 Samanids mausoleum, Bukhara |
Bukhara - the Ancient Holy City
Bukhara, a charming and ancient city of Central Asia located in Uzbekistan, dates back over twenty-five hundred years. Since Bukhara is home to over 140 architectural monuments, it has earned the nickname "Town Museum". On the tour of Bukhara, however, there is an additional treat for tourists: This ancient city, built on a sacred hill where annual spring sacrifices to Gods were once made, has remained in the same location since its beginning. But over time it has developed vertically. Beneath the thick cultural layers are traces of ancient civilizations. Upon excavation, archaeologists and scientists discovered twenty-meter-thick cross-sections of forts, homes, and public buildings. Among the ancient artifacts found in the buildings were jewelry, artisan tools, ceramic pottery, engraved coins, and fireplaces. Examination of the artifacts allowed scientists to date each cultural layer of these historic Bukhara settlements. The thickest layers, which are also the lowest, date back to the third and fourth centuries B.C and stretch to the fourth century A.D. The upper cultural layers reveal Medieval Cities and settlements from the ninth to early twentieth centuries A.D. Many of the wonderful monuments found on the tour of Bukhara date back to the Middle Ages. However the excavations of these layers of cultural development demonstrate without question that the ancient city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is one of the oldest cities in the entire world. Situated in an oasis region, this area has always been an appealing location for human settlement. Surrounded by various kinds of deserts, the Bukhara oasis region is abundant with fruit trees, vegetation and clean water.
Pictures of Bukhara
 Chor – minor, Bukhara |
 Souvenir store, Bukhara |
 Tourists trying on uzbek national costumes on the tour of Bukhara |
 Ceiling ornamets, Bukhara |
History of Bukhara. Learn about must-see places on the tour of Bukhara.
Due to its ideal location on the famous Silk Road, Bukhara has long been a center of culture, religion, trade, and education. At one time in the history Bukhara was very much a center of education and scholarly study. In fact, Bukhara became known throughout the East as The Center of Enlightenment. Many well-known philosophers, scholars, astrologers, educators and writers were either from Bukhara or came to this city to work and study. It was also an extremely important commercial center. When it was conquered by Genghis Khan in 1220, Bukhara had already been operating and flourishing for well over one thousand years. Having little or no understanding or respect for the cultural and commercial accomplishments of Bukhara, Genghis Khan and his army swept over it, leaving it utterly and completely destroyed. The only thing spared was the Kalan Minaret, which actually still stands today and remains as one of the must-see places of Bukhara. The Kalan Minaret, one of the wonders of both the ancient and the modern world, stands nearly one hundred and fifty feet high. At one time this minaret served as a beacon to caravans on the Silk Road, letting them know they were approaching Bukhara. Travel to Uzbekistan should certainly include a tour of Bukhara - the famed ancient city.
Why travel to Bukhara. Historical Monuments of Bukhara.
The ancient city of Bukhara is an established UNESCO World Heritage Site. The great variety of museums, over 350 historic monuments, mosques, and madrasahs are more than worthy of traveling to Bukhara to view. Although similar in function and purpose to those of other cities of Uzbekistan, Bukhara buildings have their own unique and beautiful forms of decoration, which are quite distinctive. The unique architecture and design set Bukhara buildings apart from those seen in other Central Asian cities. A bit less colorful, more austere and almost reverent, Bukhara architecture is nonetheless lovely, and sets the mood for this old and wonderful city. This is one of many reasons why tour to Uzbekistan should definitely include a travel to Bukhara.
Read about adventure tours to Bukhara and Central Asia region
How to obtain a visa to see Bukhara
Bukhara is located in Republic of Uzbekistan.
Information how to obtain a visa Uzbekistan you can find here:
Uzbekistan Visa.
East Site offers worldwide consular assistance service.
Bukhara Hotels. Online Reservation.
Information about Bukhara hotels:
List of Bukhara Hotels.
East Site offers online hotel reservation service.
Other Bukhara links
Photos of Bukhara
Information about Uzbekistan
Central Asia Travel Guide
Great Silk Road
