Bukhara, Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan is still a real insider tip among tourists all over the world.
Uzbekistan is still a real insider tip among tourists all over the world. One of the most popular destinations in this still largely mysterious Central Asian country is the city of Bukhara. The city of 250,000, which is considered one of the oldest cities in the country, is primarily characterized by countless historical buildings that still bring the fascinating history of the entire region to life today. Due to its location on the legendary Silk Road and as an important center of Islam, Bukhara is also famous beyond the Uzbek national borders. With the Bukhara International Airport, the city in southeast Uzbekistan has an international airport that is regularly served by major airlines.
Sights: Ark Citadel and the Magoki Attari Mosque
Anyone visiting Bukhara cannot miss the historic old town. This is peppered with numerous well-preserved historical buildings that are well worth seeing. The old town of Bukhara, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, can be easily explored on foot. The history of the “Holy City” comes to life again during a long walk. One of the main attractions in the city is the Ark Citadel. The more than 1,000 year old huge fortress, which served as the residence of the emirs of Bukhara, is located on a 20 meter high hill. Overall, the Ark Citadel covers an area of 4.2 hectares, on which there is an awful lot to discover. Inside the fortress, which is surrounded by 20 meter high walls, there is, among other things, the large Friday mosque. The Historical Museum is located here today. The Magoki Attari Mosque in the city center is also not to be missed. The 12 domes of this impressive building, which is one of the most popular photo motifs in the city, are visible from afar. The interior of the mosque is characterized by elaborate decorations and valuable pieces of jewelry.
One of the most remarkable buildings in Central Asia is the Samanid Mausoleum. The Samanid family crypt, built at the beginning of the 10th century, is the only remaining architectural monument of the Samanid dynasty. Bukhara still lives up to its reputation as an important trading state in many places. If you want to enjoy the typical market flair of the city, you should definitely visit one of the large domed bazaars. In the so-called “Tim des Khan Abdullah”, where wool and silk were traded in the 19th century, you can still experience the busy atmosphere of the past. If you want to find out more about the history and development of the city, the State Architecture and Art Museum is the right place for you.
Desert landscapes and cotton fields in the area
If you are traveling in the Bukhara region, you should also take a look at the charming surroundings of the city. After all, in addition to huge desert landscapes, Bukhara is also surrounded by large pastures and cotton fields. A species-rich flora and fauna has settled here in the past centuries.