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Chor Minor

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monument
—°9
Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)

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Chor Minor, meaning 'four minarets' in Persian, is the distinctive gatehouse of a former madrasah in Bukhara, commissioned in 1807 by Khalif Niyaz-kul, a wealthy Turkmen merchant. Its architecture is unique in Central Asia, as its four towers are not functional minarets but decorative structures adorned with varied blue-tile patterns. Each of the four tower caps features a slightly different design, which is often interpreted as symbolizing the harmony between different world religions or geographical regions. Originally, the building served as the entrance to a larger complex that included a courtyard, student dormitories, and an extensive library, though only the gatehouse remains standing today. In the 1990s, one of the towers collapsed but was faithfully restored shortly thereafter with assistance from UNESCO. Today, Chor Minor stands as one of Bukhara's most pleasant and photogenic landmarks, tucked away in the quiet streets of the old city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C13101725303229231571
Rain mm1627272310200051513

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Chor Minor is a publicly accessible monument in central Bukhara. You can view the building from outside and enter the small inner courtyard.
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Typical hours
The monument is typically open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. In the off-season hours may be shorter; local confirmation is advisable.
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Photography
Photography is allowed outside and in the courtyard. Inside the building it is usually tolerated, but flash-free.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 20 to 30 minutes as the monument is quite small. Take time to admire the four blue domes from the outside.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Bukhara's old town, including Lyab-i Hauz and the Kalon Mosque. All are within walking distance.
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Getting there
Chor Minor is near the Lyab-i-Hauz complex in Bukhara's historic centre. Easily reachable on foot from most central points of the city.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument in late afternoon when the light beautifully highlights the blue domes. Haggle for souvenir prices at the surrounding stalls.

Geography

Coordinates
39.77440, 64.42750

Facts

  • The structure was completed in the year 1807.
  • The name Chor Minor is of Persian origin, meaning 'four minarets'.
  • One of the towers collapsed in 1995 and was fully restored by 1997.
  • The towers lack internal stairs for muezzins and were used for storage.
  • The building originally provided entrance to a madrasah with 59 student cells.
  • The blue tiles on the towers reflect the enduring influence of Timurid style.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BukharaBukhara<1 km · NExplore →
Po-i-KalyanPo-i-Kalyan1 km · SExplore →
Sitorai Mokhi-KhosaSitorai Mokhi-Khosa3 km · NEExplore →
Samanid MausoleumSamanid Mausoleum3 km · SExplore →
Jeyran EcocenterJeyran Ecocenter25 km · SExplore →
Bukhara Deer Breeding CenterBukhara Deer Breeding Center29 km · SExplore →
GijduvanGijduvan31 km · NEExplore →
Lake TudakulLake Tudakul45 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chor Minor (9)

Atlantis pool🎡 recreation

A modern water park with slides and pools, providing a place to cool off during the summer heat of Bukhara.

Dakhmai Bekhishtiion🏺 historical

A historical memorial site and necropolis that provides a glimpse into the burial traditions of old Bukhara.

Chor Minor📍 landmark

This landmark is famous for its gatehouse with four blue-domed towers, each featuring different decorative motifs.

Xo'ja Qurbon Madrasasi🏺 historical

A traditional madrasa-style monument, representing the classic architecture of Bukhara's Islamic schools.

Cathedral Mosque Khoja Orif Mohitobon📍 landmark

A spacious cathedral mosque for Friday prayers, serving as a focal point for religious life in the Mohitobon district.

🕒 sunrise-sunset

Seventh Day Adventist Church📍 landmark

This Protestant house of worship hosts the local Seventh-day Adventist community in the historic city.

Dilkusho bozorchasi🎭 culture

A local bazaar specializing in fresh food, fruits, and vegetables, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday life.

🕒 05:00-22:00

To'qimachi Dehqon bozori🎭 culture

A traditional farmers' market where regional farmers sell their produce and agricultural goods directly.

Shark Bozorcha🎭 culture

A smaller, oriental-style market known for its selection of local spices, teas, and traditional sweets.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Chor Minor?
A historical gatehouse.
What does the name mean?
Four minarets.
Can it be visited?
Yes, there is a small shop.
How long does it take?
Short stop, approx. 20 min.
Where is it located?
A bit off the beaten path in Bukhara.
Chor Minor: where is it located?
Chor Minor is located in Uzbekistan.
Chor Minor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Atlantis pool, Dakhmai Bekhishtiion, Chor Minor.
Chor Minor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Chor Minor: why is it worth visiting?
Chor Minor, meaning 'four minarets' in Persian, is the distinctive gatehouse of a former madrasah in Bukhara, commissioned in 1807 by Khalif Niyaz-kul, a wealthy Turkmen merchant.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Bukhara — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara
Historical city on the Silk Road with countless mosques and madrasas.
Tudakul Lake — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Tudakul Lake
A massive saltwater reservoir in the Kyzylkum Desert, known as a recreational area for water sports, fishing, and luxury resorts.
Saýat — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Saýat
A city southeast of Türkmenabat characterized by cotton cultivation.

History & landmarks

Gijduvan — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Gijduvan
The center of Uzbek ceramic art, famous for its unique pottery school and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah.
Magok-i-Attari — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Magok-i-Attari
One of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara, situated below ground level and showing pre-Islamic influences.
Bolo Hauz Mosque — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Bolo Hauz Mosque
An impressive mosque opposite the Ark Citadel, known for its porch with fine carved wooden pillars.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa
The summer palace of the last Emir of Bukhara fascinatingly combines Oriental and Russian architectural styles.

Nature

Lake Tudakul — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Lake Tudakul
An oasis lake in the desert near Bukhara, known for its rich birdlife and as a resort.
Zarafshan River — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Zarafshan River
An important river that flows through Samarkand and Bukhara, acting as the lifeblood of these historic oasis cities.

More places

Lyab-i-Hauz — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Lyab-i-Hauz
A picturesque square in Bukhara built around a historic pool (Hauz), surrounded by ancient madrasahs.
Po-i-Kalyan — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Po-i-Kalyan
An architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, famous for its impressive minaret that even Genghis Khan spared.
Ark of Bukhara — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Ark of Bukhara
This massive fortress was the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries.
Samanid Mausoleum — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Samanid Mausoleum
An architectural jewel in Bukhara, considered one of the oldest and most important buildings in Central Asian architecture.
Jeyran Ecocenter — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Jeyran Ecocenter
A specialized nature reserve for the breeding and conservation of rare desert animals, particularly the goitered gazelle.
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center — Chor Minor (Uzbekistan)
Bukhara Deer Breeding Center
A critical facility for the rescue of the endemic Bukhara deer, which is closely tied to the ecosystem of river oases.
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Bukhara Oil Refinery
One of the country's main oil refineries, producing high-quality fuels and lubricants.