Bukhara is one of the most ancient towns of the Orient. It has developed continuously on the same site since the fourth century B.C. The main feature of the town is a rare combination of architectural buildings from different ages - madrassas, mosques, caravan- sarays, baths, rows of traders, minarets and palaces. More then 400 monuments of ancient culture (VI-XX centuries) are situated in Bukhara. Among them is the world famous Ensemble Pan - Kalyan, the Lyabi - Haus complex, the Ismail - Samani mausoleum and the Char-Bakr accropolis.
In the middle ages, Bukhara was one of centers of Oriental science and art, where world famous scientists, writers and painters worked, including the poet Rudaki and the scientist/encyclopedist Avicenna. Since time immemorial, Bukhara has been famous for its gold embroidery, silk-weaving, caulkers, potters, and blacksmiths, whose works are quite popular with the tourists. Today near the ancient monuments, this modern town has grown with its broad prospects, green parks and fountains, colorful oriental bazaars and museums. By many Muslim authorities, Bukhara is considered to be the second holy city in the Muslim world after Mecca.
