Bukhara was founded about 2500 years ago. In the Middle Ages, Imam al-Bukhari, Abd al-Halik al-Gijduvani, Saif ad-Din Bokharzi, Amir Kulal and Baha ad-Din Naqshband preached in Bukhara. Ibnu Sina was born in the vicinity of Bukhara. Bukhara became a part of Soviet Union in 1925, and later became a region of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1991.
SOURCE: Arapov A. V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
The City Walls @ Ark.
The ancient citadel of the Ark was the internal fortress of Bukhara. Its age is about 2000 years and was rebuilt and fortified several times by different rulers.
The ancient citadel of the Ark was the internal fortress of Bukhara. Its age is about 2000 years and was rebuilt and fortified several times by different rulers.
SOURCE: Arapov A.V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
The City Walls @ Ark.
The entrance portal of the Ark.
Photo courtesy of Mohammad Asy'ari Mohamed Akhir.
The solid wooden door of the Ark.
The old mosque turned into a museum on top of the Ark.
The intricately decorated ceiling of the mosque/museum.
Photo courtesy of Mohammad Asy'ari Mohamed Akhir.
An old copy of the Holy Quran displayed in the museum.
The King’s Throne at the Kurinysh-Khana ("Reception Area") of the Ark.
Originally, the throne consists of four carved columns made from Nurata marble.
The fine potteries being sold on top of the Ark.
Photo courtesy of Mohammad Asy'ari Mohamed Akhir.
An old copy of the Holy Quran displayed in the museum.
Photo courtesy of Mohammad Asy'ari Mohamed Akhir.
The ancient calligraphy tools for writing the Holy Quran and a rehal (Quran stand), displayed in the museum.
The ancient jewelry engraving tools in another museum on top of the Ark.
An ancient tea dispenser in another museum on top of the Ark.
A replica of the throne and samples of costumes of the Bukhara kings.
The King’s Throne at the Kurinysh-Khana ("Reception Area") of the Ark.
Originally, the throne consists of four carved columns made from Nurata marble.
SOURCE: Arapov A. V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
Another view of the amir's throne at the Kurinysh-Khana.
"Riding" on an ancient statue of a lion at the Kurinysh-Khana.
The suzanis being sold at the Kurinysh-Khana of the Ark.
The fine potteries being sold on top of the Ark.
The gallery and the horse courtyard on top of the Ark.
On top of the Ark, overlooking an old water tank.
The Bukharan old buildings in the background.
The Madrasah of Ulugbeg in Bukhara.
This Madrasah is the first of the three madrasahs built by Mirzo Ulugbeg. Its construction was completed in 1420. The inscription on the door of this madrasah says "Eagerness to learn is the duty of each Muslim man and woman".
SOURCE: Arapov A.V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent 2006.
The Toki Zargaron.
Toki Zargaron or "Arcade of Jewelers" was constructed in the 16th century.
SOURCE: Arapov A. V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
A blacksmith workshop at the Toki Zargaron.
Carpets and suzanis being sold inside the Tim of Abdullah-Khan.
Tim of Abdullah-Khan was constructed in the 16th century as a mall ("tok") for selling silk and woolen products.
SOURCE: Arapov A. V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
The Mosque of Bolo Hauz.
The Mosque of Bolo Hauz, which is characterized by high aivan (terrace) and tall wooden columns, was originally built in 1712. The portal of the mosque faces the Ark.
SOURCE: Arapov A. V., Bukhara: Masterpieces of Central Asia, "SAN'AT" Press, Tashkent, 2006.
Another view of the grand Mosque of Bolo Hauz.
The beautiful mihrab niche of the Mosque of Bolo Hauz.