Cities - Bukhara

One of the most significant and ancient cities of Central Asia founded in the 1^st century, lies downstream of the Zeravshan river –an oasis in the Kizilkum desert .A great Arabian scientist and a traveler ibn Batuta (1304-1369) wrote about Bukhara in his book “Rihle”, Marko Polo(1254-1324), an Italian merchant and treveler, mentioned Bukhara in his notes. However, “Buho” was first remarked by Suan Tzuan in about 630 A.D.

“Vikhara”, from the Sanskrit means “monastery” – a big number of mocque and madrassahs represent the “holy Bukhara” – a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.Sheikh Bahauddin Nakshbandi, who was the founder of Sufi trend of Islam, lived here in the 15^th century.

Having allowed east and west to develop trade, The Great Silk Road served the city’s prosperity and its becoming a financial and trade center. Lying on the crossroads of caravan ways, the city was linked with Persia, China, India and Russia.

In the middle ages the city gained the status of cultural and scientific center. Many famous poets and scholars, such as Rudaki, Firdousi, Narshahi, Al-Farabi, Abu Ali ibn Sino and others lived and worked in Bokhara.

Numerous architectural and cultural monuments of Bukhara that are still in place have witnessed the centuries-old history of the city:

• Ismael Samani Mausoleum – the tomb of Samanids dynasty (IX-X centuries) a unique original building which is the only one of its kind;
• Citadel Ark – home to the rulers of Bukhara;
• The Kalon mosque and minaret – the symbol of Bukhara (XII c.);
• The Ulug Bek Madrassah famous for its inscription on the entrance portal proclaiming “it is the sacred duty of every Muslim man and woman to seek after knowledge”.

Such ancient Sogdian ruins as Varahsha, Paykend which are located on the outskirts of Bukhara, as well as the summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara – Sitorai Mokhi Khosa, The Chor Bakr necropolis, and the Bahauddin Nakshbandi complex are of a great interest not only for archeologists, but also for the guests of the city.