Mir-i-Arab Madrasah opposite The Kalon Mosque — The Mir-i-Arab Madrasah opposite the Kalon Mosque

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - The Abdul Aziz Madrasah facing the Ulugbek Madrasah with the Kalon Complex in the distance — The Abdul Aziz Madrasah facing the Ulugbek Madrasah with the Kalon Complex in the distance

Uzbekistan - Bukhara - Chor Minor — The Chor Minor Madrasah that sits alone in a quiet corner of the city

Souks

The Madrasahs and the small covered souks offer many trinkets, embroidered jackets, fine handwoven dressing gowns, rugs, musical instruments, wooden carvings and Quran holders. In true Silk-Road trading fashion, many of the items for sale are made to order in Uzbek style and imported from China, including some of the rugs. There are one or two crafts centres where it’s possible to buy local handmade items. I made the most of one that sells colourful handwoven silk scarves. I think they’re probably the real thing; either which way – I like them!