In Sanskrit word, Bukhara signifies “monastery” and this city was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk Road.Bukhara is an ancient settlement with history that goes back to the early centuries A.D. In the 6 century it became the capital of early feudal lands of the Bukhara oasis. As the Shakhristan, the centre of a shah’s realm, it was formed around an ancient citadel, but with the development of handicrafts and trade, new suburbs (rabads) arose beyond its walls those were included with the Shakhristan in a new fortified wall Bukhara with more than 140 architectural monuments is a “town museum” dating back to the middle Ages. Ensembles like the Poi-Kalian, Kosh Madras, Ismail Samani Mausoleum and the Kalyan Minaret are attracting a lot of attention. Samani’s mausoleum is the oldest monument that has been built in 9 – 10 centuries. Famous poets like Rudaki and scientist Avicenna were well known in Bukhara as they played important roles in the development of the country. Monuments like the Maggoki-Attori, Namazgoh mosque and Chashma-I-Ayub were witnesses to this particular period.
The Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa Palace was the country residence of the last emir. It is one of the best examples of palatial architecture. So called “White Hall” with its Guncha carvings with mirror layer are of exceptional beauty.Labi Hauz, the most peaceful and interesting spot in town, shaded by mulberry trees as old as the pool and people with street-sellers, old men hunched over chessboards or gossiping over tea, and everyone else with nowhere else to go. On the east side is a statue of Khoja Nasretdin, a semi-mythical “wise fool” who appears in Sufi teaching tales around the world. Next interesting place called the Nadir Divanbegi madrasah which was originally built as a caravansaray, but the Khan later converted it into educational madrasah in 1630. On the west side of the square, is the Nadir Divanbegi Khanaka which was built at the same time. Both are named after Abdul Aziz Khan’s tresury minister, who financed these in the 17th century. North across the street, the Kukeldash madrasah, built by Abdullah Khan II, was at that time the biggest Islamic school in Central Asia.
The Poi-Kalyan architectural ensemble (12 – 16 centuries) crowns the centre of the old Bukhara. Its 50 meter-tall minaret, decorated with unique patterns, towers over the town in all its grandeur and splendor.Light-blue domes of the Chor-Minor madrassah and the Ark Citadel can be seen from afar. The ancient structures preserved in Central Asia from XV c. to this day are the Ulugbek and Kukeldash Madrassahs, while the crooked streets in the outskirts of the town have retained the exotic color of the older times.
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