Poi Kalon (also spelled Po-i-Kalyan) is the ensemble of the Kalon Minaret, the Kalon Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. The three buildings frame a shared square and form Bukhara’s most recognisable skyline.

History and construction period

The Kalon Minaret was completed in 1127 under Arslan Khan and survived the destruction of 1220. The present Kalon Mosque was completed in 1515 under Ubaydullah Khan, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa was built in 1535.

Architectural features

The minaret is 45.6 metres high, and its shaft is decorated with bands of patterned brickwork. The mosque’s galleries are covered by 288 domes. The mosque and the madrasa face each other across the square, a layout known as “kosh”.

Location

In the historic centre, southeast of the Ark. Open in maps

Visiting

The ensemble includes an active religious site: dress modestly and respect prayer times. Check opening hours and visiting rules on site.

Explore more

Ark Citadel · Labi Hovuz Ensemble

Photos: AXP Photography (Pexels). Sources: UNESCO, Wikipedia.