Burana Tower, Minaret in Chuy Valley, Kyrgyzstan.
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Kyrgyzstan offers photographers mountains, lakes and historic structures. The landscape ranges from the peaks of the Terskey Alatau Mountains to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. In Ala Archa National Park, hiking trails lead through narrow valleys to...
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