Bukhara

Bukhara

Land of Great Scholars

Bukhara – Central Asia’s holiest city, has buildings spanning a thousand years of history, and a thoroughly lived-in and cohesive old centre that hasn’t changed too much in two centuries. Also, It is one of the best places in Central Asia for a glimpse of pre-Russian Turkestan.

Most of the centre is an architectural preserve, full of medressas and minarets, a massive royal fortress and the remnants of a once-vast market complex. The city’s accommodation options are by far the best and most atmospheric in the country.

Bukhara, which is situated on the Silk Route, is more than 2,000 years old. This land was long an important economic and cultural center in Central Asia. The ancient Persian city served as a major center of Islamic culture for many centuries and became a major cultural center of the Caliphate in the 8th century.

One of the most widespread crafts of contemporary Bukhara is gold embroidery. Once only men practiced the art of stitching these delicate threads to velvet, but today gold embroidery is done exclusively by women. No wedding, no celebration, no Sunday stroll with the family, no interior design would be imaginable without these distinctive patterns. Choose from a wide range of clothing and accessories to take home as a souvenir.

There are two places in the world where carpets based on patterns in Timurid miniatures are being woven; one is Bukhara, the other Khiva, both thanks to a UNESCO initiative. The Bukhara workshop is located in the Eshoni Pir madrassa. You can watch every stage, from the original design to the finished article.

You’ll need at least two days to see the main sights. Try to allow time to lose yourself in the old town; it’s easy to overdose on the 140-odd protected buildings and miss the whole for its many parts.

Welcome to Bukhara!!!