Tajik and Uzbek Presidents Visit Historic Bukhara Sites

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, together with President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited Bukhara’s historic monuments, including the Ark Fortress and the Poi-Kalyan and Lyabi-Hauz ensembles.

The Ark Fortress is an ancient citadel of Bukhara that served as the residence of rulers for nearly 1,500 years. The earliest structures date back to the 4th–3rd centuries BCE, while its current form was largely shaped in the 16th century. During the Middle Ages, the Ark functioned as a “city within a city,” encompassing palaces, administrative buildings, and an arsenal. It was home to prominent thinkers such as Rudaki, Avicenna, and later Omar Khayyam.

The Poi-Kalyan ensemble is considered one of Bukhara’s greatest architectural complexes. It includes a 45.6-meter minaret built in 1127, the congregational mosque constructed in 1514 that can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers, and the Mir Arab Madrasa, one of the most prestigious Islamic educational institutions. The complex is distinguished by a 288-domed gallery, hundreds of columns, and unique acoustics.

The Lyabi-Hauz ensemble preserves a medieval city square centered around an ancient pool. It houses the Kukeldash Madrasa, Nadir Divanbegi Madrasa, and khanaka. For centuries, the square has served as a hub for leisure, social interaction, and trade.

President Rahmon showed keen interest in the artistic decoration of the monuments, local crafts, and historical artifacts. Special attention was given to architectural features, symbolic meaning of ornaments, and cultural motifs.

The visit allowed the delegation to fully appreciate Bukhara’s rich history, its role on the Silk Road, and the city’s significant contributions to science, education, and culture.