TAMERLANETOUR

BUKHARA

 

Bukhoro – i – sharif  - is one of the numerous epithets, which was awarded to this ancient city.  In the X century "The History of Bukhara" was written. The first period of Bukhara was reflected in the national epic, numerous legends. The Great Silk Road connecting China with Iran, India and Europe, and passed through. Bukhara - one of few cities in the world which had been continuously developing on the same place since the V century BC.

Bukhara is located in the middle of Kyzykum desert, 250 kms downstream the Zarafshan River. Main part of modern city lies in the south of historical center. After Samarkand's bright mosaics, Bukhara may appear to be in a grey brown tone at first sight and could even slightly disappoint a visitor. However, when an hour passes after another witness something that at the end makes you question your goodself: "after all, which one is better - Samarkand or Bukhara?" And now it is your matter of taste which one to choose.

The name Bukhara originates from Sanskrit 'Vihar' - cloister, or from Persian 'Bukhar' - source of knowledge. Reflecting those names meaning, Bukhara was known as a place of prayer and doctrine in the history. Bukhara was the capital of Samanids state during 9th -10th centuries AD. It was called Bukhoro-I-Sharif (Sacred Bukhara). Comparable to Newton and Shakespeare from the West, scientist - philosophers as Abu Ali Ibn Sino (Avicenna), poets Firdawsiy and Rudakiy - prominent figures in Islam, were born and grown here.

In 1993 UNESCO included the historical part of Bukhara into the lists of the cities of World Heritage of humanity. In 1997, under the auspices of UNESCO the 2500th anniversary of the founding of the city was celebrated around the world. The preserved architectural heritage of Bukhara is a rare combination of monuments of different epochs, which characterize the development of architecture for over twenty-five centuries.