Bukhara: Essentials Guided Walking Tour

A tour of Bukhara begins at the Chor Minor Madrasah, a historic 19th-century building known for its four distinctive corner minarets, reflecting the unique architectural style of the era under Emir Shah Murad. From there, visitors can explore Lyabi Hauz, a central architectural and historical complex built around a large rectangular pool that served as a gathering space for the people of Bukhara, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and Islamic architectural heritage. The journey continues to Toki Sarrafon, one of the city’s historic trading domes, which once served as a hub for Silk Road commerce and now stands as a popular landmark highlighting Bukhara’s rich history. The nearby Magoki Attori Mosque, a significant example of Central Asian Islamic architecture, offers insight into the religious and cultural life of the old city.

The tour culminates at the Poi Kalyan Complex, one of Bukhara’s most iconic architectural ensembles and a symbol of its cultural and religious heritage. The complex includes the Kalyan Minaret, a 47-meter-tall tower built in 1127, originally used as a lighthouse and for the call to prayer, noted for its cylindrical shape and intricate brickwork. Adjacent to the minaret is the Kalyan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, featuring a vast prayer hall and a spacious courtyard surrounded by arched colonnades. The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, also part of the complex, is a beautiful example of Islamic education with colorful tilework, a grand entrance portal, and symmetrical design, continuing to function as an active center for learning and remaining one of the most important historical buildings in Bukhara.