The not so tacky Uzbekistan: Bukhara

Moving on from the Samarkand, I headed west towards Bukhara. Once a major trade centre of the the ancient silk road, Bukhara was also known as a religious centre. Today, much of the town remains preserved and one can see reminiscence of the past without the flashiness of Samarkand. I found Bukhara a much more intriguing city. While lacking the sights at the scale and beauty of Samarkand when looked at individually, the sum of it parts is what makes Bukhara a much prettier city in my opinion.

Outside Nadir Devon Begi Madrasah 

Outside Kukeldash Madrasah: No longer operating as religious schools the madrasah is converted as a place for vendors/merchants selling their trade.

A slow day for vendors inside Devon Begi Madrasah. 

A clothes and fabric shop inside Kukeldash Madrasah 

Local Uzbek performance retelling local folklore inside Kukeldash Madrasah.

Walls of Nodir Devon Begi Xonnaqosi. Now converted into a Museum

Lyabi Hauz pool. One of the remaining pools dating back to 1600s

The canal systems feeding the pools

Locals hanging out by Lyabi Hauz playing Dominos

Toqi Sarfaron Bazaar

Telpak Furushon Bazaar

The street connecting the the two bazaar lined up with vendors

Carpet seller near Toqi Sarfaron Bazaar

Local craftsman in Telpak Furushon Bazaar making a plate.

Blacksmith in Telpak Furushon Bazaar taking a break 

A blacksmith shop at Telpak Furushon Bazaar

Remains of the old city walls  

The closest thing you'll ever find to McDonalds in Central Asia! 

Muetzenmacher Arches/Vaults, Kalon Miniret and Kalon Mosque 

Muetzenmacher Arches/Vaults

Kalon Mosque. Big enough to hold 10,000 people

Morning light. 

Doing the daily errands

Kids playing in the backstreets of Bukhara away from the tourist centre happily posing for a photo.