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

7. BROWSE THE SOUVENIRS AT ABDULAZIZ-KHAN MADRASAH
Directly facing Ulugh Beg Madrasah is the breathtaking Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah, an epitome of medieval Central Asian architecture. The madrasah’s colorful details and intricate patterns are simply astounding; they really showcase just how talented the architects at the time were! Completed in 1652, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah was built a few centuries after Ulugh Beg Madrasah, and they couldn’t be more different from each other. While the Timurid-era Ulugh Beg Madrasah is a lot more modest in size and design, Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah is splendidly decorated with ornate tiles and patterns. It’s also covered with verses from famous poets.
Even the designs and patterns on the two madrasahs contrast each other; Ulugh Beg Madrasah showcases astral and geometrical decorations, whereas Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah’s designs are brighter and wavier. Among them, you can also spot images of a Chinese dragon and a Simurgh (a mythical bird in Iranian mythology). Today, you’ll find a lot of souvenir stores inside and around the madrasah selling everything from t-shirts to handicrafts. It’s the perfect place to admire the incredible architecture w hile shopping for souvenirs!

8. ENJOY TRADITIONAL TEA & SWEETS AT SILK ROAD TEA HOUSE
If you want to experience some true Bukharan hospitality and taste some traditional spices that were traded on the Silk Road, then you have to stop by Silk Road Tea House. Located in the heart of the historic center, this restaurant is owned by a family that has been making tea and trading spices for over 600 years. How incredible is that? In fact, the herbs and spices in their tea have been brought in through the Silk Road from India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Today, they sell samples of them at the entrance to their restaurant, and the owner is also more than happy to give you ideas on how to blend them perfectly with different kinds of food.
Inside the cozy restaurant, there’s a nice selection of tea and sweets to choose from. Make sure to have their Silk Road Confection Sweets and Spices and Herbs Tea. The latter is a true specialty as it’s uniquely blended by the owner himself with cardamom, mint, oregano, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. If you really enjoy their tea, you can also buy some to take home with you!