Burana Tower, Minaret in Chuy Valley, Kyrgyzstan.
Burana Tower is a cylindrical brick structure in Chuy Valley that rises approximately 25 meters high, with an external staircase connecting to a tight spiral passage that climbs toward the top. The structure shows signs of age and past earthquake damage along its walls.
The tower was built during the Karakhanid Empire in the 11th century and originally stood around 45 meters tall. Successive earthquakes over centuries caused significant damage and reduced its height to what remains today.
The site contains carved stone figures known as balbals, which served as grave markers for ancient Turkic peoples between the 8th and 10th centuries. These sculptures reflect the burial customs and beliefs of the communities who inhabited this valley.
The tower is located roughly 80 kilometers east of Bishkek and can be reached by regular minibuses departing from the eastern bus station. The nearby town of Tokmok offers basic services and serves as the main access point for visitors.
This is the only surviving building from Balasagun, a former Silk Road city that once served as the capital of the Karakhanid Empire. The tower represents a rare remnant of a vanished medieval metropolis.
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