Mirziyoyev and Aliyev visit historic monuments in Bukhara
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by their wives, visited historic monuments in Bukhara, including the Samanid Mausoleum, Ark Fortress, Poi Kalon and Lyabi Hauz ensembles, and the Kukeldash Madrasah, the Uzbek presidential press service said.
During the tour, the leaders were briefed on the history and architectural features of the monuments and their significance for the development of science, culture and urban planning in the East.
The first site visited was the Samanid Mausoleum, built by Ismail Samani as a family burial place. The monument was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993.
The presidents then visited the Ark Fortress, an ancient citadel of Bukhara that served as the city’s political and administrative center for many centuries. According to archaeological and historical evidence presented to the visitors, the fortress developed over an extended period. In its later form, it served as the residence of Bukhara’s rulers. Today, the Ark remains one of Bukhara’s main symbols and an important part of its historic center.
The guests were also briefed on the Poi Kalon ensemble. Its central element is the Kalan Minaret, built in 1127. For centuries, it was one of Bukhara’s main architectural landmarks and became a symbol of the city. The ensemble also includes the Kalan Mosque, dating to the early 16th century, and the Mir-i Arab Madrasah.
Another site visited was the Lyabi Hauz ensemble, which developed around an old reservoir. It includes the Kukeldash Madrasah, a khanqah and the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah.
During the visit, the guests were shown examples of traditional crafts, elements of Uzbek decorative art and features of the artistic design of the historic monuments.
The Azerbaijani delegation was also briefed on Bukhara’s centuries-old history as one of the major centers of Islamic civilization, science, education and trade along the Great Silk Road.
