Bukhara - amazing city of the planet, you can hardly find another city similar to it. Every year crowds of tourists from different corners of the world come here to witness living history fixed in stones of numerous monuments of medieval architecture having passed through centuries to bring us enjoy and tell about life, culture, interests of both ordinary people and upper rulers-khans, emirs, officials.

Bukhoro-i-Sharif or Noble Bukhara have been special, in all meaning of this word, cultic oriental city for centuries up to present. All those outstanding minds, respected and honored by contemporary Uzbek community, lived and worked here. Among them - great number of thinkers, philosophers, poets and men of wisdom: Ibn sina, Rumi Djalaleddin, Omar Khayyam, Alisher Navoi, Nizami Gandjevi, Rudaki, Dakiki, Firdousi and many others; taking Bukhara for their sweet home and blessed land. Locals have always respected their land and given it lots of various names describing the city and its nature.
Most interesting city in the world, writers and poets always called the city Saint Bukhara, Land of Islam, the pillar of religion. All these names related to religious significance of Bukhara for the whole Muslim community. The matter is that, when in 8th century Arabs leaded by Kuteyb-ibn-Muslim conquered Central Asia, Bukhara turned to be the center of newly imposed religion. Gradually Zoroastrian had been fully eradicated; temples of fire became mosques, Bukhara received status of Holy City. There was a saying: in the whole world light comes down from the sky, only in Bukhara it comes up from the earth, keeping in mind burials of thousands of righteous men and Muslim saints. During long time Bukhara acted as one of the main centers of Islam in Central Asia, center of Muslim theology, its rulers named themselves “Commanders of the Faithful”. On the territory of “Star of Muslim World” and “Saint city of Central Asia” in the Middle Ages there were 360 mosques and 360 madrasas.

Bukhara is also the unique city because starting from 5th century B.D. it has continuously developed on the same site. In 1993 historical part of Bukhara was included to the list of Worldwide Heritage Memorials by UNESCO.

In 1997 under aegis of UNESCO, whole world celebrated the 2500 anniversary of Bukhara city.

Name and origin
For many centuries, caravans of camels from China and Europe carried goods along the Great Silk Road, moreover, they carried messages about other cultures and civilizations. These messages on the crossroads of ancient routes were reflected in architectural monuments of Bukhara and cultural uniqueness of its people.
It is safe to say, Bukhara is as ancient city as Samarkand although its exact age is unknown. But written sources confirm that first settlements on the territory of Bukhara appeared 2500 years ago. Exploration of cultural layers, somewhere reaching 20m depth, got the same result.
Here archeologists discovered leftovers of utensils, coins, jewelries dated 4th century B.D.

First time the name of the city was mentioned in the sources of Chinese travelers Pu Ho, Bu Ho, Nu Mi, Bu Ge living in 2nd century B.D., Later oriental historian Narshakhi noticed that no other city had so many names for its history, like Bukhara. Chinese and uigurs named it “Bukhar” standing for “site of idols”. Famous Russian scientist Bartold suggested Bukhara to origin from Sanskrit (ancient Indian) word “Vikhara” - “Monastery”. Meanwhile all those terms are quite similar to the present name of Bukhara.

The origin of Bukhara goes back to numerous legends and stories that oriental people do like to make. So, one of the legends tells about Siyavush, the son of Iranian tsar who came to Bukhara, married to the daughter of tsar Afrosiab and erected fortress Ark there.

Аrchitecture.
Today, rich architectural heritage of Bukhara acts as the carrier of culture of Uzbek community, people, nation, person in depth and variety of forms. Architectural heritage, like nature and society, represents most prominent treasure of Uzbekistan, it is unique combination of monuments of different epochs reflecting the development of architecture during 25 centuries.

Greater part of central Bukhara is architectural zone, mostly occupied by ex-madrasas. Emir’s castle Ark (10-9 centuries) turned to be the museum. In front of the Ark is Bolo-House mosque-official place for emir’s praying, constructed in 1718. Down narrow streets along the Ark you can find yourself on a small square with Poyikalon complex including Kalyan mosque (16th century) - one of the magnificent buildings of the Central Asia accommodating 10000 persons, madrasa Mir-arab-operating Islamic seminary and minaret Kalyan - 47m tower (10m in depth) that can be seen from any part of the Old town. Ancient madrasa has counted 850 years.

P align=justify>The city acquired its modern look during ruling of the Sheybanids’ and Ashtarkhanids’ dynasties (16-17 centuries), with construction of the most of admirable mosques and madrasas, caravan sarays and bath houses, fortress walls and gates as well as big architectural ensembles and tombs. Today’ walking by Old Bukhara, founded in the early centuries of our era -like stepping on the monuments of ancient civilizations. Up to now preserved walls of ancient citadel, over 140 architectural monuments of Muslim epoch, amazing quarters and narrow streets of the old city.

Bukhara today.
Bukhara city is located in the south-east of Uzbekistan, approximately 200 km from Samarkand. The city holds the status of administrative center of Bukhara region, the center of crafts, religion and tourism. The youth of Bukhara region takes leading position in terms of scientific potential, religious maturity and hardworking.

