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

9. WATCH THE CALM REFLECTION OF THE 40-PILLAR MOSQUE
Bolo Hauz Mosque is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Bukhara. Built in 1712, it served as a Friday mosque that the emir of Bukhara himself visited for Friday prayers; he wanted to show his people that he, too, was just an ordinary man. This mosque is also known as the ‘40-Pillar Mosque’ because its ceiling is held by 20 wooden pillars that reflect elegantly in the pond at the foot of the building; so in total, you see 40 pillars. The wooden pillars are simply gorgeous. They’re covered with intricate carvings and decorated with colorful muqarnas — ornate vaults commonly featured in I slamic architecture.

The pond in front of the mosque is also quite significant. In fact, the name ‘Bolo Hauz’ translates to ‘children’s pond’. Because of water shortages back in the days, lots of ponds were built to source drinking water, and this pond was one of them. Water taken from the pond would be delivered in special leather containers to residential areas and sold in bazaars. Unfortunately, the stagnant water also became a source of infection and diseases, so the Soviets drained the pond when they gained control of the region.

Today, Bolo Hauz Mosque is still used by the public for prayers, 300 years after it was built. Make sure to step inside — the interior details are simply stunning and will have you staring at them for a while .

10. RELAX AT THE LYABI-HAUZ PLAZA
Lyabi-Hauz is one of Bukhara’s most popular tourist attractions and often used as a resting stop thanks to its central location and relaxing atmosphere. Built in 1620, its name means ‘around the pool’, which refers to the big pond in the middle of the square. Up until a century ago, hundreds of stone pools cluttered the city of Bukhara. They were popular gathering spots for locals, who drank and washed with the water as they socialized. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of water-borne diseases (the average 19th-century Bukharan didn’t live past the age of 32), so when the Soviets arrived, they drained most of the pools around town, and the Lyabi-Hauz pond is one of the few that still remain today.
The Lyabi-Hauz plaza was also a popular trading square in the Middle Ages, and today, it’s the perfect place to sit on a bench, relax, and people-watch. The atmosphere there is both calming and lively, which is really cool. There are also lots of restaurants around the pool with outdoor seating areas, and I highly recommend checking some of them out.
One place you can’t miss during your time in Lyabi-Hauz is the beautiful Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah. Its facade showcases some absolutely magnificent tilework, and when you go inside, there are lots of souvenir shops surrounding its large courtyard. Evening concerts are hosted there, as well as important public events. For example, when I was there, they welcomed the president of Uzbekistan in the courtyard with a gigantic party and festive decorations!