Uzbekistan
Summer Mosque within the Kuhna Ark citadel in Khiva.
Famous and elaborate blue and white tiled walls the Summer Mosque within the Kuhna Ark citadel in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (forground), a famous unfinished structure entirely covered in glazed tiles and majolica in turquoise, blue, and green colors. To the left is a small tower of the adjacent Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah.
Kalta Minor Minaret (left) and the wall of Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah within the walled city of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (bluish tiled structure) and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah in Khiva. The minaret was commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan and was to be the tallest minaret in the Muslim world, potentially over 80 meters high, however its construction stopped in 1855 at a height of 29 meters when the Khan died in battle.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex with its large, single turquoise dome, which is unique in Khiva architecture. Walled inner town of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Open air lobby / changing Room of the Anusha Khan Bathhouses complex with a floral pattern. Minaret visible in the background belongs to the nearby Polvon Qori Madrasah. Inner town of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Domes of the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum and the minaret of the Juma Mosque in Itchan Kala, the historic inner town of Khiva.
Intricate tilework inside the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud who was a local poet, philosopher, and wrestler in 13th-14th century in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (meaning "short minaret") and the adjacent Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah (left) in the ancient city of Khiva.
The arches of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and the Kalta Minor Minaret in the ancient walled city of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Panoramic view of the historic inner city of Itchan Kala in Khiva - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tiled domes and minarets of the Kunya-Ark citadel, the oldest surviving residence of the Khiva khans. Inner city of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Ancient clay walls of Itchan Kala, the walled inner town of Khiva.
Massive mud-brick walls of Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva.
West Gate (Ota Darvaza) of the Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner town of Khiva. The gate was built in 1828-1829 during the reign of Olloqulixon.
Kalta Minor minaret and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah by night. Inner town of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Islam Khoja Minaret built in 1910, the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing at 57 meters. Khiva.
Courtyard of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, the largest madrasah in Khiva, capable of hosting up to 250 students.
Traditional Uzbek hat made of sheep fur, bought in Khiva.
Residential house in the old, restored part of Khiva.
Architectural details of the ancient walled city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva.
Tiny window in a thick defense wall of he inner walled city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva.
Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva seen from its base up. It is the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing at approximately 57 meters.
Street scene in the historic Ichan Kala, the inner city of Khiva with the Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah complex in the background.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum within the Ichan-Kala fortress in Khiva. Pahlavon Mahmud was a legendary poet, philosopher and fighter who became the patron saint of Khiva.
Mud-brick walls and watchtowers around Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasah of Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of the city of Khiva.
Neighborhood of the Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasah in the ancient inner city of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Inner courtyard of the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) built between 1830 and 1841 by order of Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan, the ruler of the Khanate of Khiva.
Inner courtyard of the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) built between 1830 and 1841 by order of Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan, the ruler of the Khanate of Khiva.
Intricate ornamentation made of ceramic tiles featuring traditional Khorezm white and blue patterns in the Tosh Hovli Palacei n the Ichan-Qala fortress of Khiva.
Harem Courtyard within the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) in Khiva.
Khan's bedroom within the Toshhovli Palace (Stone Palace) complex in Khiva.
Balcony overlooking a courtyard in the Tash-Kauli Palace in Khiva.
Antient street between tall walls of Itchan Kala, the inner town of Khiva.
Traditional hats, known as telpak made from karakul sheepskin, for sale in the ancient walled city of Khiva.
A camel in front of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah in Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva
Polvon Qori Street connecting the west gate (Ota Darvoza) and the east gate (Polvon Darvoza) of Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner town of Khiva.
Traditional hats, known as telpak made from karakul sheepskin, for sale in the ancient walled city of Khiva.
Large turquoise dome of the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (left) and Islam Khoja Minaret, the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan (right). Khiva.
Monument to the legendary folk character Hodja Nasreddin riding his donkey with the tiled arches of the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah built in 1623. Bukhara.
Magok-i-Attari Mosque, considered the oldest mosque in Central Asia, with some parts dating back to the 9th century. Bukhara.
