Chor-Minor Madras

Chor-Minor, madras with amazing shape, is situated in the north-west of Bukhara. Its name is translated as “Four minarets”. These minarets symbolize the four parts of the world. Ornaments of the minaret differ from each other. A part of a two storied entrance arch has survived and presently used as a mosque. The decoration of internal walls and dome represents religious inscriptions in Arabic. These signs could be seen and nowadays.  The building was flanked with kelyas (cells) which formed a square courtyard. Library with variety of valuable manuscripts was located on the second floor.

The building of the madras was sponsored by a rich Turkmen trader Caliph Niyaz- Kula in 1807.  Some sources say that he was inspired with Taj Mahal mausoleum in India. Thus, he planned to create in some sort copy of this mausoleum in Bukhara.

Chor- Minor mausoleum is an outstanding monument of the XIX century architecture.