Trading domes of Bukhara

Trading domes of Bukhara

Bukhara is known to the world not only for its mosques, the fortress Ark and the majestic Kalyan minaret, but also the trading domes that stretch from Lyabi-Khauz to the Miri-Arab Madrassah. Long ago, in the 16th century under the Sheibanid dynasty, Bukhara became the capital city, and the city’s unprecedented growth began, and as it was on the Great Silk Road, bazaars and shopping bazaars even more caught the crossroads of large roads. Centuries have passed, and now only four trading domes have survived.

Toki-Sarrofon very close to the Lyabi-Khauz dominates the dome, under which there is a crossroads. Around him are scattered shopping benches. Once there was located one of the largest currency exchanges in Central Asia: merchants from India, China, and other countries changed money from money, which they called sarrafon. Hence the name of the trading dome. But after centuries you can only buy carpets, scarves and other souvenirs.

Telpak Furushon is a massive complex with a hexagonal orientation. Under the spherical dome are concentrated benches, in which knives, jewelry, musical instruments and various souvenirs are sold. Nearby is the medieval smithy, where you can see how to make knives and other tools. Once here books were sold, and the trading dome was called Kitab-Furushon “book sellers”. But gradually the place of books was occupied by benches in which hats were sold, later the trade in hats gave way to souvenirs of local artisans.

Toki-Zargaron is the largest trading dome of Bukhara. It is the most northern, and is very close to the complex of Poi Kalon. The Toki-Zargaron dome differs in that it is extended upwards and has reinforcing ribs. The name Zargaron is associated with the word “zargar”, which can be translated as “jeweler”. Once there were 36 jewelry shops, shops selling a variety of jewelry. In addition, Toki-Zargaron was the very first of the trading domes of Bukhara. Today, you can buy jewelry, scarves, and various accessories for the house: Bukhara door handles, bells, lucky horseshoes and much more.

Tim Abdullakhan trading dome is very different from its counterparts. He is not at the crossroads, but along the street; is a closed room, which is always cool. Light in Tim Abdullakhan comes from small windows and holes in the domes. For centuries, carpets and fabrics were traded here, and today you can buy a motley carpet, a beautiful patterned handkerchief or a piece of Bukhara fabric.