Bukhara Population: 255,000 people. Bukhara is located in the middle of Kyzykum desert, 250 kms downstream the Zarafshan River. The main part of the modern city lies in the south of the historical center. After Samarkand bright mosaics, Bukhara may appear to be in a grey brown tone at first sight and may even slightly disappoint a visitor. However, hour after hour you find out and see such things that at the end you will question yourself: after all, which one is better - Samarkand or Bukhara? And it is your matter of taste to choose. Pick out the best you liked out of three museum cities. There are travelers who think that Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are equally beautiful and fantastic cities.

The name Bukhara originates from Sanskrit vihar - cloister, or from Persian buhar - source of knowledge. Anyhow Bukhara was known as a place of prayer and doctrine in the history. Bukhara was the capital of Samanids state during 9th -10th centuries. It was callled Bukhoroi Sharif (Sacred Bukhara). Comparable to Newton and Shakespeare from the West, scientist - philosophers such as Abu Ali Ibn Sino, poets Firdawsiy and Rudakiy - prominent figures in Islam, were born and raised here.