Uzbekistan Trip. Day 3: Bukhara

If yesterday we had to wake up as early as 4 in the morning to catch up the flight, today's itinerary started a bit late, so we fly out the bed a bit late! The weather still freezing with the temperature never go beyond 10 degree Celsius, even in the midday. We added another later in clothing to withstand the coldness.

No matter what, the journey must still go on. By 10 am, our bus headed to the center of Bukhara. Bolo Haouz Mosque, Ark Citadel and the Kalyan Minaret are some of the most famous structures. Another important and symbolic highlight is the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, stop in the evening.

Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage listing, Bolo-Hauz Mosque is among the must-visit attraction in Bukhara. The mosque was built during Emir of Bukhara era in the 17th century, but the expansion continued until end of 20th century. The minaret was built later in 1917 and the ayvan was from the early 20th century design. Ilham explained that ayvan is built as the shelter during summer.
The place got its name from the pond just in front the mosque, that is, bolo and hauz referring to the children and pond, respectively.

As some of our group members took the chance to pray, we explored the mosque inside out. Well, I just make dua's that hopefully we were protected from the on-the-rise corona-virus pandemic... :P, later called covid-19.

What a stunning clear blue sky

The decorated ayvan (iwan) with ornamented ceiling 

Majestically designed in the prayer hall. The mehrab dated 17th century.

The summer ayvan with ornamented ceiling

Trying to be a creative photographer

Boloi Hovuz Jome' Masjidi

My best buddy ever...

The pond that used to be a water reservoir.

Earlier, Mr. Ilham told that today will be pretty much walking tours around the old city. Next stopped, the Ark Citadel or Fortress just across the street. We walked passing through the Shukhov Tower, before crossing the road.

The spectacular-looking Ark, a royal town-within-a-town, is Bukhara’s oldest structure, occupied from the 5th century right up until 1920, when it was bombed by the Red Army. For centuries it was the residence of the emirs of Bukhara. It’s about 80% ruins but there are still some remaining royal quarters, now housing several interesting museums. ~ Courtesy of LonelyPlanet.

Quite challenging to cross the road

Siapa nak gie jamban?

The Shukhov Tower

The restored back gate of the citadel, now is the main entrance.

From here, the Emir observed the bazaar in front of the back gate.

It used to be a bazaar back in 5th century.

Two guards manning the back door, another one at the other side.. P

The Reception and Coronation Court

The submerged chamber on the right wall was the treasury and mint

One of the museum exhibits the artifact from the Oasis

The remain of the Royal apartments over looking the Bukhara city

The Bolo Hauz Mosque from the distant

Door to one of the Royal room, now is a museum

The open-air Royal stable to the right of the corridor

I'm sitting in front of the Noghorahona, the musical instruments room

 The wall has been restored due to the bombing by the Red Army.

Our tour guide, Mr Ilham

Taking a break and soothing legs

The original part of the wall fortress made using mud.

About 10 minutes walk, we reached to the next stop, the Great Minaret of Kalon. There were bunches of souvenirs stall along the road, but you can skip it.

Still looking for good bargains

Among of the souvenirs stall on the way leading to Kalon Mosque Complex 

Tempat tunggu bas ke ni?

The Kalon Minaret itself has many stories to be told since early of 10th century. The original built using wooden collapsed and reportedly killing many of the worshipers, which later been rebuilt as seen now, built in 1127 by by Arslan Khan of the Karakhanids. The huge complex comprises of the Kalon Mosque itself and Mir Arab, now has been inactive madrasah for the righteous arbiter. Even the mosque is not functioning as it was used to be.

Nu'man bought a delicious curry puff

Other than calling for prayers, the minaret attract the caravan along the silk road

A huge portal (iwan) of the Mir Arab

The original door is still intact to a newer frame

A simple yet unique ornament

Since 7th century, several ensembles has been erected in this complex as praying hall. But many has been burned down by the Genghis Khan during the invasions in 1220. Only the minaret has been kept safe during the siege.

The current mosque were built in 1514

Let's go inside!

Here we go...

It is a huge inner courtyard

The praying hall

Most of the mosque has this structure at the main entrance

The original mehrab

Panoramic view inside the mosque

The Kalon Minaret also survived from the Red Army bombing in 1920

Then... it's a coffee time! @ Oriental Tea House just 200 meters from the Kalon complex.

Cantik la cafe ni

A wooden crafted menu

Spice tea for me...

and hot chocolate for Nu'man

We were intrigued by the Aladdin's lamp, made from brass

Nu'man bought a smaller dagger

The shop's name

Lunch a bit late at around 2.30 pm at the Dolon Restaurant. Our next highlight was the Lyab-i Hauz Complex.

Nu'man wanted to buy the Uzbek hat, but it was rather expensive here

I luv Bukhara!

Lyab-i Hauz Complex is ensemble with three large architectural building, namely Kukeldash Madrasah, Khanaka and Nodir Divan-begi, with the pond (hauz) in the center. Kanaka was closed for renovation, and the Nodir Divan-begi was across the street. Given around 40 minutes at the complex, we ventured into the Jewish community residents and hoped into their synagogue.

The mulberry trees

This our first time get into a Jewish Synagogue

It was pretty small, for small quarters I guessed

Walking along the Jewish Quarters

On the video called with Opah at the kampung

It was really nice strolled along the pond

The madrassah, almost all the Uzbek architecture having the same frontage

Among the prominent Sufi who owned this complex

To our surprise, Mr Ilham brought us again to his parents house for dinner. He did told us that yesterday, his neighbor came by as curious on a big group. We laughing out loud when Ilham mentioned that we were the relatives of his wife.. P.