Bukhara. Day 12

 Today followed the established formula - an outing in the morning to a couple of sites and then the afternoon free. We lazed about and squandered the afternoon as there is a point where going and looking at things starts to feel like a job.

Once again the things we saw were important and also completely unknown to us. The first was a kind of memorial, a large area of gardens and buildings around the tomb of Bahouddin Naqshband, a 14th Century Sufi saint/religious leader. There were lots of gardens which gave it a fairly tranquil feeling, despite the large number of people - muslims praying and tourists. Uzbeckistan is more touristed than I'd anticipated and the impression is it is fairly known and/or promoted in europe.

Fortunately our guide is clear but succinct. Even Lynn doesn't really have long enough to get bored.

After this we were taken to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, the summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara - these types of local rulers administered areas under control of the Tsarist Russian empire until the Russian revolution when they were replaced. There was a main palace (partly being repaired), a guest house (containing a display of clothing) and a harem (containing an embroidery exhibition). In keeping with our efficient guide, the various displays have brief signage, so it's easier to keep moving.

We were back in Bukhara before 1pm. So we had a break, then went out for a light lunch and in the evening a group of people went out to have dinner by the pond in the central square.


19th C Caravanserai



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