Sights
Po-i-Kalon Complex — Bukhara's Crown Jewel
The Po-i-Kalon (“Foot of the Great") is the heart of the historic city — an ensemble of three buildings that ranks among the most impressive in Central Asia:
- Kalon Minaret (1127): The 47 m high tower is Bukhara's landmark and has been the tallest building in the city for 900 years. Built from fired bricks with 14 different ornamental bands — each unique. Legend has it that Genghis Khan was so impressed that he spared the minaret as the only building when he destroyed Bukhara in 1220. It also once served as a “Tower of Death": convicts were thrown from the top.
- Kalon Mosque (1514): One of the largest mosques in Central Asia. The vast courtyard with 288 domes and a capacity for 12,000 worshippers is overwhelming in its simple elegance.
- Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (1535): Opposite the mosque, with two turquoise domes. An active Islamic college — it was never closed even during the Soviet era and still trains theologians today. Entry is for students only, but the view from outside is fantastic.
Ark Fortress
The Ark is a massive fortress (5th century) that served as the seat of Bukhara's rulers for over 1,000 years — most recently the Emir, who resided here until 1920. Inside the walls: throne room, mosque, dungeon, and a small museum on the history of the emirate. The walls are up to 20 m high and appear impregnable. From the terrace: fantastic view over the old town and the Kalon Minaret. Admission: approx. 25,000 UZS (~2€).
Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble
The Lyabi-Hauz (1620) is a rectangular pond surrounded by mulberry trees, two madrasas, and a caravanserai. Here, all of Bukhara sits outside in the evening: tourists, locals, tea drinkers, shashlik eaters. The Nadir-Divan-Begi Madrasah (1622) by the pond features mythical creatures and suns with human faces on its portal — another “violation" of the image ban, celebrated today as a work of art. The atmosphere at Lyabi-Hauz at sunset is magical.
Trading Domes
Bukhara's famous covered bazaars from the 16th century are located on the historic trade route between Ark and Lyabi-Hauz:
- Taki-Zargaron: The jeweler's bazaar. Today: jewelry, miniature paintings, souvenirs.
- Taki-Telpak-Furushon: Once a hatmaker's bazaar. Today: textiles, Suzani embroideries, silk.
- Taki-Sarrafon: The money changer's bazaar. Today: carpets, antiques, ceramics.
The domes regulated the climate — cool in summer, protected in winter. Today they are souvenir paradises with fairer prices than at the main attractions.
Chor-Minor
The Chor-Minor (1807, “Four Minarets") is Bukhara's most photogenic building: Four small, individually decorated towers crown a gatehouse — not a minaret in the true sense, but the entrance gate of a long-vanished madrasah. Hidden in a residential area east of the old town, away from the tourist crowds. Admission: free (tip for the guardian).
Bolo-Hauz Mosque
Opposite the Ark Fortress. The 20 carved wooden columns of the terrace reflect in a water basin — an iconic photo motif. The mosque (1712) served as the Emir's Friday mosque. The wood carvings are exquisite.