Detail of the external ornamentation of the Magok-i-Attari Mosque in Bukhara, considered to be the oldest surviving mosque in Central Asia.
Uzbek woman from Bukhara.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (built in the 1530s) opposite the Kalan Mosque, part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Po-i-Kalyan complex consisting of the Kalyan Minaret (Great Minaret), Kalyan Mosque (right) and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (left). The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bukhara.
Magnificent turquoise mosaic dome and facade of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara.
Detail of the ornamentation featuring geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy on the dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika on his head with the Kalan Mosque behind him. Bukhara.
Local cyclist walking past the foot of Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara.
Uzbek men talking business. Bukhara.
Local men having a casual meeting by lattice window of the Madrasah of Emir Alimkhan next to the Kalam Minaret in Bukhara.
Madrasah Mir-i-Arab built between 1535 and 1536 during the reign of Ubaid-Allah Shah and still operating today as an active institution for Islamic education. Bukhara.
A turquoise dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah seen from the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque. Bukhara.
Courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque with a turquoise dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (centre left) and Kalyan Minaret (right). Bukhara.
Octagonal ablutions fountain in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Uzbek communal dining table under the arches of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Uzbek women enjoying a meal and conversation by a communal dining table under the arches of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Local woman dressed in orange walking across the courtyard of Kaylan Mosque in Bukhara.
Shop with carpets and local handicrafts in the old centre of Bukhara.
Beautifully illuminated Kalyan Minaret at the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Top part of the Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara illuminated at night.
Quiet prayer at dusk in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
On of the four portals (iwans) of the Kalyan Mosque courtyard. Bukhara.
Night view of illuminated impressive defensive walls of the Ark of Bukhara, a massive, old fortress in Bukhara.
Chor Minor ("Four Minarets") built in 1807 as the gatehouse to a now-destroyed madrasa. Each tower has a different decorative motif, with elements such as a Christian cross and a Buddhist praying wheel. Bukhara
Local man collecting glass next to his vintage baby carriage filled with bottles. Bukhara.
Old patinated brass pitchers for sale at an elongated plaza facing Toki Sarrofon, an old money exchange center built in 1534-1535 by the order of the Shaybanid ruler Ubaydullah Khan. Bukhara.
Bolo Hauz Mosque built in 1712 opposite the Ark Citadel in the Registan district of Bukhara.
Iwan (porch) of the Bolo Haouz Mosque in Bukhara with its unique and beautiful wooden columns.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika hat. Bukhara.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika hat. Bukhara.
Uzbek men resting in front of a mosque in Bukhara.
Men praying in front of the Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara.
Complex consisting of two 16th-century madrasahs (Kosh Madrasah), Modari Khan Madrasah and Abdullah Khan Madrasah facing each other. Bukhara.
Abdullah Khan Madrasah from the 16th century with rich and colourful majolica tile decorations featuring geometric patterns. Bukhara.
Entrance of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Target shooting game in Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Samanid Mausoleum, the resting place for the powerful Samanid dynasty, including its founder, Ismail Samani built around 9th to 10th century. Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Interior of the Samanid Mausoleum. Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Local man sitting in the shade of the iman of Ulugbek Madrasah opposite the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah constructed in 1652 in Bukhara.
Inner courtyard of the Ulugbek Madrasah in Bukhara built in 1417 by the Timurid ruler and astronomer Ulugbek.
Toki-Zargaron, the largest of Bukhara's medi trading domes, which used to house 36 shops, with the blue domes of the Miri-Arab Madrasa and Kalan Minaret in the background. Bukhara.
Interior of a room in the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in the old city of Bukhara.
A well in the internal courtyard of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara surroundad by stalls selling local products.
Two l arches with partially preserved tiled ornamentation in the courtyard of the Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Door. Bukhara.
Main entrance portal (iwan) of the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah on the Labi Hovuz square in Bukhara
Elderly Uzbek man in Lyabi-Hauz square in Bukhara.
