 The Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara |
Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara
The Kalyan Minaret was considered one of the most amazing examples of architectural design and civil engineering of its time. After initially collapsing near its completion, a firmer, more durable foundation was laid, and construction was finally completed in 1127. This monument, a giant vertical circular-pillar brick tower, was one of the only structures left standing after Genghis Khan swept though Bukhara wreaking havoc and destruction. Rising nearly 150 feet high, the tower is thickest at the base, gradually becoming narrower towards the peak. At the peak is a sixteen- arch rotunda skylight, from which would sound the call to prayer. It was also used as a watchtower in times of war, when warriors would keep watch to defend the great city of Bukhara from approaching enemy armies. One of the most outstanding features of the Kalyan Minaret is the baked brick from which it is constructed. The bricks are arranged in a chessboard pattern, with engraved inscription going around the circular tower. The architect entwined his name, Bako, along with the date of construction and the name of the ruler of Bukhara. The decorations are glazed in blue, a very common color used in Bukhara architecture of that period. Travel to Uzbekistan should always include a visit to Bukhara, where the tour of Bukhara will dazzle visitors with architectural wonders like the stately Kalyan Minaret.
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