Mosques and madrasahs of Bukhara

Bukhara was apparently one of the holiest places in centuries gone by! This can still be seen today judging by the number of Mosques and Madrasahs we were able to visit!

The Ulug Beg Madrasah was our first stop..... built in 1420....

Beautiful tilework......

Across the street was the Abdul Aziz Madrassah......a little younger, built in 1652

I was a little surprised at  souvenirs being offered on the doorsteps of both madrassas! However no hassling.....also no (or very few!) tourists!

Then on to the Poi Kalon ensemble...the religious heart of Bukhara!

Nowadays a very empty square which in camel times would have had bustling stalls selling cotton!

The Minaret is 48metres high (155 feet) and it was ordered to be built in 1127! Genghis Khan spared its destruction! It has however needed a few repairs more recently after a soviet shell and an earthquake!

We entered the Kalon Mosque on the right which has 288 domes......

 and could hold all the men in Bukhara when it was built in 1515!

.... the  Mir-i-Arab madrassah is opposite the mosque which has been in continuous use since 1535!! Apart for some years during the Soviet rule.

We did go to the door but could only stand in the entryway! Only men allowed to enter!

These madrassas and mosques are obviously the most important in Bukhara but there were a few others!

The Chor Minor is unusual in that it has 4 domes......

The Magok-I-Attari mosque from the 12th century...now a Museum of Carpets.....

The Bolo Hauz Mosque...... from 1712

and of course there was the odd mausoleum! This is the  Samanid Mausoleum from the 10th century!

It was buried under silt for many centuries, thereby being saved from Genghis Khan......

....amazing brickwork!

Dinner was welcome at the  Old Bukhara restaurant.......

...and we appreciated the warmth from the rather old stove!