Elderly Uzbek man in Lyabi-Hauz square in Bukhara.
Entrance portal (iwan) of the of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah built in 1652 by order of the Ashtarkhanid ruler Abdulaziz Khan. Bukhara.
Mosaics, glazed ceramics, and painted muqarnas (stalactite vaults) ceilings of the portal (iwan) of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Ornamentation with colorful glazed tiles on one of the external walls of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara at sunset.
Bautiful tilework of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara at sunset.
Happy Uzbek woman from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Uzbek woman met in the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Serving window in an eatery preparing mostly traditional Uzbek plov within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Gigantic bowl of plov (traditional rice and meat dish) in an eatery within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Uzbek ladies met in an eatery within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Serving food in an eatery preparing mostly traditional Uzbek plov within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Scene from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Scene from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Local women buying vegetables at the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Egg seller at the bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
View of the Zafrashan mountains from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Old, soviet style truck (GAZ-53) heavily loaded with large bales of hay seen on the way from Urgut to Samarkand.
Uzbek men from Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand built in the 15th century under the orders of Timur (Tamerlane).
Close-up of the stunning tilework and calligraphy on the dome and wall of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand.
Wooden lattice work (mashrabiya) from the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture, Samarkand.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand featuring a collection of mausoleums and religious buildings constructed between the 9th and 19th centuries.
Entrance to the Khwaja Ahmad Mausoleum, part of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Magnificent tilework from the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
A "street" inside the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with the Khodja-Akhmad Mausoleum at the far end. Samarkand.
Mausoleum of Khwaja Ahmad located within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Detail of beautiful tilework with Arabic calligraphy from the Khodja-Akhmad Mausoleum within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
One of the entrance gates to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
External view of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand believed to be the burial place of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Interior of the Usto Ali Nesefi Mausoleum at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Eight point star in the external ornamentation of Mausoleum of Shadi Mulk Aga within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
One of a kind avenue of mausoleums at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand with Mausoleum of Tuman-Aqa on the left, Mausoleum of 1361 on the right and a blue dome on the complex of the central shrine of Qusam ibn Abbas at the far end.
Blue dome of Mausoleum of Kazi Zade Rumi at the far end of the Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Tomb, or cenotaph believed to be that of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand.
Interior of the Shad-i-Mulk Oko Mausoleum, the burial place of Tamerlane's sister and his niece built between 1371 and 1383. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Entrance to the Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aga, the sister of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur (Tamerlane). Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Stunning avenue of mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Blue tilework on a side of the entrance portal of Usto Ali Nesefi Mausoleum. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Mausoleum of Kazi Zade Rumi constructed by Ulugbek, the grandson of Timur, around 1434–1435 AD. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
One of the narrow lanes in the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Breathtaking Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda complex with the Mausoleum of Shadi Mulk Aga and Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aga facing each other. Samarkand.
Dacades lining the Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Stunning blue and turquoise tilework of the Shadi Mulk Aka Mausoleum n the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Registan Square in Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three ornate Islamic schools (madrasas): the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
Registan Square in Samarkand illuminated at dusk. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three ornate Islamic schools (madrasas): the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
Main portal of the Tilya-Kori ("decorated with gold") Madrasah, part of the Registan Square in Samarkand.
Tilya-Kori ("decorated with gold") Madrasah, part of the Registan Square in Samarkand illuminated at night during a "light and sound" show.
Ribbed turquoise dome and tilework of Sher-Dor Madrasah. Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Sher-Dor Madrasah, located in Registan Square in Samarkand.
Summer Mosque within the Kuhna Ark citadel in Khiva.
Famous and elaborate blue and white tiled walls the Summer Mosque within the Kuhna Ark citadel in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (forground), a famous unfinished structure entirely covered in glazed tiles and majolica in turquoise, blue, and green colors. To the left is a small tower of the adjacent Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah.
