Bukhara

Bukhara was a Sogdian city and came under Persian rulers, including Alexander in 329BC. The Arabs finally took control in the 700s AD.  The Mongols invaded in 1220.  Then later there were the Russians (under the Tsars) - and then the Soviets.  The Soviets embarked on a program of secularisation.   Since independence, some heroes have been, as our guide said, nationalised - eg Tamerlane.  Every country has its preferred narrative!

Below is a beautiful building -the mausoleum of  Ismael Samani.  It was built at the beginning of the tenth century and fortunately has survived.  The site was originally one of the holiest cemeteries in Bukhara, where even emirs were laid to rest. The Soviets relocated the graves and desanctified the are to become the Kirov Public Park.  As our guide said, they tried to erase our history.

And just one more.

And inside.  Plenty to see here.  Squinches galore to aid the transition from angles to a dome.

After a street walk

past the walls of Bukhara,

we had a coffee stop - a coffee shop is a very rare phenomenon.

Various sites in Bukhara.

There were so many lovely arches, both exterior and interior, they all merged into one.  But I think I have these correct!

Mir Arab Madrassah

And there is a lovely minaret as well.  The sun was conveniently behind it.

 We saw the Abdulaziz Khan Madrassah.

 Delighted to see some lovely maqanas - the decorations on the ceiling.

And this is unrestored.  Note there are stalls everywhere.

And the Zaragon - a big bazaar.

No pics inside as I was busy buying some saffron.  Not cheaper than Thornleigh, but it was Iranian saffron which is not always available at Thornleigh.