Bukhara as magnet, attracts millions
of people. The huge part of human history is connected
with this city. Bukhara, as ancient city, as Samarkand
is, though its exact age remains a riddle. It is
known, that the first city settlements appeared
in Bukhara 2500 years ago. It has grown such scientists
and writers as Avisena and Rudaki who have glorified
Bukhara for the whole world. People in Bukhara are
very hospitable , they are proud of the city and
are always glad to meet visitors.
It
has been initially constructed as a caravan saray
, but later in 1630 it has been transformed into
a madrassah . On the western side of the area, it
is possible to see Honako Divanbeghi of the same
period. Kukeldash madrassah which was constructed
by Abdulla Khan, was the biggest Islamic school
in the Central Asia.
It
is dated 5c b.c. For the first time it has been
mentioned in " the History of Bukhara "by
Abubakr Narshakhi ,which coves the period from 899
to 960.
This fortress was once a place of scientists and
people of art. Its unique library was a source of
wisdom for Avisena, Rudaki, Farabi and Omar Khayyam.
Gloomy ceilings for prisoners and a royal court
yard of Emirs of those days symbolize an absolute
authority and royal vanity.
This
is the oldest building of city (about 905 ) the
simbol of Ismail Samani the founder of the great
samanids dynasty. He had constructed it for his
father. Many people believe that it is the most
beautiful and elegant building ,though it has simple
design for Central Asia. Graceful terracotta brick
construction still contains sacred signs and symbols
of religion zoroastrizm.Ismoil Samani mausoleum
except his own ashes contains the remains of his
father and grandson.
Its drawing appearance and actual antiquity makes
the Mausoleum the main sight of Bukhara.
More
than eight centuries Bukhara was represented as
a wonderful tower of the Minaret Kalan. It was the
highest building in the Central Asia, used as a
place of worship and a viewing tower. Tourists lay
the way upwards on 105 internal steps to take pleasure
of modern view of Bukhara.
In 1514 the mosque Kalan appeared near the tower,
more than 12 thousand people gather there for a
ceremony of a pray.
There are plenty of places in Central Asia which
are supposed to have been visited by holy people
many centuries back. One of such places is the well
Chashma Aub The legend says, that there was a desert
and its inhabitants suffered from the lack of water.
Yova, the bible prophet, had visited that place
and decided to help people. He struck the ground
by his stick, and in that place the source of crystal-clear
water had appeared. Till now people believe, that
the water of the source possesses salutary force.
Later on the cemetery had appeared around the well.
Ulughbek madrassah is the only building in Bukhara
which is connected with Ulughbek period. Who was
a great scientist, astronomer and the grandson of
Amir Temur.
The city considered to be the Muslim capital of
the Central Asia, Bukhara clergy was at enmity with
Ulughbek. The person of knowledge and brilliant
skills, Ulughbek had chosen conservative and strict
Bukhara for construction of the first educational
institute. He had written on the doors of the madrassah
, that the aspiration for knowledge should be the
duty of every man and woman of Islam.
80 students studied the Arabian language, geometry,
astronomy and religious subjects all day long in
the madrassah.
Four kilometers to the north of Bukhara, the huge
and spacious residence of Emir Ahadkhan had been
constructed. The palace was a residence of last
emir. It is one of the best examples of magnificent
architecture. The beginning of the construction
had fallen on the end of 19 century when the Emir
shocked by achievements of the Western world, has
sent the best Bukhara architects and builders to
Saint Petersburg, Russia, to study new methods of
construction. Visiting Russia, Emir Ahadkhan has
fell in love with Russian princess Olga. He invited
her to Bukhara. After returning back he began constructions
around old Palace, wishing to surprise Olga by his
richness and skills of Bukhara masters. Unfortunately,
she never came
Halls of the Palace represent the mixture of eastern
styles of architecture and local traditions. 30
masters worked more than 2 years to decorate the
White House with brilliant curls of carved ornaments
on a background of mirrors. So-called " the
White Hall " with mirrors covered with a layer
carved ganch have an exclusive beauty.
The harem of Emir has been located behind of an
orchard. Halls for visitors, quiet and cool atmosphere
of the place suggested a fine opportunity for rest
from daily routine and to feel a spirit of old times
when the life was generous, and days flew slowly...
The
most noisy place in old Bukhara is area around the
pool Lyabi Khaus. It is the most ancient market
of the city. This is the quietest and interesting
place of the city, with shady trees, as old as the
reservoir, street sellers, pilligrims , old men
playing chess or talking with a cup of tea. Local
people and tourists enjoying cool evening after
exhausting heat of summer days, sitting in the shadow
of huge ancient trees, listening to the sounds of
fountains and enjoying swans in artificial lake.
Nodir Divan Beghi omnipotent minister of Imam Kuli
Khan, is the founder of all construction. It includes
minister's Hanaka, Kukeldash madrassah and Nodir
Divan Beghi madrassah.
In
the shady park near Kukeldash madrassah there is
a monument to Hodja Nasreddin, the national hero
of the Central Asia, known also under name Аfandi.
He was the hero of many fairy tales about the opposition
of stupid, but rich aristocracy and clever, but
poor people.
was the biggest Muslim school in
Bukhara. Here it is possible to see figures of fine
animals and birds on the entrance of the madrassah
. This is the place where tourists can take pleasure
of traditional shows, performed by fine dancers.
You can also see , here young and harmonious Asian
beauties demonstrating the fashionable clothes created
by local designers.