Kalta Minor Minaret (left) and the wall of Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah within the walled city of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (bluish tiled structure) and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah in Khiva. The minaret was commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan and was to be the tallest minaret in the Muslim world, potentially over 80 meters high, however its construction stopped in 1855 at a height of 29 meters when the Khan died in battle.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum complex with its large, single turquoise dome, which is unique in Khiva architecture. Walled inner town of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Open air lobby / changing Room of the Anusha Khan Bathhouses complex with a floral pattern. Minaret visible in the background belongs to the nearby Polvon Qori Madrasah. Inner town of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Domes of the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum and the minaret of the Juma Mosque in Itchan Kala, the historic inner town of Khiva.
Intricate tilework inside the Mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud who was a local poet, philosopher, and wrestler in 13th-14th century in Khiva.
Kalta Minor Minaret (meaning "short minaret") and the adjacent Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah (left) in the ancient city of Khiva.
The arches of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah and the Kalta Minor Minaret in the ancient walled city of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Panoramic view of the historic inner city of Itchan Kala in Khiva - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tiled domes and minarets of the Kunya-Ark citadel, the oldest surviving residence of the Khiva khans. Inner city of Itchan Kala in Khiva.
Ancient clay walls of Itchan Kala, the walled inner town of Khiva.
Massive mud-brick walls of Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of Khiva.
West Gate (Ota Darvaza) of the Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner town of Khiva. The gate was built in 1828-1829 during the reign of Olloqulixon.
Kalta Minor minaret and the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah by night. Inner town of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Islam Khoja Minaret built in 1910, the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing at 57 meters. Khiva.
Courtyard of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah, the largest madrasah in Khiva, capable of hosting up to 250 students.
Traditional Uzbek hat made of sheep fur, bought in Khiva.
Residential house in the old, restored part of Khiva.
Architectural details of the ancient walled city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva.
Tiny window in a thick defense wall of he inner walled city of Ichan-Kala in Khiva.
Islam Khoja Minaret in Khiva seen from its base up. It is the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan, standing at approximately 57 meters.
Street scene in the historic Ichan Kala, the inner city of Khiva with the Islam Khodja Minaret and Madrasah complex in the background.
Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum within the Ichan-Kala fortress in Khiva. Pahlavon Mahmud was a legendary poet, philosopher and fighter who became the patron saint of Khiva.
Mud-brick walls and watchtowers around Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasah of Itchan Kala, the inner fortress of the city of Khiva.
Neighborhood of the Kutlug Murad Inaq Madrasah in the ancient inner city of Itchan Kala, Khiva.
Inner courtyard of the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) built between 1830 and 1841 by order of Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan, the ruler of the Khanate of Khiva.
Inner courtyard of the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) built between 1830 and 1841 by order of Allah Kuli Bahadur Khan, the ruler of the Khanate of Khiva.
Intricate ornamentation made of ceramic tiles featuring traditional Khorezm white and blue patterns in the Tosh Hovli Palacei n the Ichan-Qala fortress of Khiva.
Harem Courtyard within the Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace) in Khiva.
Khan's bedroom within the Toshhovli Palace (Stone Palace) complex in Khiva.
Balcony overlooking a courtyard in the Tash-Kauli Palace in Khiva.
Antient street between tall walls of Itchan Kala, the inner town of Khiva.
Traditional hats, known as telpak made from karakul sheepskin, for sale in the ancient walled city of Khiva.
A camel in front of the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasah in Itchan Kala, the walled inner city of Khiva
Polvon Qori Street connecting the west gate (Ota Darvoza) and the east gate (Polvon Darvoza) of Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner town of Khiva.
Traditional hats, known as telpak made from karakul sheepskin, for sale in the ancient walled city of Khiva.
Large turquoise dome of the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum (left) and Islam Khoja Minaret, the tallest minaret in Uzbekistan (right). Khiva.
Monument to the legendary folk character Hodja Nasreddin riding his donkey with the tiled arches of the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah built in 1623. Bukhara.
Magok-i-Attari Mosque, considered the oldest mosque in Central Asia, with some parts dating back to the 9th century. Bukhara.
Detail of the external ornamentation of the Magok-i-Attari Mosque in Bukhara, considered to be the oldest surviving mosque in Central Asia.
Uzbek woman from Bukhara.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (built in the 1530s) opposite the Kalan Mosque, part of the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Po-i-Kalyan complex consisting of the Kalyan Minaret (Great Minaret), Kalyan Mosque (right) and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (left). The complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bukhara.
Magnificent turquoise mosaic dome and facade of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara.
Detail of the ornamentation featuring geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy on the dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika on his head with the Kalan Mosque behind him. Bukhara.
Local cyclist walking past the foot of Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara.
Uzbek men talking business. Bukhara.
Local men having a casual meeting by lattice window of the Madrasah of Emir Alimkhan next to the Kalam Minaret in Bukhara.
Madrasah Mir-i-Arab built between 1535 and 1536 during the reign of Ubaid-Allah Shah and still operating today as an active institution for Islamic education. Bukhara.
A turquoise dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah seen from the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque. Bukhara.
Courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque with a turquoise dome of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah (centre left) and Kalyan Minaret (right). Bukhara.
Octagonal ablutions fountain in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Uzbek communal dining table under the arches of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Uzbek women enjoying a meal and conversation by a communal dining table under the arches of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
Local woman dressed in orange walking across the courtyard of Kaylan Mosque in Bukhara.
Shop with carpets and local handicrafts in the old centre of Bukhara.
Beautifully illuminated Kalyan Minaret at the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Top part of the Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara illuminated at night.
Quiet prayer at dusk in the courtyard of the Kalyan Mosque in Bukhara.
On of the four portals (iwans) of the Kalyan Mosque courtyard. Bukhara.
Night view of illuminated impressive defensive walls of the Ark of Bukhara, a massive, old fortress in Bukhara.
Chor Minor ("Four Minarets") built in 1807 as the gatehouse to a now-destroyed madrasa. Each tower has a different decorative motif, with elements such as a Christian cross and a Buddhist praying wheel. Bukhara
Local man collecting glass next to his vintage baby carriage filled with bottles. Bukhara.
Old patinated brass pitchers for sale at an elongated plaza facing Toki Sarrofon, an old money exchange center built in 1534-1535 by the order of the Shaybanid ruler Ubaydullah Khan. Bukhara.
Bolo Hauz Mosque built in 1712 opposite the Ark Citadel in the Registan district of Bukhara.
Iwan (porch) of the Bolo Haouz Mosque in Bukhara with its unique and beautiful wooden columns.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika hat. Bukhara.
Uzbek man wearing a traditional tyubeteika hat. Bukhara.
Uzbek men resting in front of a mosque in Bukhara.
Men praying in front of the Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara.
Complex consisting of two 16th-century madrasahs (Kosh Madrasah), Modari Khan Madrasah and Abdullah Khan Madrasah facing each other. Bukhara.
Abdullah Khan Madrasah from the 16th century with rich and colourful majolica tile decorations featuring geometric patterns. Bukhara.
Entrance of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in the Po-i-Kalyan complex in Bukhara.
Target shooting game in Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Samanid Mausoleum, the resting place for the powerful Samanid dynasty, including its founder, Ismail Samani built around 9th to 10th century. Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Interior of the Samanid Mausoleum. Samonids Recreation Park in Bukhara.
Local man sitting in the shade of the iman of Ulugbek Madrasah opposite the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah constructed in 1652 in Bukhara.
Inner courtyard of the Ulugbek Madrasah in Bukhara built in 1417 by the Timurid ruler and astronomer Ulugbek.
Toki-Zargaron, the largest of Bukhara's medi trading domes, which used to house 36 shops, with the blue domes of the Miri-Arab Madrasa and Kalan Minaret in the background. Bukhara.
Interior of a room in the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in the old city of Bukhara.
A well in the internal courtyard of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara surroundad by stalls selling local products.
Two l arches with partially preserved tiled ornamentation in the courtyard of the Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Door. Bukhara.
