Bukhara Caravanserai

Bukhara Caravanserai

The Bukhara Caravanserai is a typical single-storey medieval caravanserai. It was built at the end of the 15th century along the trade route that entered the city through the Shamakhi Gate. Its area is 189 m². Although square in plan, the caravanserai’s courtyard has an octagonal shape. The comfortable octagonal courtyard served as a special open-air hall where merchants and travelers gathered after the daily trading activities. As in all typical caravanserais, there is a pool in the center of the courtyard. Along the entire perimeter of the octagonal courtyard, 18 cells (rooms) are arranged. Each cell has an arched veranda facing the inner courtyard, forming a continuous arcade. The robustly shaped and beautifully ornamented arches are an integral part of the caravanserai’s architectural and planning structure and constitute the main element of its architectural composition.