Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Bukhara (must see)
The Kalyan Minaret and Mosque is a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess of the Islamic world in the 12th century. It is also known as the Tower of Death because until as recently as the early twentieth century, criminals were executed by being thrown from the top.
The Kalyan Minaret, built in 1127, is an example of both civil engineering and artistic creativity. Towering at approximately 47 meters (154 feet) high, it is a notable landmark of Bukhara and can be seen from virtually any point in the city. The structure is adorned with intricate brickwork and blue tiles, featuring various geometric and floral patterns 鈥� a testament to the region's artistic style.
Adjacent to the minaret is the grand Kalyan Mosque, completed in 1514, which replaces an older mosque destroyed by Genghis Khan. The mosque can accommodate up to twelve thousand worshippers and is surrounded by a spacious courtyard. Its majestic facade, ornate arches, and multi-domed design, together with the minaret, create an awe-inspiring complex, reflecting the Islamic architectural tradition of the time.
These monumental structures are not only important religious centers but also significant cultural and historical landmarks. They have stood witness to centuries of history and remain emblematic of Bukhara's Islamic architectural heritage. The Kalyan Minaret and Mosque complex attracts scholars, tourists, and pilgrims from around the globe, making it one of the most visited sites in Uzbekistan.
The Kalyan Minaret, built in 1127, is an example of both civil engineering and artistic creativity. Towering at approximately 47 meters (154 feet) high, it is a notable landmark of Bukhara and can be seen from virtually any point in the city. The structure is adorned with intricate brickwork and blue tiles, featuring various geometric and floral patterns 鈥� a testament to the region's artistic style.
Adjacent to the minaret is the grand Kalyan Mosque, completed in 1514, which replaces an older mosque destroyed by Genghis Khan. The mosque can accommodate up to twelve thousand worshippers and is surrounded by a spacious courtyard. Its majestic facade, ornate arches, and multi-domed design, together with the minaret, create an awe-inspiring complex, reflecting the Islamic architectural tradition of the time.
These monumental structures are not only important religious centers but also significant cultural and historical landmarks. They have stood witness to centuries of history and remain emblematic of Bukhara's Islamic architectural heritage. The Kalyan Minaret and Mosque complex attracts scholars, tourists, and pilgrims from around the globe, making it one of the most visited sites in Uzbekistan.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bukhara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Kalyan Minaret and Mosque on Map
Sight Name: Kalyan Minaret and Mosque
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (See walking tours in Bukhara)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Create Your Own Walk in Bukhara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bukhara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bukhara Introduction Walking Tour
Alexander the Great reportedly stated that "a carpet from Bukhara is worth a kingdom!" One and a half millennia after him, Ibn Battuta, a 14th-century Moroccan traveler, described this splendid city as "a meeting place of the nations and a market of the world."
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Centuries on, the pearl of modern-day Uzbekistan, Bukhara, is still very much the place capable of leaving a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Bukhara Shopping Tour
Bukhara, 鈥渁 jewel of the Silk Road鈥�, has been a commercial city since ancient times. Shopping here can still be a memorable experience for those keen to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Central Asian trade.
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Bazaars are the heartbeats of Bukhara. Historically, these domed venues were located at crossroads, to facilitate passing commerce, and dealt in a variety of goods. There,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles