Bukhara

Bukhara is a city of an architectural preserve of over a thousand years of history. Bukhara is situated in the southwestern part of Uzbekistan, in Central Asia. The city is known for its traditional architecture, with intricate tile work, minarets, and domes that showcase Central Asian architectural styles. 

It has been a cultural and religious hub since the 4th Century and is home to many ancient sites, monuments, and architecture. The city is renowned for its great archaeological sites such as the Ark Fortress, Kalyan Minaret, and Lyabi-Khauz. Tourists can also visit the ancient Ismaili Samanid Mausoleum, the Chor-Minor Mosque, and the Chashma Ayub Mausoleum.

The city itself occupies a relatively compact area within this region, with a total area of approximately 39 square kilometers. Bukhara has been inhabited continuously since the 6th century BC. The city's markets and caravanserais bustled with merchants, scholars, and travelers from various parts of the world.

The city is surrounded by a vast desert landscape, with the Kyzylkum Desert to the north and the Karakum Desert to the south. Despite the arid surroundings, the city has historically been sustained by a network of canals and oases, making it an oasis in the desert.

The historic center of Bukhara, often referred to as the "Bukhara Old City," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains numerous well-preserved architectural treasures, including mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and other Islamic buildings. Notable sites include the Kalyan Minaret, the Po-i-Kalyan complex, and the Samanid Mausoleum.