Uzbekistan Silk Road: Bukhara

Unfortunately our new room is considerably smaller and very dark, but at least it's on a quiet side of the building so we had a better night's sleep and a good breakfast following which we headed out with the group for another sightseeing session.

Of course I couldn't resist another couple of shots as we walked down through the square.

Today we're visiting the Ark of Bukhara, a huge fortress built around 5th century.

This is the Bukhara Water Tower, a unique hyperboloid structure built in 1929 to serve as the city's main water supply. It was damaged by fire in 1975 and has since been converted into a tourist attraction featuring a panoramic observation deck and a restaurant at the top. A modern glass elevator was added to the side of the original lattice structure to transport visitors to the top

The Ark is now a museum and these wax models depict prisoners held in an 18th century traditional zindan (prison).

The ornate ceiling and carved wooden pillars of the Juma mosque, located within the Ark.

The intricately carved and painted wooden capitals are designed as muqarnas (three-dimensional ornamental vaulting) featuring connected star patterns on different layers.

The ceiling is magnificent.

This is the intricately decorated mihrab (niche) inside the Friday Mosque.

Part of the Koran

As ever, people were very happy to be photographed.

Both wearing sheep's wool Turkmen hats which are supposed to regulate temperature.

This courtyard was the palace of the former Emirs (presumably covered at the time).

We could also walk out across the ramparts which gave great views of the old fortifications.

Plus marvellous views of the Old Town.

Next up was the Bolo Hauz Mosque with its iconic wooden carved pillars and reflection pool.

The mosque's minaret used for calling the faithful to prayer. Whilst the mosque was built in 1712, the minaret was commissioned by the last Emir and completed in 1917.

Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice anyone?

We then drove a short way to the Ismail Samani Mausoleum which appeared to be next to a theme park.

The 10th century mausoleum was the resting place for members of the Samanid dynasty and is considered one of the oldest funerary buildings in Central Asian architecture and a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture. The structure is renowned for its intricate, decorative brickwork designed to create shadows and texture on its cubic form and domed roof.

The place was heaving with school kids when we arrived, obviously an art class outing.

But with a little patience I got the shot almost people free.

Walking through the park we passed this water wheel which is identified as a Shahrud aryk water canal structure, historically used for irrigation but is currently stuck with debris and dry grass.

This is a beshik, a traditional wooden cradle which is revered as an emblem of motherhood and passed down through generations. It features a rocking base and uses built-in swaddling straps and an innovative funnel system to keep infants dry and sleeping soundly. Actually we saw them on Day 1 opposite the market and with lace coverings. Maybe this is a warmer version for the winter.

The Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum known for its conical dome in the Khwarazm style which is uncommon in Bukhara. The mausoleum, constructed during the reign of Timor, is historically tied to a legend that Job (Ayub) visited this place and made a well by striking the ground with his staff.

The water is still pure and is considered healing and is handily now on tap.

Opposite is the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex and includes a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the 9th century Islamic scholar Imam al-Bukhari. This modern building is quite beautiful but impossible to photograph people free.

Then it was on to Char Minar, built in 1807 as a gatehouse for a now-destroyed madrasa. Its name translates to "four minarets," referring to the four towers that are actually topped with unique decorative blue domes.

Like so many other of these glorious buildings, it's now home to craft and souvenir stalls and I bought a lovely handbag in there.

We then went to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, the former summer residence of the last Emir of Bukhara which was built between 1912 and 1918 and features a blend of traditional Bukharian artistry and Russian engineering influences. The highly decorated gate features intricate blue, green, and red mosaics in a geometric pattern.