A Brief History
Bukhara is over 2,500 years old. While it is not the oldest city in Uzbekistan, it is home to some of the country’s oldest surviving monuments. Over the centuries, Bukhara was ruled by the Achaemenids, conquered by Alexander the Great, and became part of the Kushan Kingdom and the Turkic Khaganate. By the 5th century, it became one of the most important cities of the Hephthalite Empire.
Following the Arab conquest in the 8th century, Bukhara flourished as a major centre of Islamic culture, scholarship, and trade. The city earned the title Bukhara-i Sharif (“Noble Bukhara”) and became home to some of the most influential scholars of the medieval Islamic world, including Avicenna and Al-Bukhari.
In 1220, the armies of Genghis Khan captured and devastated the city. Bukhara later became part of the Timurid Empire before rising once again as the capital of the Bukhara Khanate and, later, the Emirate of Bukhara.
In 1920, Soviet power was being established across Central Asia. The Red Army captured Bukhara after fierce fighting and aerial bombardment. With the fall of the Emirate of Bukhara, the city became part of the Soviet state.
Following Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991, Bukhara entered a new chapter in its history. During the Soviet period, many historic monuments had been repurposed, while parts of the old city had fallen into neglect. In independent Uzbekistan, however, Bukhara became one of the country’s most important symbols of cultural heritage.
Extensive restoration and preservation projects were launched to protect monuments and the unique character of the historic city. These efforts have helped safeguard Bukhara’s architectural legacy and preserve the atmosphere that makes the city so distinctive today. In 1993, the Historic Centre of Bukhara was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Why Visit Bukhara?
The greatest attraction of Bukhara is its remarkably well-preserved historic centre. Unlike many ancient cities that have been heavily rebuilt over time, Bukhara still retains much of its medieval character.
At the heart of the old city lies Lyabi-Hauz, a picturesque square built around a large pond and surrounded by historic buildings. For centuries, it has served as one of Bukhara’s main gathering places and remains one of the most atmospheric spots in the city today.
Another symbol of Bukhara is the Ark Fortress. This massive citadel served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers for many centuries. It was once a city within a city, housing palaces, administrative offices, workshops, and even its own mosque.
One of Bukhara’s most iconic landmarks is the Kalyan Minaret, which rises nearly 47 metres above the old city. Built in the 12th century, it has survived invasions, wars, and political upheavals, remaining largely unchanged for almost nine hundred years. Beside it stands the Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. Together they form one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Central Asia.
No visit to Bukhara would be complete without seeing the Samanid Mausoleum. It was built more than a thousand years ago from finely crafted baked brick. It is the oldest surviving monumental structure in Central Asia.
Interesting Facts and Travel Tips
- The best times to visit Bukhara are spring (from mid-March to late May) and autumn (from early September to early November). Summers can be extremely hot, with temperatures frequently rising above 40°C (104°F), even in the shade.
- Bukhara is easily accessible from Samarkand by the high-speed Afrosiyob train. The journey takes around two and a half hours. Tickets sell out quickly during the tourist season, so it is advisable to book well in advance. Conventional trains also connect the two cities. They are slower but more affordable and tickets are usually easier to obtain.
- Many visitors are surprised to hear Tajik spoken throughout the city. This reflects Bukhara’s unique history. For much of its past, it was a predominantly Persian-speaking city rather than an Uzbek-speaking one. Today, most residents speak both Tajik and Uzbek.
- More than 140 architectural monuments from different periods have survived in Bukhara, making it one of the richest historic cities in Central Asia.
- The historic centre is relatively compact, so you can explore most major attractions on foot.
- Be sure to find a rooftop terrace or viewing platform in the evening. As the sun sets, Bukhara’s ancient minarets, turquoise domes, and mud-brick rooftops glow in shades of gold and amber.
- Food lovers should not miss Bukhara plov. The local version differs noticeably from those served in Tashkent and Samarkand and is often considered one of the finest varieties of Uzbekistan’s national dish.
- Finally, take time to visit a traditional chaikhana, or tea house. Sit on a tapchan beneath the shade of trees, order a pot of fragrant green tea, and enjoy the slow, relaxed rhythm of life.