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

5. GET A MASSAGE AT A TRADITIONAL HAMMAM
One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Bukhara is to take a break from sightseeing and lie down for a massage at a medieval bathhouse. Back in the 16th century, people in Central Asia loved relaxing in hammams, and it was a very common leisure activity especially in Bukhara, which had over 16 different bathhouses. One of them is Hammam Bozori Kord, and despite being built in the 14th century, it’s still functioning today! In fact, it’s one of the oldest bathhouses in the world, and yes, you can enjoy a traditional steam bath there — an exotic ancient ritual.
The experience takes place in an ancient basement that’ll take you back in time. You’ll start off in a circular sauna/steam room where you can relax and prepare for the massage. Then, you’ll be laid down on a stone-bed, where you’ll get soaped, scrubbed, stretched, and massaged. They’ll also put ginger and honey on your body during the process. When it all ends, some warm tea will be waiting for you. There are also several other hammams operating in Bukhara and I highly recommend visiting at least one of them, especia lly if you’re a fan of cultural experiences!


6. ADMIRE THE DETAILS OF ULUGH BEG MADRASAH
Completed in 1417, the stunning Ulugh Beg Madrasah is one of the few remnants of the Timurid Empire in Bukhara. At the time, conservative Bukhara was the Islamic capital of Central Asia, and sultan Ulugh Beg of the Timurid Empire really wanted it to become a center for science and education as well. Ulugh Beg (the grandson of Amir Timur) was both a ruler and an accomplished astronomer, and he really cared about the advancement of science in his kingdom. That’s why he built this madrasah in Bukhara ⁠— to attract scientists and scholars from around the Muslim world.
And attract them he did. Ulugh Beg Madrasah nurtured lots of respected poets and scientists, and students studied everything from math and astronomy to Arabic and religion there. Carved onto the gate of the madrasah is an inscription from the Quran which says “The pursuit of knowledge is the responsibility of every Muslim man and woman.” This quote was said to be Ulugh Beg’s life motto. If you look carefully, you can also spot astral designs on the madrasah’s facade, a testament to the many famous astronomi cal studies done by the sultan!