Poi-Kalyan Ensemble is known as the main attraction in Bukhara and literally Po-i-Kalyan means the foot of the great or the pedestal of the Great. As a main attraction in Uzbekistan Tours, the complex is the home of four beautiful impressive architectural monuments between 12th and 16th centuries. The four architectural beauties Kalyan minaret, Kalyan Mosque, Miri-Arab madrassah and Alim Khan madrasah.
Bukhara has been one of the major cultural and economical hubs in Central Asia from the ancient times. As an integral part of Great Silk Road, Bukhara was the landmark or resting place for the caravan traders on the Silk Road.
From 713 BC, there were many ensembles constructed to the southern part of Ark citadel. But some of these complexes were burned down to the ground by Genghis Khan, the Mongolian leader, while blockading the city of Bukhara. One of these ruined monuments was built in 1121 by Arslan-khan, the Karakhanid ruler. The Kalyan minaret was only one of the structures of Arslan-han complex which has survived the destruction.
Poi-Kalyan Ensemble, Bukhara is located in the main Registan Square in the centre of Bukhara.
Kalan Minaret : Rising above the Bukhara City and known as the symbol of Islam in Bukhara, the Kalyan Minaret has the height of 46.5 meters while the diameter of its base is 9 meters. Moving to the upwards, the diameter decreases with 12 different horizontal decorative bands and there are sixteen open arched windows for the sunlight. The bricks were designed and coloured by a glue from egg whites and camel milk. The minaret is 9 centuries old and was erected in 1127 by the order of Arslan-Khan of the Karakhanids. With a beautiful architecture, this minaret is one of the Tourist Attractions In Bukhara.
Kalan Mosque : Built during the reign of Ubaidulla-Khan in 1514, Kalan Mosque or Poi Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara is over the destroyed site of Karakhanid mosque in 1514. Kalan Mosque is the second largest mosque with the capability of holding 12,000 people at a time and known as the main Bukhara mosque for 500 years. The galleries with the roofing encircle the courtyard of Kalyan Mosque and the mosque rests on 208 pillars.
Mir-i Arab Madrasah Mir-i Arab Madrasah is a functioning madrasah working as Islamic school. It was constructed in between 1535 and 1536 by the funding of Ubaidulla-Khan, Shaybani-Khan’s nephew. It was dedicated to Sheikh Abdullah Yemeni, the spiritual mentor of Shaybanids. For the funding, Ubaidulla-Khan had to sell 3,000 captive Persians as slaves.
As one of the most attractive Places To Visit In Bukhara, Poi-Kalyan Ensemble in Bukhara has three major attractions for their charming decoration and beautiful architecture.
These famous Bukhara Sights are: Kalan minaret, Kalyan Mosque and Mir-i Arab Madrasah.
The narrow brick spiral stairs inside Kalan Minaret offers the way to reach to the rotunda to enjoy the stunning view of Bukhara.
During Uzbekistan Tours, you can see Kalyan Mosque; the eastern portal is highly decorated with magnificent geometric mosaics and inscriptions from the Koran. The inner courtyard from the outside opening has its unique order of arches. A leafy mulberry tree can be seen which gives shade to the visitors. There are two blue mosaic domes are placed opposite to each other, on each side of the courtyard. The decoration of internal arches is highly impressive and has 14 different bands with turquoise colour.
The main fa ade of Mir-i Arab Madrasah has two-tier loggias on each side. The madrasah is highly decorated with mosaic and multicoloured decorative patterns.
Before starting for the tour in Uzbekistan, follow Uzbekistan Travel Advice from your travel guide or tour operator. As an experienced tour operator, EuroAsia Travels offers suitable packages and provide the most enjoyable journey more than your expectation. Book with us by visiting @ http://ea-travel.uz/
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There is nothing as per law in Uzbek that a woman must wear, so you can bring your clothes that you love to wear. However, the country has its own culture and we believe you won’t like to offend it. So, we recommend packing some light shirts, t-shirts, jeans and long-sleeved dresses covering knees. You need to wear a scarf or something that covers your head while entering a mosque. You can pack some swim-dress to wear near your pool at your hotel.
Well, it’s really up to you. Bring as much as you want to spend in Uzbekistan. The country is not much expensive but most for paying most of the things you will need cash. Cards are not much accepted here. You can exchange your money at the airport or in any hotel or banks of Uzbekistan (both in private & govt. bank). Keep in mind that you need to pay tips in restaurants and to porters (not mandatory, but expected as it’s almost a custom to tip).
No, drinking tap water isn’t considered safe in Uzbekistan. We highly recommend using bottled water while you are in Uzbekistan. Also, make sure to eat clean and well-cooked food. If you are visiting Uzbek inn hot time make sure to keep big water bottles as you will feel thirsty due to the hot climate especially in the day time.
Well, the answer is No. Uzbekistan is not only a magical country with a rich history and spectacular natural beauty but also a very friendly country to visit. If you are afraid of if it is safe, then let us tell you even the country is safe for solo woman travelers. Uzbek people are warm and friendly. They will easily welcome you as their guest. Choose a reliable tour operator and explore the best of the country without any fear.
Of course, you can avail alcohol in Uzbekistan. It is kind of part of their life. Alcohol is taken by many Uzbek people especially, the Russians. Soviet people introduced Vodka and other alcoholic drinks that are now a part of their life. However, some very strict Muslims don’t prefer drinking. However, it is allowed and legal in the country.
Uzbekistan is famous for its ancient cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, and Tashkent that are explained in many historical stories. These places have some stunning old Islamic architecture buildings that make it famous. As well, the natural beauty, mountains, and rich history of the country usually fascinate its travelers.
Uzbek people eat many types of food in their daily life. The dishes of Uzbekistan are delicious. Mostly they eat and drink soups, meat dishes, floury dishes, bread, milk, and oriental sweets. They share their culinary style mostly with Turkic people. Mostly they have a whole meal in one pot. You can try some local cuisine during your visit to Uzbekistan like; Plov, Shashlik, Lagman Soup, Shurpa, Dimlama, Chuchvara, Samsa, and more.
While visiting to Uzbek you are recommended to have the following vaccination-
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies
Meningitis
Polio
Measles
Mumps
Rubella
The country is best to visit at any time except the summer season (July & August). During these 2 months, the country is at its highest temperature that goes up to 40-degree Celsius. However, spring and autumn are a great time to visit Uzbek i.e. from April to May and September to early November. During this period the country remains dry with a clear sky and cool temp.
The tropical climate of the country is great for malaria mosquitoes; hence once malaria was the worst health threat in Uzbekistan. To protect people from falling ill in malaria the govt. of Uzbek has taken various steps and in 2010 the country became malaria-free. Now it has won the WHO certificate as a malaria-free country. Hence, you can stay stress-free about malaria.
In July 2018, Uzbekistan started an E-visa facility and there are 76 nationalists can apply for a visa online. You can go to the official E-visa site, and apply for your e-visa by filling a form online. The total cost is 20USD. It takes 2 to 3 working days for processing your visa and then you can get a confirmation in your mail. The payment you can do only in the working hours. If you are not from a country where you can go for e-visa, then you can go with the traditional way. You can book it from the embassy.
There are 21 countries that enjoy visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Here is the cost for Uzbekistan-
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa- US$60 to US$100 for most nationalities
Cost for 30-days single-entry or multiple-entry visa - $160 for US nationalities
Additional entry cost- $10Per entry