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Bukhara

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Bukhara is a major city in Uzbekistan. It is the seventh-largest city in the country by population. Currently, it has 280,187 residents. The city serves as the capital of the Bukhara Region. For many centuries, it sat along the Silk Road. This famous trade route helped the city become a center for trade, religion, and scholarship.

Boukhara 4654a
Boukhara 4654a

Because of its deep history, UNESCO named its historic center a World Heritage Site.

The name of the city has several possible origins. In ancient times, the name likely referred to the entire oasis. Some scholars believe the name comes from the Sanskrit word *vihāra*. This term refers to a Buddhist monastery. Other sources suggest it comes from the Sogdian word *βuxārak*, meaning 'Place of Good Fortune.'

EucratidesStatere
EucratidesStatere

While few Buddhist artifacts remain today, historical travelers noted that the region was once home to Buddhists and Zoroastrians. In the Tang dynasty of China, the city was known as Bǔhē. Later, Italian epic poems called the city Albracca.

Bukhara has played a role in many different states. It served as the capital for the Khanate of Bukhara and the Emirate of Bukhara. It was also the capital of the Bukhara People’s Soviet Republic. The city was a major center for Persian culture during the Middle Ages. It was particularly important during the Samanid Empire. The Samanids helped new Persian culture flourish in the region.

M17 Abassides Sogdiane 2 (8011745146)
M17 Abassides Sogdiane 2 (8011745146)

The city also saw the rule of the Karakhanids, Khwarazmids, and Timurids.

The history of the city includes periods of great learning and conflict. During the golden age of the Samanids, Bukhara was famous for its many libraries. It was the birthplace of the scholar Imam Bukhari. The city was also home to the poet Rudaki. However, the city faced many sieges. Genghis Khan besieged the city for 15 days in 1220.

Ark fortress in Bukhara
Ark fortress in Bukhara

Later, in 1920, the Red Army attacked the city during the Russian Civil War. This conflict led to the destruction of the emir's citadel, known as the Ark.

Fires in Bukhara 1920
Fires in Bukhara 1920

Architecture is a central part of Bukhara's identity. The city contains about 140 architectural monuments. These include many mosques and madrasas, which are schools for Islamic study. The Po-i-Kalyan complex is a very famous site. It features the Kalyan Minaret, also called the Grand Minaret. An architect named Bako designed this brick tower. It narrows as it goes up.

Magʻoki attori masjidi (Мечеть Магоки-Аттари, Бухара, Magok-i-Attari Mosque)
Magʻoki attori masjidi (Мечеть Магоки-Аттари, Бухара, Magok-i-Attari Mosque)

The minaret is so tall it can be seen across the flat plains of Central Asia.

Other massive structures define the city's skyline. The Kalyan Mosque was likely completed in 1514. It is large enough to hold 12,000 people. The mosque uses 288 monumental pylons to support its many domes.

Another important site is the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. This school was built between 1535 and 1536. It was named after Sheikh Abdullah Yamani, a spiritual mentor. The construction was funded by Ubaidullah-khan using money from the redemption of Persian captives.

Bukhara remains a place of cultural significance today. It is known for its beautiful Suzani textiles. These traditional fabrics are famous all over the world.

Suzani, Bukhara pre-1850
Suzani, Bukhara pre-1850

The city's history also connects it to broader regional shifts. In the late 20th century, refugees from the wars in Afghanistan and Tajikistan arrived in the city. These groups integrated into the local population. Today, Bukhara stands as a bridge between its ancient past and its modern life in Uzbekistan.

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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:EucratidesStatere.jpg
EucratidesStatere.jpg
File:M17 Abassides Sogdiane 2 (8011745146).jpg
M17 Abassides Sogdiane 2 (8011745146).jpg
File:Suzani, Bukhara pre-1850.jpg
Suzani, Bukhara pre-1850.jpg
File:Prokudin-Gorskii-19.jpg
Prokudin-Gorskii-19.jpg
File:Fires in Bukhara 1920.jpg
Fires in Bukhara 1920.jpg
File:Church of Archangel Michael in Bukhara 15-03.JPG
Church of Archangel Michael in Bukhara 15-03.JPG
File:Bird Simurgh on Nadir Devanbegi Madrasah, Bukhara (Симург на Медресе Нодир-Диван-Беги, Nodir devonbegi madrasasi).jpg
Bird Simurgh on Nadir Devanbegi Madrasah,...
File:Nasr Eddin Hodja statue in Bukhara Liab -i-Haouz complex (4x3).JPG
Nasr Eddin Hodja statue in Bukhara Liab...
File:Ark fortress in Bukhara.jpg
Ark fortress in Bukhara.jpg
File:La_mosquée_Bolo-Khaouz_(Boukhara,_Ouzbékistan)_(5684790316).jpg
La_mosquée_Bolo-Khaouz_(Boukhara,_Ouzbékis...
File:Chor Minor mosque (Чор-Минор, Бухара).jpg
Chor Minor mosque (Чор-Минор, Бухара).jpg
File:Magʻoki attori masjidi (Мечеть Магоки-Аттари, Бухара, Magok-i-Attari Mosque).jpg
Magʻoki attori masjidi (Мечеть...

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