Most part of Bukhara region is occupied by Kyzylkum desert. Total square of the region is 39 400 sq. km. Climate here is sharply continental, like practically on all the territory of the Republic. Total population size in Bukhara region is 1,4 mln people. 32% of population live in cities, while 68% - in countryside. Population of Bukhara, as to the data of 2005, comprised 270 661 people.
Today, Bukhara is still considered to be Islamic center and religious capital of Central Asia, burial place for the Prophet’s descendants and Islamic saints, while hosting many other religions. For instance, Jewish synagogues were opened here.

Bukhara region consists of 11 administrative units including Bukhara. Among other big regional cities are Gijduvan, Romitan and Kagan.

The region has rich reserves of natural gas, oil, graphite, bentonite, marble, granite, gypsum, sulphur, chalkstone and other construction materials. Noteworthy, approximate volume of oil reserves is 10 million ton, natural gaz-220 billion cubic meters.

These rich resources located on the territory of Kandim, Okkum, Parsonkul and other regional areas. By the way, biggest oil-refinery in the country basically uses resources from these deposits.

Most active branches of industry are ginning, textile and silk. Recently has been held a campaign on revival of such traditional Uzbek crafts as pottery, ceramics and embroidery.
There are 52 join-ventures operating on the territory of the region. Relatively developed industrial directions are ginning, textile and silk industries.
Bukhara city is famous for karakul fur, ganch carving, timberwork, wood carving, jewelry, copper stamping, artworks. Production and selling silk is a prominent feature of the city. Tannery operating gin the city is focused to process and output karakul fur articles as well as develop food industry. In the near future, plans on development and application of foreign investments will be focused on the following branches: reconstruction of silk industry, development of construction materials industry, improvement of communication infrastructure, development of agricultural sector and processing of agricultural production, development of tourism and service sector.

Modern Bukhara - as colorful and interesting as its locals. Here you can observe the processes of construction and integration of new Bukhara, erection of new beautiful architectural pieces.
Today Bukhara is well-known as a kind of lively museum and center of international tourism. Tourist infrastructure meets world standards, including airport restored in 1997 by 2500-year anniversary of the city.

Bukhara, like many other cities, is divided into the Old and the New town. But, compared with others, it obviously takes an advantageous position. For example, the old part in some cities is only distinguished as museum-historical site with ancient architectural monuments and almost no dwellers, while in the old town of Bukhara people have lived through centuries. Administrative centers, schools, institutes, industrial premises located in the New town.

Тourism.
At present Bukhara - touristic center of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The government of Uzbekistan has made many efforts and invested much funds in development of this sector to provide all necessary conditions for foreign guests to have comfortable stay in the city. And, seemingly, all efforts have not been wasted. As visitor’s comfort is one of the stepping stones to let him leave with nice impressions and, probably, wish to come back someday. Lots of hotels have been built with this purpose both in old town and suburbs.
Of course, we should not forget medieval historical architectural monuments that now, like the elderly, need special care and attention. Today the government of the country is contributing a lot to preserve and restore monuments in Bukhara. For instance, Mausoleum of Samanids, Chor Bakr, Bakhauddin Nakshbandi and other architectural complexes have been restored. But this merit belongs not only to the government; folk foremen and local craftsmen also actively participate in restoration of ancient image of their hometown.
Famous architects also vote for preserving rich history of Bukhara. With their help many historical pieces have been restored, while slightly altered initial appearance. But even after restoration works the centuries-old historical cultures have never lost their unmatched beauty and continue to represent integrated cultural-artistic whole.
Needless to say, one day is not enough for the visitors to see and show round the city, no less than 3-4 days. This time will be enough to fully immerse in its mystery and oriental tranquility, walk down narrow lanes, watch the life of local people living exactly like their distant ancestors and even for a moment feel oneself an integral part of the environment.

Bukhara is not only world-wide famous tourist site but also Muslim sacred place. Thus, besides common inquisitive tourists, it has been regularly visited by pilgrims carrying out primary rites before leaving for the heart of Islam-Mecca.

International airport «Bukharа».
New modern airport serving foreign tourists was erected in 1997. Its handling capacity - 150 passengers per hour.
In 1999 “Bukhara” airport was awarded with international status.
International terminal is capable to provide passengers with full list of services in accordance with worldwide accepted standards. Here you can find arrival and departure halls equipped with necessary modern equipment, spacious waiting room, bars, shops, medical station, and storage room. Design of business halls and VIP hall is made in national style creating special cozy atmosphere right before the flight.

The airport of Bukhara accepts any types of aircrafts of both western and eastern production. (From Yak-40 and An-24 to Boeing - 767, 757, 747).

Every day Bukhara airport carries our flights to Tashkent -the capital of Uzbekistan, twice a week - flights to Moscow, once a week - flight to St. Petersburg. Upon arrival you can reach historical center of the city by route buses and shuttle buses.

In 2008 international airport of Bukhara won the first prize in the contest “Best airport of CIS in 2008” that was held on May 26-28 in Moscow. Criteria of contest evaluation included architectural design of airport premises, air security network, information system, availability of shops, cafes, etc. Top managers and specialists from airports of Russia, CIS and Baltic States, Europe and America.

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