Introduction Topic: Tourism resources of Bukhara Chapter. I. Why should we go to Bukhara?

Market stalls, and hammams – more than 500 years old:

Twelfth century mosque:

1.2. 14 TOP THINGS TO DO IN BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN
1. EXPLORE THE PO-I-KALYAN COMPLEX
The Po-i-Kalyan complex is the historic jewel and icon of Bukhara. It consists of four monuments: the Kalyan Minaret (which is directly in front of you when you enter the ensemble) sandwiched between the Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, and Amir-Allimkhan Madrasah, which lies south of the latter. You can easily spend hours admiring the beautiful courtyard and tilework of the architecture here.
At 46.5 meters (152 ft) tall, the Kalyan Minaret is well-referred to as the symbol of Bukhara. It’s also the oldest of all the structures and has an incredible history. In fact, erected in 1127 by the Karakhanids, it’s the only monument in the complex that hasn’t been restored. The story goes that back in the 13th century, Genghis Khan saw it from a distance every day as he rode towards Bukhara. He became so fond and impressed by it that when he sieged and destroyed the entire city, he decided to spare this minaret. The Kalyan Minaret is also known as the ‘Tower of Death’ because for centuries, it was used to execute criminals by throwing them from the top.
To the right of Kalyan Minaret is Kalyan Mosque, which has been Bukhara’s main mosque for 500 years now. It was completed in 1514 by the Shaybanids and it’s around the same size as Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand. Directly facing Kalyan Mosque is Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, which was also built between 1535 and 1536 during the Khanate of Bukhara. The madrasah has two floors and is beautifully ornate with mosaics and colorful patterns. There’s also a mausoleum inside dedicated to Sheikh Abdullah Yamani of Yemen, who was the spiritual mentor of the Shaybanids. Today, the madrasah is still a functioning Islamic college, almost 500 years after it was built!


2. ENJOY A MEAL WITH A SURREAL VIEW
Right across the Po-i-Kalyan complex is Chasmai-Mirob Restaurant, an unmissable stop on any trip to Bukhara. If you go up to the top floor of the restaurant, you’ll find a terrace where you can enjoy a delicious meal and drinks with an absolutely stunning view of the Kalyan Minaret and its surrounding monuments. It’s a great way to relax after all the sightseeing! Make sure to try some of Uzbekistan’s national dishes while you’re there, such as plov, manti, lagman, shurpa, and somsa.