Located on the legendary Silk Road, Bukhara is one of Central Asia's most ancient cities. A fantasy of Marco Polo, who perpetually praised this city despite never setting foot there, Bukhara stands for many as a sanctuary, a pillar of faith and the most secretive city of the caravans. Perfectly preserved, Bukhara seems frozen in time, transporting you through the discovery of its architectural masterpieces.

The History of Bukhara

Situated at the crossroads of crucial trade routes, Bukhara was shaped over centuries according to the strategic interests it represented. Coveted by many, it fell several times to enemies including Alexander the Great, who conquered it in 329. Although it positioned itself as an important merchant city, it remained overshadowed by the great cities of Paykend, Romitan and Varakhsha, until the advent of Islam.

Despite the Arab invasion that toppled several neighboring cities, Bukhara managed to resist the onslaught. Although attacked three times, it stood firm until Queen Khatoum fled. The Arabs then seized the city and set about its Islamization.

Another pivotal moment in Bukhara's history came with the formidable Mongol invasion. Led by the great Genghis Khan, Mongol troops descended unexpectedly in March 1220 and effortlessly conquered the city's 30,000 defenders. All were slain and the city was burned and razed to the ground. Once the massacre ended, the Mongol tide moved on to Samarkand, which would suffer the same fate, though with a fiercer battle.

Bukhara took a century to rebuild before enduring the same devastation under Abaqa II, the Persian emperor. Successive battles over the following centuries battered the city, until the reign of Abdullah, who gave Bukhara a second wind through his enlightened leadership. A program of construction for religious and civic buildings was launched and the city gradually developed into what we know today.

In 1868, Bukhara fell under Russian protectorate rule and lost its independence in 1920 to the Red Army. Nevertheless, Bukhara never lost its rebellious spirit. Revolution continued for more than sixty years without ever truly touching the soul of this ancient city.

Today, Bukhara has found peace and preserves all the remnants of its tumultuous past.

Discovering the Ancient City of Bukhara

Designated a medieval city by UNESCO, Bukhara invites you on a timeless journey through its historic sites and monuments. The old city is a characteristic example of 16th-century architecture, the Shaybanid period of Uzbek rulers. Nonetheless, important monuments dating from much earlier periods have survived all the wars and perfectly reflect the architectural beauty of the Muslim world.

The Monuments of Bukhara

The renowned Samanid Mausoleum, also known as the tomb of Ismail Samanai, is a perfect example of 10th-century Muslim architecture. At first glance it may appear austere with its bricks and nearly perfect square form, but upon closer inspection, one cannot miss the great elegance it exudes. It is arguably one of Uzbekistan's finest monuments.

The remarkable Poi-Kaylan Minaret also stands out for its extraordinary brick construction. Rising over 46 meters high, it dominates the ancient city and once served as a watchtower. Like the Magoki Attori Mosque and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum, the Kalon Minaret marks the 11th-century Karakhanid period.

On the great Reghistan Square stands the Ark Fortress. A symbol of the Bukhara Emirate, it was the seat of lords for more than a millennium. The Ark is surely the city's oldest monument, around which the city itself developed. The monument now houses a museum offering deeper insights into the citadel.

The Shaybanids gave Bukhara other equally celebrated monuments: the Liab i Khaouz complex, today a gathering place and social hub. In the heart of the old city, this large pool measuring 45 meters long and 36 meters wide is a meeting spot where locals enjoy a game of dominoes or simply appreciate the shade of the trees. It's the perfect place to observe local life and connect with residents. Other monuments from the same period include the Koh Madrasah and the Gaukushon Madrasah.

The Nadir Divan Divanberg Madrasah, located east of Liaby-Khaouz, is remarkable for its incredible entrance adorned with two enormous simorgh (fantastic birds with brilliant blue and green plumage).

In Bukhara, the list of worthy monuments seems endless, each presenting an interest and history deserving of history books. Here, it is above all the ensemble of these ancient structures that creates such a compelling urban environment.

Beyond the historic monuments, during your days in Bukhara you can explore one of the city's ancient bazaars. Having survived the years, the hat-makers' bazaar or the Tok-i-Sarrafon bazaar still offer the same goods as in times past: jewelry, fabrics, books, embroideries…

Bukhara has an airport offering regular flights to and from the country's major cities. A few flights to and from Russia are also available.

Bukhara's railway station is strategically positioned on the Tashkent-Samarkand line. The journey from Samarkand to Bukhara takes approximately 6 hours by train.

Depending on your chosen itinerary, you can also reach Bukhara by private car or shared taxi.