Bukhara

Bukhara is a large city in Uzbekistan at the heart of Bukhara Region, known for its historic buildings and role as an ancient trading center. The old town shows narrow lanes with clay brick walls, domes, and tall entrance gates to former schools and prayer halls.

The settlement arose in the 6th century BC and grew into a major hub along the Silk Road. Around the year 850 it became the capital of the Samanid Empire and remained a center for scholars and merchants for centuries.

The name comes from the Sogdian word for monastery or temple, pointing to early religious settlements in this area. Today you see people gathering in traditional teahouses under shaded courtyards, while artisans display their goods along narrow lanes.

The old town is easy to explore on foot, while an airport and rail links make arrival from other parts of the country straightforward. Early morning hours offer cooler temperatures for walking through the narrow streets and covered bazaars.

A mosque from the 9th century was later built on older religious foundations and now serves as a carpet museum with regional weavings. The underground water reservoirs, once used to supply the city, are still partly visible in the cellars of old buildings.