Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa

Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa served as the summer residence of the last Emirs of Bukhara, located just north of the city. The name translates to "Palace like the Stars and Moon," reflecting the celestial aspirations of its royal owners. Constructed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the palace is a unique architectural hybrid combining traditional Islamic designs with European styles brought by Russian architects. The most famous room is the "White Hall," which features exquisite ganch (alabaster) carvings over mirrors, creating a shimmering and intricate effect. Following the fall of the Emirate in 1920, the complex was converted into a museum of decorative arts. Today, it houses vast collections of Chinese porcelain, gold-embroidered clothing, and 19th-century furniture. The surrounding landscaped gardens, where peacocks still roam, provide a tranquil backdrop to this monument of royal luxury.

Nearby cities

Bukhara

Historical city on the Silk Road with countless mosques and madrasas.

Tudakul Lake

A massive saltwater reservoir in the Kyzylkum Desert, known as a recreational area for water sports, fishing, and luxury resorts.

Saýat

A city southeast of Türkmenabat characterized by cotton cultivation.

History & landmarks

Gijduvan

The center of Uzbek ceramic art, famous for its unique pottery school and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah.

Magok-i-Attari

One of the oldest surviving mosques in Bukhara, situated below ground level and showing pre-Islamic influences.

Bolo Hauz Mosque

An impressive mosque opposite the Ark Citadel, known for its porch with fine carved wooden pillars.

Nature

Lake Tudakul

An oasis lake in the desert near Bukhara, known for its rich birdlife and as a resort.

Zarafshan River

An important river that flows through Samarkand and Bukhara, acting as the lifeblood of these historic oasis cities.

More places

Chor Minor

A charming and unusual gatehouse in Bukhara, known for its four distinctive blue-tiled domes.

Lyab-i-Hauz

A picturesque square in Bukhara built around a historic pool (Hauz), surrounded by ancient madrasahs.

Po-i-Kalyan

An architectural complex in the center of Bukhara, famous for its impressive minaret that even Genghis Khan spared.

Ark of Bukhara

This massive fortress was the residence of the Emirs of Bukhara for centuries.

Samanid Mausoleum

An architectural jewel in Bukhara, considered one of the oldest and most important buildings in Central Asian architecture.

Jeyran Ecocenter

A specialized nature reserve for the breeding and conservation of rare desert animals, particularly the goitered gazelle.

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.