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

11. SHOP INSIDE THE ANCIENT SILK ROAD TRADING DOMES
Back in the 16th century, Bukhara flourished under the rule of the Shaybanids and was a center of trade on the Silk Road. The city was covered with markets and trading domes stretching from the Po-i-Kalyan complex to Lyabi-Hauz plaza. Today, four of these trading domes still remain; they are Toqi Telpak Furushon, Tim Abdulla Khan Trading Dome, Toqi Sarrofon Bazaar, and Toqi Zargaron Trading Dome. They’re all conveniently located around the city center, and you’ll likely pass through at least one of them whil e walking around the city.

In these bazaars, you can find all kinds of souvenirs, including suzanis (traditional hand-embroidered textiles), jewelry, musical instruments, scarves, knives, books, and ceramics. The prices in the trading domes are higher than in other places, so be prepared to bargain and aim for at least 30% off the original price.

12. MARVEL AT THE CHOR-BAKR MEMORIAL COMPLEX
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chor-Bakr Necropolis is located just about a 15-minute drive from the center of Bukhara, and it’s absolutely worth visiting if you have some extra time in the city. This memorial complex dates back to the 16th century and is also known as the ‘Town of the Dead’. It houses the remains of families from the Juybari dynasty, who for 500 years were a leading political force in Bukhara. Walking around the compound today, you can see lots of mausoleums, an orchard with roses and grapevines, a minaret meant to resemble the Kalyan Minaret, and at the center of the necropolis — a mosque, madrasah, and khanqah built as gifts to the Juybari dynasty. It’s also believed that if a pilgrim makes a wish in Chor-Bakr and visits all the 4 mausoleums of the saints named Bakr, that wish is bound to come true.
13. EXPLORE THE HIDDEN SITORAI MOKHI-KHOSA PALACE
Within only a 15-minute drive from the historic center of Bukhara is a beautiful hidden gem most tourists don’t know about. Built in the 19th century, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace was the former countryside residence of the emirs of Bukhara. The architecture of this palace was influenced by both eastern and western styles, showcasing brilliantly ornate walls with traditional murals. It’s said that the intricate mural designs were there to keep guests entertained as they waited hours to meet the emirs.
The palace also features magnificent mirrors, charming gardens, pavilions decorated with gold leaf, and colorful windows. Today, this site is a museum that displays (among other things) the ancient furniture used in the palace and an impressive collection of national dresses from the 19th century. If you enjoy going off the beaten path, then Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace is definitely one of the coolest places to see in Bukhara. It’s also a great change of scenery from all the mosques and madrasahs!