Main entrance portal (iwan) of the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah on the Labi Hovuz square in Bukhara
Elderly Uzbek man in Lyabi-Hauz square in Bukhara.
Elderly Uzbek man in Lyabi-Hauz square in Bukhara.
Entrance portal (iwan) of the of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah built in 1652 by order of the Ashtarkhanid ruler Abdulaziz Khan. Bukhara.
Mosaics, glazed ceramics, and painted muqarnas (stalactite vaults) ceilings of the portal (iwan) of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Ornamentation with colorful glazed tiles on one of the external walls of the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah in Bukhara.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara at sunset.
Bautiful tilework of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah in Bukhara at sunset.
Happy Uzbek woman from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Uzbek woman met in the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Serving window in an eatery preparing mostly traditional Uzbek plov within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Gigantic bowl of plov (traditional rice and meat dish) in an eatery within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Uzbek ladies met in an eatery within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Serving food in an eatery preparing mostly traditional Uzbek plov within the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Scene from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Scene from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Local women buying vegetables at the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Egg seller at the bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
View of the Zafrashan mountains from the famous bazaar in Urgut near Samarkand.
Old, soviet style truck (GAZ-53) heavily loaded with large bales of hay seen on the way from Urgut to Samarkand.
Uzbek men from Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand built in the 15th century under the orders of Timur (Tamerlane).
Close-up of the stunning tilework and calligraphy on the dome and wall of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand.
Wooden lattice work (mashrabiya) from the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture, Samarkand.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand featuring a collection of mausoleums and religious buildings constructed between the 9th and 19th centuries.
Entrance to the Khwaja Ahmad Mausoleum, part of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Magnificent tilework from the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
A "street" inside the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis with the Khodja-Akhmad Mausoleum at the far end. Samarkand.
Mausoleum of Khwaja Ahmad located within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Detail of beautiful tilework with Arabic calligraphy from the Khodja-Akhmad Mausoleum within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
One of the entrance gates to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
External view of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand believed to be the burial place of Qutham ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.
Interior of the Usto Ali Nesefi Mausoleum at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Eight point star in the external ornamentation of Mausoleum of Shadi Mulk Aga within the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
One of a kind avenue of mausoleums at the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand with Mausoleum of Tuman-Aqa on the left, Mausoleum of 1361 on the right and a blue dome on the complex of the central shrine of Qusam ibn Abbas at the far end.
Blue dome of Mausoleum of Kazi Zade Rumi at the far end of the Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Tomb, or cenotaph believed to be that of Qusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand.
Interior of the Shad-i-Mulk Oko Mausoleum, the burial place of Tamerlane's sister and his niece built between 1371 and 1383. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Entrance to the Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aga, the sister of the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur (Tamerlane). Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Stunning avenue of mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Blue tilework on a side of the entrance portal of Usto Ali Nesefi Mausoleum. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Mausoleum of Kazi Zade Rumi constructed by Ulugbek, the grandson of Timur, around 1434–1435 AD. Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
One of the narrow lanes in the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis complex in Samarkand.
Breathtaking Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda complex with the Mausoleum of Shadi Mulk Aga and Mausoleum of Shirin Bika Aga facing each other. Samarkand.
Dacades lining the Avenue of Mausoleums in Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Stunning blue and turquoise tilework of the Shadi Mulk Aka Mausoleum n the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand.
Registan Square in Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three ornate Islamic schools (madrasas): the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
Registan Square in Samarkand illuminated at dusk. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three ornate Islamic schools (madrasas): the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, the Sher-Dor Madrasah, and the Tilya-Kori Madrasah.
Main portal of the Tilya-Kori ("decorated with gold") Madrasah, part of the Registan Square in Samarkand.
Tilya-Kori ("decorated with gold") Madrasah, part of the Registan Square in Samarkand illuminated at night during a "light and sound" show.
Ribbed turquoise dome and tilework of Sher-Dor Madrasah. Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Sher-Dor Madrasah, located in Registan Square in Samarkand.