Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble Bukhara

Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Bukhara

The Lyabi Khauz Ensemble (1568–1622) is the name of the area surrounding one of the few remaining Khauz, or pond, in the city of Bukhara. Several such ponds existed in Bukhara prior to Soviet rule. The ponds acted as the city's principal source of water, but were also notorious for spreading disease, and thus were mostly filled in during the 1920s and 1930s by the Soviets.

The Lyabi Khauz survived owing to its role as the centerpiece of an architectural ensemble dating back to the 16th to 17th centuries. The Lyabi Khauz ensemble consists of the 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, the largest in the city, along the north side of the pond. On the eastern and western sides of the pond are a 17th-century lodging-house for itinerant Sufis, and a 17th-century madrasah.

There is also a metal sculpture of Nasruddin Hodja, the quick-witted and warm-hearted man, who forms the central character of many children's folk stories in Central Asian, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, sitting atop his mule with one hand on his heart and the other with an 'All OK' sign above his head.

Top Sights of Bukhara

Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble in Bukhara

Lyabi-Khauz Ensemble, Bukhara