KL Glasgow Overland: Ancient city of Bukhara

Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Date: 20-21 July 2013

A prominent stop along the old Silk Road linking China to the Mediterranean, this 2000+ year old ancient city where the dominant religion is Islam, was also the center for Islamic theology and culture. There are so many mosques, madrassas, caravanserai etc that are centuries old, yet still well preserved. The city centre of Bukhara has the most complete example of a medieval city in Central Asia and it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bukhara ...here we come...show us your Silk Road bazaars....and ancient architectures...

1. Ark of Bukhara

The Ark of Bukhara is a 5th century fortress and it is the oldest structure in Bukhara. This imposing structure was the seat of the rulers / emirs right up to 1920 when the Soviet took over. Today, the fortress houses a museum.

The 18th century Jome Mosque is inside the Ark fortress.

Coronation Hall

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2. Bolo Hauz Mosque

Across the street from the Ark is the Bolo Hauz Mosque with its ornate word carvings.

The mosque and its surrounding was very quiet and tranquil.

20 wooden columns with carvings and intricate ornamental vaulting designs supports the roof. The design are similar to Persian and Iberian muqarnas.

The Bolo Hauz Mosque was built by the Bukhara Emir for his people. He himself visited it for Friday prayers.

The minaret was constructed in 1917

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3. Qo'sh Madrasah

Qosh means double and Qosh Madrasah refers to the Abdullaxon and Modarixon madrasah that are almost identical and faces each other in this large complex. These two storey madrasah were built in the 1500s.

The square courtyard and two storey of student rooms

In one of the rooms, this guy extracts raw material from scraps and turned them into beautiful pieces. Others are used for wood works etc.

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Bridge over River Shakhrud

Samonid Recreation Park

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4. Dome bazaar

Toqi Telpak Furushon Bazaar

This traditional covered bazaar was built in 1570-1571 during the rule of Iskander Khan.

Local tourist looking at woman hats

Uzbek bread stamping stamps

Bird shape scissors and knives.. traditional Uzbeks souvenirs.

Traditional knives, scissors and jugs...

Unique Uzbek dolls dressed in national costumes have become a traditional Uzbekistan souvenir

Blacksmith Shop.. we missed entering this shop..

Kuleta Caravanserai

Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome

This one sells mostly carpets

Uzbek bread stamping stamps

Collapsible wooden basket

Fancy padlocks ...too

Traditional Uzbek hats and fur hats

Potteries in traditional Uzbek designs

Befriending a local uzbek boy.

Tourists and locals thronging the Dome markets.

Carpet and Jewelers' Market inside

Carpets displayed to attract customers.

One Tourists getting to know another.

Stopping in the shade for awhile...

Uzbek embroidery cloth pieces

At the Jewelers Row.

Uzbeks woman love their jewelry.

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5. Kalon Great Minaret

The great minaret dates back to the 12th century

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6. Mir-i-Arab Madrasah

The Mir-i-Arab Madrasah was built in 1535-1536

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7. Mullo Tursunjon Madrasah

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8. Magoki Kurpa Mosque (1636-1637)

This mosque is near the Dome Bazaar

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Streets of Bukhara

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Lunch, Dinner and Snacks at Bukhara

Lunch at local Restaurant...

Lunch at Bukhara

Dinner at Bukhara

Buying some Uzbek bread sweets and biscuits...

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On our way out of Bukhara

One of four ancient gates that used to welcome merchants and traders into one of the largest trading points along the Silk Road. This one is bidding us farewell as we leave Burkhara.