Chor Minor is a small building crowned by four blue-domed towers, unlike any other structure in Bukhara. Its name means “four minarets”.

History and construction period

It was built in 1807, during the Manghit dynasty, by the wealthy Bukharan Khalif Niyaz-kul. It served as the gatehouse of a madrasa that was later demolished. In 1995 one of the towers collapsed because of groundwater and was rebuilt with UNESCO support.

Architectural features

None of the four towers was intended for the call to prayer: three were used as storerooms and one holds a staircase to the upper floor. Each tower has its own decoration, and all are topped with blue-tiled domes. According to some interpretations, the ornament refers to four faiths known in Central Asia.

Location

On a narrow street in a residential neighbourhood northeast of the Labi Hovuz ensemble. Open in maps

Visiting

The building stands in a residential area, so please respect the quiet surroundings. Check opening hours and access on site.

Explore more

Labi Hovuz Ensemble · Samanid Mausoleum

Photos: Tim Broadbent, Dmitriy Efimov (Unsplash). Source: Wikipedia.